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VETERINARY 

MATERIA MEDICA 



AND 



THERAPEUTICS 



BY 

KENELM WINSLOW, B.A.S., M.D.V., M.D. (Harv.) 

FORMERLY INSTRUCTOR IN ZOOLOGY, BUSSEY (AGRICULTURAL) INSTITUTE AND ASSISTANT 
PROFESSOR OF THERAPEUTICS, VETERINARY SCHOOL (BOTH) OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY 

AUTHOR OF " PRODUCTION AND HANDLING OF CLEAN MILK," " THE PREVENTION 
AND TREATMENT OF THE DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS," ETC. 



SEVENTH EDITION 




New York 
WILLIAM E. JENKINS COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 

Sixth Avenue at 48th Street 






Copyright, 1901, 1905, by William R. Jenkins 
Copyright, 1907, 1908, 1913, by William R. Jenkins Company 

All Rights Reserved 



PRINTED BY THE 

Press of William R. Jenkins Company 
New York 



©Cl.Ab.50 9 9 



PREFACE TO SEVENTH EDITION 



Ik the seventh edition every line has been scanned in the course 
of the revision and the book has been entirely re-set. Errors have 
been corrected, useless matter has been eliminated, and much new 
material has been inserted. 

Recent additions to our knowledge of the physiological actions of 
ergot and digitalis have required the entire re-writing of the sections 
treating of the actions of these drugs while, for the same reason, the 
sections on the actions of adrenalin and quinine have been changed in 
part. The therapeutic matter throughout the whole book has been 
especially revised and amplified to keep abreast of therapeutic prog- 
ress, including the entire section on Epitome of Modern Treatment. 

We would call particular attention to the large additions which 
have been made to the therapeutic sections under Iodine, Bismuth, 
Magnesium Sulphate, Lysol, Phenol, Cocaine, Sodium Chloride, 
Arsenic, Camphor, Antiseptics, Practical Disinfection, Bacterial Fil- 
trates and Vaccine Therapy. 

Among medicinal agents included for the first time in this book 
are:— Glycerophosphates, Picric Acid, Sodium, Cacodylate, Choretone, 
Cresol, Aspirin, Novocaine, Thiosinamine, Fibrolysin, Yohimbine and 
Phenolphthalein. 

A complete section on Poisons and Antidotes has been added for 
convenience in references. 



PREFACE TO THE SEVENTH EDITION 

Spinal Anesthesia has been considered in detail for the first time. 

The matter on "Properties," "Description," and in many cases 
"Derivation" of drugs, is according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
while the important preparations of both the U. S. and British Pharma- 
copoeias are included. 

Kenelm Winslow. 



PREFACE TO SIXTH EDITION 



In this edition the chief change consists in the entire revision 
and almost complete rewriting of that part of the text treating of 
Physiological Action of Drugs. This is required by the many 
elaborate investigations of the newer school of pharmacologists, of 
which Prof. Arthur R. Cushny is the foremost English exponent. 

Our conception of the action of many of the inorganic agents— 
of the salts especially— has undergone a radical transformation owing 
to the fact that we now know that the salts are usually for the most 
part dissociated into electric positive and negative elements (ions), 
in the weak solutions present in the tissues, and that they thus form 
chemical combinations to which their pharmacological action is due. 
The action of a salt, then, is commonly that of its ions, and not that 
of its molecules or atoms. 

Among the revolutionary results of recent pharmacological ex- 
periments, to which we would call special attention in this revision, 
are those pertaining to the action of alcohol, ether and chloroform. 
Furthermore, readers will note the many additions to and changes 
in the physiological sections omder iron, iodine, opium, caffeine, 
strychnine, pilocarpine, digitalis, veratrine, quinine and adrenalin. 
Also in the articles on Feeding and Counter-irritants. 

The wonderful experiments of Pawlow and others have upset 
the hitherto accepted teachings of the action of drugs on the digestive 



PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION 

organs and have wiped out the class of drugs known as cholagogues. 
Finally, many therapeutic additions (see p. 752 et seq.) have 
Leen made in the constant endeavor of author and publisher to keep 
the book up to date. 

Kenelm Winslow. 
August, 1908. 



PREFACE TO FIFTH EDITION 



In accordance with the hitherto expressed desire of the author 
and publisher to keep this work at its highest point of efficiency, it 
has seemed necessary to again present a new and revised edition— 
the fourth edition of 1906 being exhausted. 

In the present revision the most notable feature is the substitution 
■of a section on Condensed Treatment of Diseases of the Domestic 
Animals for the Index of Diseases and Remedial Measures, at the end 
of the book. In the preparation of this matter, very considerable time 
and pains have been taken to render this section a reflection and 
epitome of all that is most modern and progressive in veterinary 
therapeutics. 

Special indications for treatment, including drugs and thera- 
peutic agents other than drugs, in the different phases and stages of 
all the important diseases of the domestic animals, are to be found. 
These diseases embrace not only medical and surgical disorders, but 
those of the eye, skin and ear. If the attempt has been in any degree 
.successful, this new edition to the book should prove one of its most 
valuable features both to practitioners and students. 

Moreover, many changes have been made in the text in consonance 
with recent advances in our knowledge of the action of drugs. 

Kenelm Winslow. 



PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION 



In the preparation of the fourth edition of this work, very con- 
siderable revision was made necessary on account of the many changes 
made in the eighth decennial revision of the United States Pharma- 
copoeia of September, 1905. 

To what an extent revision was required will be realized when it 
is known that there have been 123 additions, 106 changes in the 
strength of preparations, and 139 changes in the official title of drugs 
in the new Pharmacopoeia. 

Thus the doses of many preparations have suffered the most 
radical change; e.g., the dose of tincture of aconite is three times 
what it formerly was, and that of the tincture of strophanthus is but 
half the former dose. Some of the most familiar of our old friends 
are scarcely recognizable by their new names, e. g., Acetphenetidum 
(phenacetin), Arseni Trioxidum (acidum arsenosum), Phenol (aci- 
dum carbolicum), Spiritus Glycerylis Nitratis (Spiritus Glonoini), 
etc. All Extracta Fluida have been changed. Thus no longer we 
write Extracti Nucis Vomicae Fluidi, but Fluidextracti Nucis 
Vomica?. The. official names of many salts are altered : 
hyclrochlorate into hydrochloride; hydrobromate into hydro- 
bromide; and valerianate into valerate; with corresponding changes 
in the Latin terminations. While some of the changes in the new 
Pharmacopoeia do not affect veterinarians, yet professional prudence 
and pride demand that the veterinary practitioner conform to many 
of them to avoid mistakes in dosage and nomenclature. 



PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION 

In revising the General Index it was decided to make it a pro- 
nouncing vocabulary. That a professional knowledge of the proper 
pronunciation of drugs and terms of pharmacology is deplorably 
absent will be appreciated the moment attention is directed to the 
matter. So many teachers disregard the subject, it follows that every 
practitioner has a pronunciation of his own — each equally incorrect. 

Notwithstanding the short time which has elapsed since the last 
edition of this book, a number of additions have been made to keep it 
abreast of the times. Since the work has become the recognized 
authority in Veterinary Materia Medica and Therapeutics, and is the 
standard text-book on the subject in the veterinary colleges of the 
United States, the author and publisher feel it their duty to constantly 
revise its pages in order to hold the book up to that standard which it 
has hitherto attained. 

Kenelm Winslow. 



PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION 



The writer wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to the works 
of Brunton, Wood, Hare, Edes, Ringer, Bartholow, White and Mann, 
in human medicine ; and to those of the following veterinary writers : 
Finlay Dun, Friedberger and Frohner, Ellenberger, Koch, Cagny,, 
Miiller ; and to the leading veterinary periodicals. 

The matter on "properties," "description," and, in many cases, 
"derivation," is according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, while the im- 
portant preparations of both the U. S. and British Pharmacopoeias 
are included. The classification and arrangement of drugs employed 
in this book are modifications of those adopted by W. Hale White in 
his excellent treatise on Materia Meclica, Pharmacology and Thera- 
peutics. 

Kenelm Winslow. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Preliminary Considerations 1 

Definitions 1 

Mode of Action of Drugs 2 

Absorption of Drugs 3 

Elimination of Drugs 4 

Circumstances Modifying the Action of Drugs 6 

Mode of Administration 6 

Dosage 9 

Anatomy and Physiology 10 

Time of Administration 12 

Habit 13 

Disease 13 

Idiosyncrasy 13 

General Actions of Drugs 14 

Drugs Acting on the Digestive Organs 14 

" " " Circulation 28 

" " " Nervous System 33 

" " " Respiratory Organs 41 

" " " Urinary Organs 47 

" " " Sexual Organs 51 

" Influencing Metabolism 54 

Bodily Heat 54 

" Acting on the Skin 56 

64 
Pharmacy 

75 
Incompatibility 

78 
Prescription Writing 

Classification 

113 
Tnorganic Agents 

321 
Vegetable Drugs 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Dose Table 589 

Poisons and Antidotes 606 

General Therapeutic Measures 612 

Food and Feeding 612 

Counter-irritants 626 

Cold and Heat . . ... 632 

Disinfectants, Antiseptics and Deodorants 643 

Venesection 653 

Transfusion 654 

Intravenous Saline Infusions 655 

Hypodermoclysis 657 

Enteroclysis 657 

Kunsel's Treatment for Milk Fever in Cows 659 

Lavage . . , 661 

Serum Therapy 663 

Toxins 669 

Vaccines 677 

General Vaccine Therapy 679 

Epitome of Modern Treatment or Diseases of the Domestic Animals 686 

General Index 757 



PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS. 



Definitions. 



Pharmacology is derived from the Greek, Pharmdkos, a drug, 
arid is the sum of all exact knowledge pertaining to drugs, and there- 
fore embraces Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Pharmacy. 

Materia Medica, derived from two Latin words signifying 
medical materials, treats of the derivation, natural history, physical 
and chemical properties, physiological actions, doses, and teste of 
purity of drugs. A special term sometimes used to describe the 
physical and chemical properties of drugs is Pharmacognosy , while 
Pharmacodynamics refers to the action of drugs on healthy animals. 

Therapeutics, derived from the Greek, Therapevo, meaning to 
serve or attend the sick, is that branch of knowledge which treats of 
the application of all means— medicinal or otherwise — to the cure of 
disease or relief of pain. The term has been further subdivided as 
follows : Rational Therapeutics, which treats of the application of 
drugs as founded on their physiological actions ; Empirical Thera- 
peutics; the use of drugs as based on clinical evidence ; and General 
Therapeutics, the use of remedial agents other than drugs, e.g., 
Heat, Cold, Electricity, Food, etc. 

Pharmacy is the art of preparing, compounding, dispensing 
and preserving drugs. 

Toxicology, derived from the Greek Toxilcon, a poison, is that 
branch of knowledge which treats of the nature, actions, detection 
and treatment of poisons. 

A medicine is an agent of animal, vegetable or mineral origin 
used for the cure of disease or relief of pain. The word cure, signi- 
fies literally to care for, from the Latin Curo, and did not in its 
original sense mean to restore to health, although that is its present 
interpretation. 

A drug, derived from the Dutch, Droog, meaning dry, is now 
used synonymously with medicine, although originally referring to 
an herb or dried medicinal plant. 

1 



PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS 



Mode of Action of Drugs. 

Drugs act locally when they influence a part with which they 
come in contact, and also when they affect one organ or apparatus 
after absorption. The first meaning is the usual one. 

Drugs act generally when they impress the body as a whole 
after absorption. Drugs applied to the unbroken skin usually act 
locally because they are commonly unabsorbed ; also when drugs 
insoluble in the digestive tract (as charcoal and chalk), are given 
internally they act locally for the same reason. The local action of 
drugs after absorption is sometimes known as selective action, i.e., 
the power that most drugs possess to influence one organ or appa- 
ratus rather than the whole system. Oftentimes this local action, in 
the case of secreting glands, is accomplished through stimulation of 
these parts during elimination of the drug. Occasionally a medicine 
acts both on the part with which it comes in contact and also through 
the circulation; e.g., tartar emetic causes emesis by local stimulation 
of the stomach and by stimulation of the vomiting centre after ab- 
sorption. Furthermore, remedies are said to exert a primary (or 
immediate) and secondary (or remote) action. 

The secondary effect is the result of the primary action; e.g., 
a saline cathartic primarily removes serous fluid from the bowels 
and secondarily or remotely leads to absorption of serous exudations ; 
a counter-irritant primarily produces irritation of the skin and sen- 
sory nerve-endings, but secondarily relieves internal congestion by 
inducing reflex contraction of the subjacent blood vessels. Most 
drugs are absorbed into the blood after their ingestion and exert 
their action on various parts of the body through the medium of. the 
nervous system. Some drugs, however, may directly influence 
muscular tissue, as is seen in the supposed action of digitalis on the 
nerve-free heart's apex ; while others may immediately act on the 
cells of an organ, as pilocarpine on the sweat glands. As in the lat- 
ter instance, it is usually impossible to determine whether medicines 
affect the cells of an organ or nerve-endings in the organ. The action 
of most vegetable drugs is thought to arise from the chemical affinity 
of their active principles for the part or parts acted upon. 

Thus the selective action of strychnine depends upon its form- 
ing a chemical compound with the protoplasm of the cells of the 
spinal cord. The affinity of certain cells of the tissues and micro- 
organisms for specific substances is shown in the staining of the 
nervous system* alone by intravenous injection of methylene blue. Tt 
is 3 in fact, the basis of all bacteriological stains, of Erlich's theory 



ABSORPTION OF DRUGS 6 

of immunity and of his wonderful discovery of specifics for nagana, 
syphilis and relapsing fever. 

All substances are divided into electrolytes and non-electrolytes. 

Electrolytes are capable of decomposition into ions. The action 
of electrolytes, when used as medicines, is that of their ions. 

In case the ions of inorganic salts are inactive their medicifed 
effect may be due wholly to what is technically termed "salt action." 
Salt action is dependent on osmosis. Any non-toxic salt (crystal- 
loid) in the blood increases its concentration and leads to a flow of 
water into it from the surrounding tissues, increases its mass and 
thus acts as a diuretic. The action of most salts, acids, and bases 
depends on their being in great part dissociated in the weak solutions 
found in the tissues into electrically positive (kation) and negative 
(anion) ions. The action of a salt is then usually the action of its 
ions and not of its molecule. jSTeither does the action of an ion repre- 
sent the chemical action of the atom, as when KC1 is dissociated into 
a positive K ion and a negative CI ion. The action of the ion is a 
physical or electrical action. Sometimes one ion is inert, as the 
CI ion in IvCl. Sometimes one is inert and the other very toxic, as 
KCrT, where the positive or K ion is practically without action (see 
action of ions under special salts). In organic drugs the action of 
one ion is usually so powerful that the other may be neglected, as 
morphine sulphate. 

jSTo hypothesis can be formulated which will satisfactorily ac- 
count for the curative action of all medicines in all diseases and 
systems of medicine, as allopathy and homeopathy, founded on such 
hypotheses, are valueless. 



Absorption of Drugs. 

Drags are absorbed most rapidly in solution (especially in alco- 
hol) and when the circulation is active. Absorption from the diges- 
tive tract is poor when the circulation is depressed or in congested 
states ; also from the subcutaneous tissues in similar conditions, more 
particularly in edema of these parts. Absorption from the stomach 
and bowels of healthy animals is chiefly influenced by the quantity 
of food in them. When these organs are empty, absorption is rapid ; 
but when full, it is slow. For this reason absorption is markedly 
tardy and imperfect in ruminants. In these animals there is a com- 
paratively impervious skin-like mucous membrane and lack of vas- 
cularity in the first three gastric compartments ; while a large amount 
of food is always to be found in the first and third stomachs ; all of 



PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS 



which tends to delay absorption and lessen the action of medicines 
given by the mouth. 

If drugs are irritating, they should be given to animals on the 
"^ood, or after feeding, in order that they be sufficiently diluted. 



Elimination of Drugs. 



A drug is as much outside the body when within the digestive 
tube — so far as any action it may have on the body (unless an irri- 
tant) — as if it were on the skin. When absorbed, a medicine passes 
into the blood vessels or lymphatics and thence into the general cir- 
culation. That portion which enters the portal circulation reaches 
the liver and may be destroyed in part (some alkaloids) by this 
organ. After entering the blood the drug may form unknown com- 
binations with the tissues for which it has an affinity — thereby ex- 
erting its remedial effect — and is decomposed or rarely accumulates 
in the body, but usually is eliminated either unchanged or as decom- 
position-products in the breath, or by the excretions or secretions of 
the kidneys, bowels, liver, sudoriparous, salivary and mammary 
glands, and mucous membranes. The urine is the most frequent 
channel of elimination for soluble drugs. The bowels constitute the 
next more common pathway of elimination. Volatile drugs (chloro- 
form, ether) are eliminated very rapidly, usually, in the breath. If 
a drug is eliminated slowly the duration of its action is correspond- 
ingly long, and vice versa. This fact will guide us in the frequency 
of administration of medicines, since if a drug which is tardily elim- 
inated be given at frequent intervals it may be absorbed faster than 
it is excreted and so accumulate in the body and cause poisoning. 
The so-called Cumulative Action of a drug refers to the occurrence 
of a sudden and violent effect during its medicinal administration. 
This may be due (1) to delayed followed by rapid absorption; or 
(2) to slow — or sudden arrest of — elimination. The salts of the 
heavy metals, as lead, mercury, etc., and arsenical preparations are 
eliminated slowly. Digitalis and strychnine are said to be espe- 
cially prone to produce a cumulative action. Strychnine may, how- 
ever, be given subcutaneously in gradually increasing doses without 
the likelihood of poisoning. Digitalis may cause a cumulative effect 
in being slowly oxidized in the body or in leading to contraction of 
the renal vessels and suppression of urine-elimination. The drags 
likely to cause a cumulative action must be administered infre- 
quently, once, twice, or thrice daily; whereas medicines which are 



ELIMINATION OF DEUGS 5 

rapidly decomposed and eliminated (alcohol, nitrites, etc.) may be 
given at very frequent intervals if desirable. The term excretion 
is often used synonymously with elimination, but, strictly speaking, 
a drug is not eliminated unless it has been first absorbed. On the 
other hand, an insoluble drug passing unabsorbed through the ali- 
mentary canal is said properly to be excreted in the feces. 



CIRCUMSTANCES MODIFYING THE ACTION 
OF DRUGS. 



Mode of Administration. 

The following table gives the various methods of administering 
drugs in order of their rapidity of absorption, beginning with the 
method by which absorption is most rapid, and following with those 
by which absorption is less and finally least rapid : 

1. Intravenous, by injection into the veins. 

2. By inhalation (volatile drugs). 

3.. Subcutaneous, by injection into subcutaneous tissue. 

4. Intratracheal, by injection into the trachea. 

5. Oral, by the mouth. 

6. Rectal, by the rectum. 

7. Inunction, by the skin. 

S. Intramammary injections. 

1. Injection into the veins (usually into the jugular) is not so 
commonly practiced as the subcutaneous method, as there is a certain 
minute danger of inducing phlebitis, embolism and thrombosis. 
The danger is more theoretical than real, however, as we have fre- 
quently thrown from 5§ (150 cc.) to Q 1 ^ (200 cc.) of fluidextract 
of cannabis indica into the jugular, and even chloral hydrate, a most 
irritating and caustic drug, in the dose of 1,^ (30. cc.) dissolved in 8,5 
(240 cc.) of water, without producing any untoward symptoms. ISTo 
method of administration can secure more rapid absorption, since 
intravenous injection is absorption. This has constituted one of 
the theoretical objections to the method, that the sudden entrance of a 
drug might create shock. Injection into the jugular is useful when 
very rapid and effective action is imperative, as in causing im- 
mediate catharsis in colic and intestinal obstruction of horses. In 
such cases barium chloride and eserine sulphate are employed in- 
travenously. The jugular is occluded with the hand and the 
injection is made with the same care described below in reference 
to the subcutaneous method. The intravenous use of hot normal salt 





MODE OF ADMINISTKATION i 

solution is frequently valuable in hemorrhage, shock and poisoning 
(see p. 650). 

2. Volatile drugs are absorbed with great rapidity and effect 
owing to the enormous vascular surface of the lungs in contact with 
the inhaled vapor. Ether, chloroform, ammonia and amyl-nitrite 
are given by this method. Inhalation of medicated steam and sprays, 
used mainly for their local action on the respiratory tract, are also 
absorbed to some extent by the bronchial mucous membrane and 
lungs. This is a convenient and effective mode of applying local 
medication to horses in inflammatory troubles of the upper air 
passages, including the bronchial tubes, and in many cases may effect 
a cure without the use of internal remedies. 

3. Subcutaneous or hypodermatic injection is suitable for solu- 
ble, non-irritating drugs of small bulk, when a sure and rapid action 
is desired. The medicinal solution should be free from solid particles 
and microorganisms. If the solution is not clean, or is irritating, 
abscess may occur. The syringe and needle must also be absolutely 
clean. Solutions made by dropping tablets in pure drinking water 
will rarely cause abscess, and the syringe may be made aseptic by 
filling it with alcohol (70 per cent.) and wiping the needle with the 
same, previous to their employment. Solutions may be preserved for 
hypodermatic use with boric acid (1 per cent.), but soluble tablets are 
more convenient. 

In practising this method the hair should be removed from the 
seat of injection — preferably the thin skin underlaid by connective 
tissue behind the elbow or on the abdomen — and the part washed 
with water followed by alcohol ; then a loose fold of skin is picked 
up and held firmly between the thumb and forefinger of the left 
hand, while the needle is thrust under the skin, but not into a vein. 
The syringe is slowly emptied and the needle withdrawn, keeping 
slight pressure over the point of injection with the thumb for a 
few seconds. The use of irritating drugs — permissible in emergen- 
cies — as fluidextract of ergot, tincture of digitalis, ether and ammo- 
nia, is less apt to be followed by abscess if injected deeply into the 
muscular substance, but this method causes more pain than ordinary 
injections. To avoid getting air in the veins, all the air is removed 
from the syringe before using, by holding it, needle upwards, and 
pushing in the plunger till a few drops of the solution are forced out 
of the needle. The danger of introducing air into the blood stream is 
greatly exaggerated, however, as the writer has proved by forcing 
vast quantities of air into the jugular vein of a horse without pro- 
ducing any untoward symptoms. The proper quantity of a solution 
for subcutaneous use is 5-30 minims for dogs ; 1-2 drachms for horses, 
although large amounts of salt solution may be injected into the sub- 



8 CIRCUMSTANCES MODIFYING THE ACTION OF DRUGS 

cutaneous tissue or muscles (hypodermoclysis) with great benefit in 
hemorrhage, etc. (Seep. 650.) 

The minimum doses of drugs should be employed by the sub- 
cutaneous method. 



INDICATIONS FOR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION. 

(a) To secure a rapid action, as in relieving intense pain or motor 
excitement; and to support a failing heart, respiration and vascular tone 
in severe operations, anesthesia, or other poisoning. 

(b) When administration of drugs by the mouth is inadvisable or im- 
possible, as in unconsciousness, dysphagia, convulsions or vomiting. 

(c) When a local as well as general action is beneficial, e.g., the use of 
strychnine in roaring and other local paralyses; atropine in local muscular 
spasms; veratrine in muscular rheumatism; intraneural injections of alcohol 
for neuralgia. 

4. Intratracheal injection is a strictly veterinary procedure. 
The skin is incised aseptically with a sharp scalpel midway in the 
neck, and a stout needle (attached to a syringe) is thrust between 
the rings into the trachea. Larger quantities [H., § i.-ii. (30.- 
60.)] and more irritating drugs are given in this way than by the 
subcutaneous method, and absorption is about as rapid; the dose 
is the same. There is undoubtedly danger, however, in giving irri- 
tant drugs by this method, especially chloral, and several cases of 
foreign-body pneumonia have come unde:* our notice as the result 
of this mode of administration. It is the best method of benumbing 
or killing the parasites (S. filaria and micrurus) infesting the 
trachea and bronchi, and has been employed to influence the mucous 
membrane of the larynx and trachea in certain inflammatory condi- 
tions. 

5. Drugs are usually given by the mouth and are absorbed from 
the stomach and intestines. Many non-irritating and not unpleas- 
ant drugs are taken voluntarily in the food, gruel, milk or drinking 
water by animals. Cats and dogs will often swallow medicine en- 
closed in a piece of meat. Absorption is more tardy than by the sub- 
cutaneous method, more rapid when given in solution into an empty 
stomach ; slower when administered in powder, pill or ball, and on a 
full stomach. Some drugs are probably absorbed from the stomach, 
only to be destroyed or stored in the liver (alkaloids and heavy 
metals), and do not enter the general circulation at all. 

When drugs are administered for their local action on the 
stomach, in catarrh or ulcer, they should be given an half hour to an 



DOSAGE 9 

hour before feeding ; if given for their action in or on the intestines, 
they should be administered two or three hours after meals. 

6. Rectal injections of medicines (enemata or clysters) are 
practised when the use of drugs by the mouth is inadvisable or 
impossible, as in unconsciousness, dysphagia, convulsions; also to 
destroy parasites (oxyurides) in the rectum, to influence an in- 
flamed or ulcerated rectal mucous membrane, and to remove intes- 
tinal contents (oil and glycerin). 

The dose of drugs by this method is generally twice that by 
the mouth, and absorption is slower and more imperfect. The drug 
should be non-irritating, soluble, and not too bulky, since a small 
amount is necessary (5i.-§i. dogs; §ii.-§viii. horses); to avoid 
tenesmus and expulsion. Warm starch solution (made by boiling) 
or linseed tea with a little laudanum is a good vehicle for medic- 
inal enemata, and retention of enemata is facilitated by pressure 
on the anus with a towel for some minutes after the injection is 
given. 

Solids are sometimes employed by rectum in suppositories. 
For general use of enemata see p. 26. 

7. Drugs are absorbed very slightly by the shin, and then only 
when rubbed very vigorously into the epidermis (inunction) with 
lanolin, fat or oil of some kind. Mercury, silver and iodine are 
most commonly employed for absorption, but drugs are usually ap- 
plied externally for their local action only and not to influence the 
general system through the blood. 

Intramammary Injections. — These are useful in acute paren- 
chymatous mastitis. The injection is done with a Davidson syringe 
connected with a sterile milking tube. From one quarter to one pint 
is injected slowly into each teat and allowed to remain fifteen 
minutes and slowly withdrawn. The treatment is given twice daily 
in contagious mastitis and but once in the simple form. 

Saturated boric acid solution is most often used, or 1/10 to 1/2 
per cent, solution of sodium fluoride. 



Dosage. 

The study of dosage is known as Posology. The action of 
drugs is altered both in degree and in kind by the dose. Thus, in- 
creasing the dose would naturally lead to an increase in the intensity 
of a drug's action, but it frequently changes the entire character of 
the action as well. 

Drugs, as strychnine, acting especially on the nervous system, 
often excite in therapeutic doses, but depress and paralyze in toxic 



10 CIRCUMSTANCES MODIFYING THE ACTION OF DRUGS 

closes. Drugs, as digitalis, stimulating the heart in medicinal doses, 
usually depress and paralyze the organ in poisonous closes. Many 
drugs promoting urinary secretion, in ordinary closes, cause inflam- 
mation and urinary depression in large doses. The best way to 
determine the close of a drug is to estimate the amount required for 
each pound of live weight. This only applies to the same species 
and to animals of ordinary build. Fat is a comparatively inert tissue 
as far as the action of drugs is concerned, so that a very fat horse, 
weighing, for example, 1,200 pounds, would be affected in a more 
pronounced manner by a close of medicine than would a lean horse 
of the same weight and taking the same dose. In the case of young 
animals, and of those either above or under the ordinary size of the 
adult of any species, the dose should be proportioned — according to 
weight — to the average close for the adult animal of that species. 
Thus, if the average weight of a horse is 1,000 pounds, the dose 
of any drug for a colt weighing 500 pounds would be half the usual 
close for adult horses. In a general way the dose for all animals 
from birth to a few weeks old, is one-twentieth of that suitable for 
the mature animal of the same species ; for yearlings, about one-third 
of the adult close. The close recommended for dogs is commonly 
the same as that given to man, but this rule does not apply in the 
case of some powerful drugs (strychnine), where the dose should be 
adjusted to the weight, i.e., so much per pound, live weight. 

It is impossible to calculate the dose for all domestic animals 
as based on that for animals of one species, because the differences 
in anatomy and physiology modify the actions of drugs in degree 
and kind, but the dose for sheep is about one-fourth of that for the 
larger ruminants. 

The repetition of a dose is determined to a considerable extent 
by the duration and rapidity of a drug's action. Agents used for 
their immediate effect, as those relieving pain and stimulating the 
circulation and respiration, are repeated frequently till the desired 
effect is attained. Medicines improving the condition of the diges- 
tion, blood and nutrition, as tonics of various kinds, require time for 
the accomplishment of their mission, and are usually given two or 
three times daily for a period of some weeks. 



Anatomy and Physiology. 

Certain differences in the action of medicines may be observed 
as occurring in the various species of animals, and in animals as 
contrasted in this respect with man. 



ANATOMY AND PHYSiOi.OGi 11 



ACTION OF DRUGS ON ANIMALS AS COMPARED WITH THAT ON MAN. 



From a comparative standpoint the action of drugs on the 
nervous system of animals differs from that on man. This follows 
according to the "law of dissolution," which teaches that the more 
highly developed a part of the nervous system is in the evolutionary 
scale, the more sensitive is it to the influence of drugs. Since the 
cerebrum of man is relatively larger and more highly developed, in 
proportion to his weight, than is the case in animals, and since the 
spinal cord is larger and more highly developed in proportion to 
the brain in animals, it happens that drugs impressing the nervous 
system exert less effect on the brain, and more on the spinal cord, 
of animals than in man. 

Thus opium is more powerful in its influence on the brain of 
man, and strychnine is more potent in its action on the spinal cord 
of animals. Drugs are not absorbed so rapidly or perfectly in the 
enormous digestive apparatus of ruminants as in man ; neither do 
emetics act in these animals, nor in horses ; while in none of the lower 
animals are agents causing sweating so efficient as in man. 



ACTION OF DRUGS ON HORSES AS COMPARED WITH THAT ON OTHER 

ANIMALS. 

Differences exist relative to the action of drugs on the horse, 
as compared with other animals, chiefly in respect to the digestive 
apparatus. Emetics do not act on the horse, as this animal does 
not vomit unless the stomach is greatly distended with, gas, which 
causes dilatation of the cardiac outlet. Moreover, the stomach is 
too small to be successfully compressed by the abdominal walls, and 
the great length of the esophagus between the stomach and dia- 
phragm, together with the horseshoe-like band of fibres at its car- 
diac extremity, prevent the regurgitation of food. The intestines 
of the horse, on the other hand, are as voluminous as the stomach is 
small, and therefore are powerfully influenced by irritants (as purga- 
tives), although the action of cathartics is slow. The bowels of 
horses excrete vastly more of the fluid ingested than is the case in 
man or dogs — whose kidneys chiefly assume this function — and the 
kidneys are said to eliminate about 15 per cent, of the fluid ingesta 
in horses, as against 50 per cent, in man and dogs. 



12 CIRCUMSTANCES MODIFYING THE ACTION OF DRUGS 



ACTION OF DRUGS ON RUMINANTS AS COMPARED WITH THAT ON 

OTHER ANIMALS. 

The capacious four-fold stomach of ruminants always contains 
large amounts of food in the rumen and abomasum, while the im- 
pervious, poorly vascular and skin-like gastric mucous membrane 
renders absorption feeble and imperfect and enforces a compara- 
tively larger dosage than is proper for horses of greater weight. 
Ruminants are also generally insusceptible to emetics. The skin 
and kidneys of ruminants are still less active than is the case in 
horses. 



ACTION OF DEUGS ON DOGS AND PIGS AS COMPARED WITH THAT ON 

OTHER ANIMAES. 

The action of medicine on clogs and pigs is similar in kind to 
that observed in man, but the former animals are less sensitive to 
drugs as a rule, since the dose suitable for a man weighing 150 
pounds is appropriate for a dog of 40 pounds weight. As exceptions 
to this rule, we find that dogs will not bear the human dose of calo- 
mel, oil of turpentine, or strychnine. In fact, the ordinary tonic 
dose of strychnine (gr. 1/30) for man will throw a medium sized 
dog into convulsions, and may kill a small animal, notwithstanding 
that this amount is recommended as a suitable canine dose in veter- 
inary text books. 

Contrariwise, the dog is comparatively insensitive to many 
drugs powerfully influencing man, — notably morphine, aloes, colo- 
cynth and rhubarb. Most cathartics act more quickly on dogs than 
is the case with the other domestic animals, but saline purgatives 
are less appropriate in often causing vomiting, and because of their 
bulk. 



Time of Administration. 

This matter has been alluded to in speaking of the absorption 
of drugs. Medicines readily undergoing decomposition in the pres- 
ence of other substances, as iodine and hydriodic acid, should be 
given on an emptv stomach ; and likewise all drugs, when a speedy 
action is desired. Irritants should be administered on a full stomach. 



TIME OF ADMINISTKATIOlSr 13 

Habit. — This circumstance does not have the same importance 
in veterinary medicine which it possesses in human practice, since 
we control drug habits in animals. Animals usually become less 
susceptible to the action of drugs on their repetition, e.g., opium 
and cathartics. This rule does not hold in the case of drugs having 
a cumulative action, nor in the repeated use of irritants on the skin, 
for then their action is strongly intensified. 

Disease. — The action of drugs is profoundly influenced by 
disease. It is only possible to enumerate a few examples. Pain is 
almost an antidote to opium, and large repeated doses of the drug, 
previously innocuous, may, on the sudden cessation of pain, induce 
poisoning. Opium is also borne in enormous doses in peritonitis. 
Inflammation and congestion of the digestive organs hinders the ab- 
sorption of all medicines. A congested condition of the alimentary 
canal, and even of the respiratory tract in horses, contra-indicate the 
use of strong purgatives in these animals, since superpurgation may 
occur. A high temperature alters the action of many drugs. 

Opium is not so efficient as an analgesic in fevers, Avhile anti- 
pyretics will not lower the temperature in health. Stimulants are 
not nearly so potent in depressed bodily conditions, and counter-irri- 
tants will not produce their characteristic actions on the skin when 
the circulatory functions are at a low ebb. 

Idiosyncrasy. — Individual susceptibility to drugs is infrequent, 
but unfortunately cannot be anticipated. The writer has seen 
simple zinc oxide (free from adulteration or impurities) cause a 
frenzy of irritation when rubbed on a dog's skin, and a small dose 
of tartar emetic cause violent vomiting in a cow. Some animals are 
very susceptible to counter-irritants. Well-bred animals are com- 
monly more responsive to drugs than others. 



GENERAL ACTIONS OF DRUGS. 



Drugs Acting on the Digestive Organs. 

Sialagogues are agents increasing the secretion of saliva. An- 
tisialagogues are agents diminishing salivary secretion. Among the 
sources of saliva — the parotid, sublingual and submaxillary glands 
— the latter have received most study. The chorda tympani, with 
its centre in the medulla, is one of the two nerves supplying the 
submaxillary gland. It contains two sets of fibres, the secretory 
and vasodilator. Hence stimulation of this nerve, or its centre, 
whether immediately or reflexly, leads, by means of its vasodilator 
fibres, to dilatation of the blood vessels and enhanced vascularity of 
the gland, and so indirectly to greater secretion; while, through ex- 
citation of the secretory fibres, the protoplasm of the glandular cells 
is influenced and secretion directly increased. 

Reflexly the gland is stimulated by drugs exciting the periph- 
eral terminations of the gustatory (lingual branch of the fifth 
nerve) and glossopharyngeal nerves in the mouth ; the vagus endings 
in the stomach ; by agencies sending pleasurable impressions to the 
brain through the medium of the eyes or nose; or by stimulation of 
other sensory nerves. The submaxillary gland is also supplied by a 
branch of the cervical sympathetic accompanying the submaxillary 
arteries. Stimulation of this nerve, or its centre, causes vascular 
constriction in the gland and inhibition of secretion. 

Sialagogues are often classed under three heads. 1st, Specific 
sialagogues, acting directly on the mechanism concerned with secre- 
tion, i.e., the gland cells, or nervous apparatus. Pilocarpine is the 
best example of the specific class. It stimulates the gland cell or 
peripheral nerve endings. 2nd, Be flex sialagogues ; exciting sen- 
sory nerve terminations and indirectly or reflexly stimulating the 
nervous mechanism controlling secretion. As examples of this class 
may be mentioned alkalies, acids, emetics, and other agents stimu- 
lating the mucous membrane of the mouth and stomach. 3rd, 
Mixed sialagogues, acting both specifically and reflexly. Physo- 

14 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 



15 



stigmine, nicotine or tobacco and mercury preparations may be in- 
cluded in this category. 

Antisialagogues. — These drugs may act in various ways to 
lessen salivary secretion, but atropine is most notable in this regard. 
It acts by depressing the peripheral endings of the secretory nerves. 

Uses. — Sialagogues are not of much therapeutic value. Some 
are added to the drinking water given to animals suffering from 
fever, to relieve dryness of the mouth and thirst. They are then 
called refrigerants; as, for example, potassium nitrate, diluted phos- 
phoric and other acids. The sialagogues are sometimes employed to 
stimulate the mucous membrane of the pharynx in sore throat and 
relaxed conditions; as, for example, potassium chlorate in electuary 
for horses. 

Excessive salivation produced by mercury salts or pilocarpine 
is relieved by an antisialagogue, i. e., atropine. 

Stomachics are drugs which, in therapeutic closes, mildly stimu- 
late the mucous membrane of the mouth and stomach, thereby in- 
creasing the secretions and vascularity of these parts, the appetite, 
and, in a less degree, gastric peristalsis. These agents also influence 
the intestines, but this effect will be considered under carminatives. 

Stomachics may be divided into bitters, aromatics (drugs con- 
taining a volatile oil and often very pungent), and aromatic bitters 
(drugs containing a volatile oil and a bitter principle). While both 
the bitters and aromatics enhance the appetite, the action of the 
latter is more powerful and fleeting. Very large doses of stomachics 
are distinctly irritating, and cause anorexia, nausea, and vomiting 
in animals capable of the act. 









STOMACHICS. 






BITTERS 


AROMATICS 


Gentian 






Coriander 




Calumba 






Capsicum 




Quassia 






Pepper 




Hydrastis 






Ginger 


Peppermint 


Taraxacum 






Cardamon 
Fennel 


..Alcohol 
Ether 


AROMATIC 


BITTERS 


Fenugreek 


Chloroform 


Cascarilla 






Anise 


Alkalies (see Antacids) 


Chamomile 






Calamus 




Serpentaria 






Mustard 
Spearmint 





Uses. — Stomachics — particularly bitters — are serviceable in 
improving the appetite and gastric digestion in atonic indigestion, 



16 GEJSTEKAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

and in enfeebled states of the digestive organs occurring in the 
course of chronic diseases or during convalescence from acute dis- 
orders. The aromatics are more frequently employed for their ac- 
tion on the intestines, when they are called carminatives. Bitters 
are contra-indicated in irritable or inflamed conditions of the ali- 
mentary tract. 

Antacids are drugs which are used to counteract acidity in the 
stomach and bowels resulting from indigestion and fermentation, or 
from excessive secretion of gastric juice. Some (not ammonia com- 
pounds) are also occasionally employed to alkalize the blood and 
urine. 

Pawlow's experiments, substantiated by many others, show that 
alkalies inhibit not only the secretion of acid gastric juice, but also 
all the other digestive secretions, i.e., the secretions of the intestines, 
liver (bile), and pancreas (pancreatic juice). Antacids (as sodium 
bicarbonate and magnesia) are, however, indicated in gastric hyper- 
secretion and hyperchlorhydria. 

If administered several hours after eating, antacids counteract 
acidity due to fermentation and relieve pain caused by this condi- 
tion. Since fermentation is frequently the cause of tympanites, the 
antacids are conjoined to advantage with carminatives (sodium bi- 
carbonate and ginger). The alkaline carbonates allay pain by means 
of the carbonic dioxide set free in their decomposition in the diges- 
tive tract, and the antacids are also beneficial in dissolving an ex- 
cessive secretion of mucus in catarrhal conditions of the alimen- 
tary canal. 

The antacids are synonymous with alkalies, with the exception 
of the neutral vegetable salts — acetates, citrates and tartrates — of 
potassium and sodium, which are sometimes classed under this head. 
These do not alkalize the contents of the stomach, but nevertheless 
are broken up in the body and transformed into carbonates and thus 
render the urine more alkaline during their elimination. Among 
those included in the following list the sodium compounds are much 
less active in alkalizing the urine than the potassium salts. Sodium 
bicarbonate is in most frequent use in digestive disorders, but am- 
monium carbonate is particularly appropriate in flatulence, because 
it possesses more power in stimulating peristaltic action and ex- 
pelling flatus. 

ANTACIDS. 

Sodium carbonate Ammonium carbonate 

Sodium bicarbonate Magnesia 

Potassium carbonate Magnesium carbonate 

Potassium bicarbonate Calcium carbonate (chalk) 



.DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 17 

Solution of potash Solution of lime (lime water) 

Ammonia 



Acids. — Contrary to accepted ideas, Pawlow's and Starling's 
experiments show that mineral acids directly stimulate the secre- 
tion of acid in the stomach, and, indirectly, the secretions of the 
intestines, liver and pancreas. The first part of gastric secretion 
is caused by vagal stimulation through reflex action produced by the 
desire, sight, and smell of food, and is further increased by the tak- 
ing of food. In the latter part of gastric digestion, the acid product 
of the first part of digestion acts on the mucosa to cause the forma- 
tion of a chemical body, or hormone (Greek, to excite), known as 
gastrin. This is absorbed into the blood and stimulates the activity 
of the secretory glands of the fundus of the stomach. In the in- 
testines, acid chyme likewise leads to the formation of another hor- 
mone, secretin, which likewise is absorbed and stimulates the secre- 
tion of the intestines, liver and pancreas. 

Carminatives include the same drugs which were mentioned 
as stomachics, namely, valerian, asafetida and the volatile oils ; 
but the term as generally employed refers to their effect in 
exciting peristaltic action, and so expelling gas from the stomach 
and bowels. The aromatics are considerably more valuable for this 
purpose than the bitters. Carminatives also prevent griping caused 
by many cathartics, aid digestion, and disguise the taste of dis- 
agreeable drugs. Capsicum and ginger are most frequently pre- 
scribed in veterinary practice. 

Digestives. — Pepsin is occasionally of benefit in the treatment 
of dogs and young animals in cases of enfeebled gastric digestion 
resulting from acute diseases or other general causes. It should be 
administered directly after eating, and is prescribed to advantage 
with hydrochloric acid. As a general proposition it is inadvisable 
to give agents which merely substitute an artificial for the natural 
digestion, except as a temporary expedient. A wiser course consists 
in removing the cause of indigestion by proper feeding or by en- 
forcing abstinence from food, and in the use of remedies calculated 
to strengthen the natural digestive functions. 

Pancreatin may be given during, or immediately after, eating, 
and will assist gastric digestion for some time before sufficient acid 
is secreted to destroy it. In fact, some authors (Hare) insist that 
this substance is more valuable in any case than pepsin in aiding 
stomach digestion, although pancreatin is more commonly given 
several hours after eating, to promote intestinal digestion. Papain 
is another agent Avhich is employed as an artificial digestive of vege- 
table orieln. Its value is not vet definitelv determined. 



18 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

Antiseptics. — These agents are sometimes used to prevent or 
arrest fermentation of food in the stomach and bowels. Since fer- 
mentation is primarily due to indigestion, it is essential to remove 
the cause by diet and other rational means rather than to combat the 
effects of indigestion. Large doses of antiseptics hinder the diges- 
tive processes and may endanger the life of the patient, so that it is 
impossible to attain perfect antisepsis in the alimentary canal. 

Among the drugs more commonly employed for their antiseptic 
action on the contents of the digestive tract may be mentioned : 

Carbolic acid Bismuth subcarbonate 

Creosote Bismuth salicylate 

Creolin Bismuth subgallate 

Naphtol Sodium sulphite, bisulphite 
Naphtalin and hyposulphite 

Bismuth subnitrate Hydrogen dioxide 

Emetics are drugs which cause vomiting. The act of vomiting 
proceeds from irritation of the vomiting centre in the medulla, which 
is in close proximity to the respiratory centre. This centre is either 
acted upon directly by drugs circulating in the blood, or reflexly by 
agents stimulating sensory nerves in various parts of the body. 
Thus, irritation of the sensory nerve-endings of the mouth, throat, 
gullet, lungs, heart, stomach, bowels, biliary passages, peritoneum, 
uterus and kidneys, may produce vomition. Vomiting is occasioned 
by simultaneous contraction of the abdominal walls and the dia- 
phragm. In this process the stomach is squeezed between the ab- 
dominal walls and diaphragm, and contraction of the longitudinal 
fibres, radiating from the lower end of the gullet, draws the stomach 
towards the diaphragm and so pulls open the cardiac orifice, while 
the pylorus is firmly contracted and closed. Some peculiarities 
may be noted in reference to vomition in the domestic animals. 
Dogs, pigs and cats vomit readily and may be placed in the same 
category as man in this respect. Horses rarely vomit and are not 
easily nauseated by emetics. Vomiting is prevented in these ani- 
mals bv: 1. The small size of the stomach, which is not readily com- 
pressed between the abdominal walls and diaphragm. 2. The length 
of the gullet between the stomach and diaphragm, which forms a. 
valve-like obstruction when the tube is shortened by contraction of 
the longitudinal fibres at its lower extremity in attempts at vomi- 
tion. 3. A horseshoe-like band of fibres at the cardiac orifice, which 
hinders dilatation of this opening. Ruminants are likewise com- 
paratively insusceptible to emetics because of the large size of their 
digestive apparatus, which is not easily compressed between the 



DRUGS ACTING ON" THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 19 

parietes and diaphragm. Therefore the vomiting centre remains 
probably in a state of non-development in the horse and ruminant, 
by reason of non-use. 

Cattle and horses do, however, occasionally vomit. Cattle at 
sea frequently suffer from mal de mer, and the writer has observed 
actual vomition in them following the use of tartar emetic. Horses 
may vomit when the stomach is greatly distended with gas. 

Emetics may be classified as: 1. Specific, acting on the vomit- 
ing centre through the blood. 2. Local, by stimulation of the sen- 
sory nerve-endings in the mouth, throat, gullet and stomach. 3. 
Mixed, those acting in both ways. 

It is impossible, in our present state of knowledge, to apply 
this classification accurately to individual drugs, but the following 
statements may be made_: If an emetic is injected into the carotid 
and vomiting instantly occurs, the drug has probably acted upon 
the vomiting centre ; if some time elapses before the occurrence of 
vomition, it is probable that the drug has acted upon the stomach 
during its elimination by that organ. Contrariwise, if, after the 
ingestion of an emetic, a considerable period intervenes before vom- 
iting comes on, it is probable that the agent has acted on the vomit- 
ing centre. 

Again, if a larger quantity of a drug is required when injected 
into the blood than when swallowed, to cause emesis, it is fair to sup- 
pose that the agent acts on the stomach directly or during its elimi- 
nation. Finally, if an emetic is thrown into the blood after the 
removal of the stomach and substitution of a bladder in its place, 
and vomiting does not occur (Majendie's experiment with tartar 
emetic), it shows that the agent only acts on the stomach; but if 
vomiting does occur, it indicates that the agent acts on the vomiting- 
centre and causes emesis by contraction of the parietes and dia- 
phragm, with this reservation, that the drug may have been elimi- 
nated by the esophagus and intestines and have reflexly stimulated 
the vomiting centre through the medium of these parts. These re- 
marks demonstrate the complexity of the subject. 





EMETICS. 




Specific 


Local 


Mixed 


Apomorphine 


Tepid water 


Tartar Emetic 


Senega 


Mustard 


Ipecac 


Squills 


Salt 


Copper Sulphate 




Alum 


Zinc Sulphate 



Ammonium Carbonate 



20 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

Apomorphine is the only emetic given under the skin. It also 
acts well by the mouth, but causes more nausea and allied effects 
than acting locally. 

Mustard and salt, 1 teaspoonful each, in a cup of lukewarm 
water, form a convenient emetic for dogs. Ipecac is useful in re- 
spiratory diseases as an expectorant as well as emetic, and zinc sul- 
phate is a prompt emetic in poisoning. The other emetics are prac- 
tically unimportant. 

Emetics cause, beside vomition, several other phenomena which 
are sometimes utilized therapeutically. Among these may be men- 
tioned nausea, salivation, violent respiratory efforts, compression 
of the abdominal glands and ducts and extrusion of their contents, 
passive congestion of the head, chest, and peripheral parts by reason 
of compression of the abdominal veins. Increased secretion of the 
mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, stomach, gullet and bronchial 
tubes follow passive congestion. Muscular relaxation always accom- 
panies nausea, and sweating ensues from relaxation of the skin and 
leaking out of the secretion. The flow of bile is increased on account 
of pressure on the liver and gall-bladder, while the secretion is also 
augmented. 

The pulse and respiration are more frequent during emesis, but 
are diminished in force and frequency afterwards. All these phe- 
nomena are more apparent after the use of specific emetics. 

Uses. — These apply particularly to dogs. 

1. To empty the stomach in case of poisoning, over-loading of 
the organ, and indigestion with convulsions in young animals: — 
Mustard, salt or zinc sulphate. 

2. To expel foreign bodies from the fauces and gullet (apo- 
morphine subcutaneously) ; or, by the forcible expiration attending 
vomition, to expel excessive secretion or exudation from the air 
passages in laryngitis or bronchitis: — Ipecac. 

3. To empty the gall-bladder in catarrhal jaundice and bilious- 
ness and to expel bile from the stomach. 

4. To lower blood pressure and increase secretion in the first 
stage of bronchitis: — Ipecac. 

5. To stop vomiting: — Ipecac in minute doses. 

C ontra-indi cations. — Pregnancy; hernia; inflammation of the 
stomach, brain or abdominal viscera; bleeding from the stomach, 
bowels or lungs ; aneurism and asthenia. 

Gastric sedatives and anti-emetics are agents used to relieve 
pain in the stomach and vomiting. These include: 

Ice Cocaine 

Hot water Cerium oxalate 



DRUGS ACTING ON" THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 



21 



Bismuth subcarbonate 

Bismuth subnitrate 

Carbon dioxide 

Hydrocyanic acid 

Morphine 

Menthol 

Carbolic acid 

Creosote 

Aconite 

Belladonna 

Hvoscyamus 



Lime water 

Minute doses of arsenic 

" " ipecac 

" " alcohol 

" " iodine 



Chloroform 
Chloral 
Bromides 
Nitrites 



silver nitrate 



Most of these agents act locally, but opium and morphine, 
chloral, the bromides, prussic acid and the nitrates act centrally. 



USES OF GASTRIC SEDATIVES AND ANTI-EMETICS IN CANINE PRACTICE. 

It must be recognized that vomiting is merely a symptom. It 
is, therefore, essential to remove the cause. This may sometimes be 
accomplished by starving, the use of an emetic, or tepid water. 
If vomiting is due to acute irritation of the stomach, as is 
frequently the case in dogs, ice and bismuth subnitrate (gr. x.-xx. ), 
with tincture of aconite (ni i.-ii.)> form suitable remedies. When 
vomiting arises from indigestion and fermentation, carbolic acid 
with bismuth often acts favorably. The vomiting following anes- 
thesia is probably of central origin. Here enemata of laudanum 
(ul x.-xxx.) and sodium bromide (gr. xx.-xxx.) are beneficial. Ipe- 
cac, iodine, silver nitrate and the like are useful in vomiting de- 
pendent upon an atonic or depressed state of the stomach. When 
vomiting is continuous, small quantities of milk and lime water, 
equal parts, or peptonized milk (5 ii.-iv.), or a drachm of cracked ice 
with a few drops of brandy, should be given at half-hour intervals. 
It may be rarely necessary to resort to rectal feeding. 

Purgatives or cathartics are agents which empty the bowels. 
They act: (1) By stimulating peristaltic action. (2) By increasing 
»the secretions (succus entericus) of the intestinal glands and, per- 
haps, transudation of fluid from the blood vessels in the walls of the 
intestines. (3) By hindering absorptions of secretions and fluids 
which normally occurs in the lower bowels. (4) By a combination 
.of two or more of these methods. Purgatives may be divided into: 

1. Laxatives. — These include such agents as: 



Olive oil 
Cottonseed oil 
Magnesia, 
Sulphur 



Nux vomica 
Castor oil 
Linseed oil 



small dose 



22 GENEEAL ACTION OF DEUGS 

These drugs slightly increase intestinal action, chiefly by stimu- 
lation of peristalsis. 

2. Simple Purgatives. — These stimulate secretion and peris- 
taltic action. Among them may be mentioned : 

Aloes Rhubarb 

Calomel Senna 

Linseed oil Cascara sagrada 

Castor oil Phenolphthalein 

Frangula 

3. Drastic Purgatives. — Drastics are essentially gastrointes- 
tinal irritants, and in large doses cause mucous and bloody diarrhea, 
congestion of the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal and 
severe colic. They may produce death in poisonous doses with col- 
lapse by reason of gastro-enteritis. Drastics greatly increase both 
peristaltic action and secretion, and are contra-indicated in irritable 
and inflamed conditions of the digestive tract. They are, however, 
indicated for their revulsant or derivative effect {i.e., to dilate 
the blood vessels in the alimentary canal and to cause an outpouring 
of serum from the blood, thus relieving congestion in other parts) 
in some acute inflammations, as in brain diseases. Their medicinal 
action is often attended with considerable and irregular peristaltic 
contractions, so that griping occurs. The latter is prevented by 
suitable combination with other purgatives; with hyoscyamus and 
belladonna; or with carminatives, as ginger. The drastics include: 

Croton oil Scanimony 

Colocynth Jalap 

Gamboge Elaterium 

4. Ilydragogue Purgatives. — Hydragogues are agents which 
chiefly increase the fluidity of the intestinal contents. They in- 
clude : 

(a) SALINE PURGATIVES 

Magnesium sulphate Sodium phosphate 

Sodium sulphate Potassium bitartrate 

(b) DRASTICS 
Jalap Scammony 

Elaterium 

The salines stimulate secretion by reason of their bitterness, 
and by their irritant and specific properties. They, moreover, hold 
on to the fluid thus secreted and hinder its absorption because of 



DRUGS ACTING ON" THE DIGESTIVE OEGAKS T6 

their slow diflusibility. Purgation follows, owing to the mechanical 
effect of the increased fluidity of the bowels, and since the aug- 
mented bulk of the intestinal contents excites peristaltic action. 
When it is desirable to remove fluid from the blood the salt should 
be given in concentrated solution, but when a speedy purgative 
action only is required the saline should be administered in consid- 
erable dilution. This happens because salines continue to cause an 
outpouring of fluid (succus entericus) into the intestines until a 
5 to 6 per cent, solution of the salt is reached. The nearer to this 
degree of dilution (5-6 per cent.), therefore, the dose is given, the 
more quickly will it purge. 

The drastics included in this class of purgatives have the power 
of markedly increasing intestinal secretion as well as peristaltic 
action. 

5. Cholagogue Purgatives. — Cholagogues are agents which as- 
sist in removing bile from the body. They are supposed to do this 
in two ways : 1. By directly stimulating the secretion of bile. These 
are called Direct Cholagogues, or Hepatic Stimulants. 2. By in- 
creasing peristalsis in the upper portion of the small intestines, and 
thus hastening the expulsion of bile from the bowels. These are 
called Indirect Cholagogues. Some cholagogues are not generally 
considered purgatives, but it is proper to classify all of them thus, 
since bile stimulates peristalsis. 

SUPPOSEDLY DIRECT CHOLAGOGUES. 

* Sodium Salicylate ""Sodium Phosphate 

*Podophyllum Ipecac i 

Aloes Euonymus 

Ehubarb *Nitro-hydrochloric Acid 
Colchicum Corrosive Sublimate 

Sodium Sulphate 



INDIRECT CHOLAGOGUES. 

Calomel 
Mercury 
Most purgatives in a less degree. 

The drugs marked with an asterisk have been found by clinical 
evidence most valuable. 

The bile occurring at any time within the bowels is in part 
absorbed and then re-secreted. This process may be repeated in- 
definitely, but is prevented by purgatives, especially those increas- 
ing peristalsis in the duodenum and upper part of the jejunum 



24 GENERAL action of drugs 

(calomel), because they hurry along and expel the bile in the gut 
before it has time to be absorbed. 

In this way calomel and purgatives are indirect cholagogues 
in removing bile from the body; not by stimulating its secretion, 
but by hastening its excretion from the bowels. The experiments of 
Rutherford and Vignal have hitherto been chiefly responsible for 
the scientific basis of our belief in cholagogues. Their results have 
been swept aside by the more recent and thorough researches of 
Stadelmann, on animals, and of Pfaff, on men, with biliary fistula?. 

These researches show that there is no agent which has any 
marked influence in increasing the secretion of bile, except bile 
itself. 

Salicylic acid and its compounds do, however, have a feeble 
cholagogue action. Moreover, there is no morbid condition in which 
increasing the flow of bile would prove remedial. T\ T e must regard 
the existence of cholagogue action then as exceedingly problematical 
at present. 

Clinically so-called cholagogues are, nevertheless, of great value 
— as much so as they were ever thought to be. This happens, not 
because they increase the flow of bile, but because they act as pur- 
gatives (calomel), or as intestinal antiseptics (calomel, salicylic 
acid), expelling or inhibiting the formation of toxins or in some 
way improving digestion (nitrohydrochloric acid). The conditions 
in which they act most favorably are indigestion and constipation, 
with or without icterus and clay colored stools. Such conditions 
were formerly thought to be due primarily to disordered liver or 
"biliousness," but the cases amenable to treatment really arise in the 
beginning from functional disorder of the stomach or intestines. 
The clinical value of so-called cholagogues is therefore not at all 
disturbed — only the theory accounting for their action. 



GENERAL USES OF PURGATIVES. 

1. To empty the boivels. — In this way are removed fecal ac- 
cumulations and poisonous matters resulting from bacterial infec- 
tion, and from fermentative and putrefactive changes in the intes- 
tinal contents in indigestion. Foreign bodies, bile, pathological dis- 
charges and intestinal parasites are also expelled. 

Peristaltic action is quickened in chronic constipation, while 
spasmodic and painful conditions (colic) are relieved by ridding; 
the bowels of the source of irritation causing the trouble. 

2. To remove fluid from the body. — This effect is more marked 
after the use of concentrated solutions of saline purgatives and other 



GENERAL USES OF PURGATIVES 25 

hydragogues. Concentration of the blood and resulting absorption 
of dropsies of renal and cardiac origin, or inflammatory effusions, 
may be accomplished by these agents. 

3. To revulse. — That is, to cause dilatation of the blood vessels 
in the intestinal walls and so withdraw blood from remotely con- 
gested areas, as in cerebritis. The drastics are appropriate for this 
service. Pain and nervous phenomena in other regions are some- 
times benefited by the counter-irritant action of drastic cathartics. 

4. To deplete. — Cathartics, particularly concentrated saline 
solutions, deplete the body both locally and generally by withdrawal 
of serum from the blood vessels. Purgatives tend to combat inflam- 
mation (antiphlogistic action) in this way by lowering blood tension 
while they also favor reduction of a febrile temperature by removal 
of toxins. Local depletion by salines is especially indicated in 
diarrhea and dysentery, and in the first stages of acute inflammation 
of the digestive tract. Plethora and obesity are often treated by a 
depletive method with cathartics. 

5. To eliminate. — Deleterious material in the blood resulting 
from renal insufficiency, and probably from infection in acute 
diseases, may be eliminated to a considerable extent by purgatives. 
So also* may the hemic sources of rheumatism, lymphangitis and 
hemoglobinemia be excreted. 

Contra-indications. — These refer rather to the special agent 
than to any disorder, for there is scarcely a condition in which some 
cathartic is not permissible. 

Drastics are inadmissible under the following circumstances: 
in catarrhal conditions of the respiratory and digestive tracts, in- 
testinal hemorrhage, collapse, anemia, hernia, prolapse of rectum, 
metritis, nephritis, pregnancy, general debility, and in wounds of 
and operations upon the pelvic or abdominal viscera. 

in well-defined enteritis and peritonitis cathartics are to be 
avoided. In mechanical obstruction of the intestines surgical inter- 
ference is indicated when practicable, but where this is impossible 
enemata and some purgatives may be employed. The intestines, 
developed to an extent disproportionate to the size of the stomach 
in the horse, are powerfully influenced by cathartics, so that in 
catarrh of the respiratory organs and influenza, metastasis, or change 
in the site of the inflammation, may occur, and the intestines, may 
become involved with the occurrence of excessive purging (super- 
purgation) after the ingestion of any but the mildest cathartics, as 
linseed oil. Aloes is the purgative given horses for ordinary pur- 
poses, while epsom and glauber salts are suitable for ruminants and 
pigs, and calomel and castor oil for dogs. Water assists the action 
of purgatives, and its ingestion should be encouraged by supplying 



26 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

a liberal quantity of common salt either with the purgative or on 
the food, and also by sweetening the drinking water with molasses 
in the case of cattle. If the action of cathartics is delayed, it is 
usually advisable to give enemata. 

Enemata, or Clysters. — These are fluid injections into the rec- 
tum and are used for the following purposes : 

1. To empty the lower bowels when purgatives are inadmissible, 
as in intestinal obstruction, ulceration and inflammation, fecal ac- 
cumulations, debilitated conditions, obstinate vomiting, unconscious- 
ness, and in inability to swallow (sore throat and tetanus). 

2. To relieve pain, spasm (of intestines and bladder), and 
shock, when deep, hot enemata (105°— 115° F.) are used. 

3. To save life. After severe hemorrhage, deep injections of 
hot normal salt solutions, 110 F.° (Enteroclysis, see p. 650.) 

4. To accelerate the action of purgatives, and as a preparation 
for abdominal and pelvic operations. 

5. To supply food. (See Artificial Feeding, p. 618.) 

6. For their local effect upon inflammation of the mucous 
membrane of the rectum and colon. Opium and boiled starch 
solution ; silver nitrate and tannic acid — in diarrhea, dysentery, 
colitis and proctitis. 

7. To kill intestinal parasites (oxyurides),- — solutions of quas- 
sia and common salt. 

S. To administer medicines in dysphagia due to pharyngitis, 
tetanus, unconsciousness (apoplexy, coma and convulsions) ; to ob- 
stinate vomiting and other causes. 

9. To reduce temperature, — cold enemata in fever. 

10. To produce diuresis, — deep injections (110° F.) for re- 
tention and absorption into the blood. 

11. To improve muscular tone and intestinal peristalsis in 
chronic constipation, — cold enemata (55°-60° F.). 

12. To overcome twist and intussusception. 

13. To stimulate peristalsis, relieve congestion, and increase the 
flow of bile in catarrhal jaundice, — cold, deep irrigations (55°— 60° 
F.) are here indicated. 

14. The stomach of dogs may be washed out by hanging them 
in an inverted position with the head down and allowing water (often 
several gallons) to flow into the rectum from a height of 6 feet until 
vomiting begins. The anus should be compressed by the fingers while 
giving the injection to prevent escape of the water. This treatment 
is valuable in food or chemical poisoning, or after ingestion of for- 
eign bodies. 

Enemata are best given by allowing water to gravitate into the 
bowel from a height of 2 to 4 feet. The ordinary fountain syringe 



GENERAL USES OF PURGATIVES 27 

of human practice is suitable for the smaller animals, while for 
deep injections or irrigations a human rectal tube or soft catheter 
should be slipped over the hard rubber tube. In the case of horses 
or cattle, enemata may be siphoned through a rubber tube or piece 
of small hose. This is accomplished by filling the tube with 
water and compressing it at either end to prevent the escape of 
water, while one end is submerged in a pail or tub raised 2—4 feet 
above the patient, and the other end is then introduced directly 
within the bowel ; or affixed to a rectal tube six feet long, when deep 
injections or irrigations are in order. A continuous flow is thus 
obtained. A still simpler method consists in pouring water into a 
funnel which has been fitted to one end of a rubber tube while the 
other end is passed into the rectum. That portion of the tube which 
is to be placed within the gut should always be lubricated with vase- 
line, oil or soap. Manual removal of hardened feces (scybala) must 
be practised in all animals before the use of enemata. The finger 
or blunt curette may be utilized for this purpose in small patients. 
The injection of linseed or cottonseed oil (H., Oi. ; D., ^ ii.) an hour 
before the use of larger enemata assists in softening the intestinal 
contents. 

When deep injections are indicated, the hind quarters of the 
animal should be raised — small animals may be partially inverted 
■ — and the fluid allowed to flow in slowly, pushing in the rectal tube 
as the gut distends. Such enemata are more effective whether the 
object be to simply unload the bowels, to cause retention and ab- 
sorption of the fluid, or to wash out the intestines. One to several 
gallons of warm water form a suitable quantity for unloading the 
bowels of large animals ; one-half pint to a quart, in the case of small 
patients. The injections should be repeated until a good evacuation 
is secured. To increase the purgative effect of enemata a cup each 
of soft soap, salt and molasses are added to a gallon of water ; or a 
tablespoonful of each to a pint. Equal parts of milk and molasses 
form one of the most efficient enemata known for causing catharsis 
(H., Ci. ; D., Oi). Linseed oil or cottonseed oil are also mixed 
with water. Epsom salts are still more efficacious (H., lbii. to 
gallon of water; D., § i.-iv. to pint); while oil of turpentine (H., 
q ii.-iv. ; D., o i.-iv.) is very active and especially useful in colic 
and flatulence, mixed with the enema. When clysters are given to 
be absorbed they should always be very slowly injected by only 
raising the water supply from -i to 7 inches above the anus. From 
10 to 20 gallons of normal salt solution may be given to horses within 
24 hours and several quarts to dogs — if an attendant can devote time 
to the purpose (p. 650). In chronic constipation and torpidity of 
the bowels plain cold water (55°-60° F.) injections are indicated. 



28 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

Medicated irrigations are most serviceable in catarrhal dis- 
orders of the bowels (dysentery, etc.), i.e., the fluid is allowed to 
flow in and out asjain till the solution returns clear. 



Drugs Acting on the Circulation. 

I. — Acting Upon the Blood. 

(a) Blood Plasma. — The alkalinity of the blood plasma can be 
increased by the use of the salts of the alkaline and earth metals ; 
i.e., potassium, sodium, lithium, ammonium, magnesium and cal- 
cium compounds. This effect is of value therapeutically in rheuma- 
tism, hemoglobinemia and uric-acidemia. In the former two dis- 
orders, increasing the alkalinity of the blood plasma appears to 
assist in the elimination of toxic material, while in the latter condi- 
tion the excretion of uric acid — existing in the blood as urates — is 
thought to be favored by potassium and lithium salts. These salts 
also alkalize the urine and increase its secretion. Drugs which re- 
move considerable fluid from the body, as purgatives, diaphoretics 
and diuretics, necessarily alter the composition of the blood plasma. 
By removing fluid from the plasma, these agents are useful in aid- 
ing absorption of inflammatory exudations, dropsies and edemas, 
since the mass of fluid removed is soon replaced from that contained 
in the food and tissues. In the various infectious and constitutional 
diseases treatment is largely directed to exciting the secretions and 
excretions with the purpose of eliminating products of tissue waste 
and bacterial action from the blood, which prove detrimental to the 
system. This line of treatment is pursued in uremia, hemoglobi- 
nemia and lymphangitis. Venesection, saline infusions, hypoder- 
moclysis and enteroclysis alter the character of the plasma and often 
have a life-saving value. (See p. 64C.) 

(b) The red Corpuscles. — The so-called blood tonics, or hema- 
tinicSj influence the red corpuscles, increasing their number and con- 
tent of hemoglobin when there is a deficiency of either. The effect 
upon the augmentation of hemoglobin is more marked. 

HEMATINICS, 

Iron and its salts Corrosive sublimate 

Arsenic Potassium permanganate 

Copper salts Manganese dioxide 

The first two are immensely superior to the others in blood- 
making properties. Iron especially favors the formation of hemo- 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE CIRCULATION 29 

globin ; arsenic increases the number of red corpuscles. Certain 
agents possess toxicological significance by destroying the composition 
of hemoglobin. Large closes of the coal tar products, as acetan- 
ilid, antipyrin and phenacetin, nitrites and potassium chlorate, con- 
vert hemoglobin into methemoglobin, a mixture, probably, of hema- 
tin and soluble albumin ; while carbonic oxide, phosphorus, sulphur, 
arsenic, iodine, hydrogen sulphide and turpentine, in large doses, 
reduce oxyhemoglobin and prevent its combination with oxygen. 
Acetanilid, potassium chlorate and amyl-nitrite destroy the red blood 
cells, if absorbed in considerable amount. 

(c) White Corpuscles. — It is possible experimentally to arrest 
purulent exudations caused by irritation and inflammation when 
quinine is introduced into the blood or applied locally to blood ves- 
sels. This happens because quinine and all cinchona salts, berberine 
sulphate and acetanilid — like other poisons to amebae — prevent the 
ameboid movement or migration (diapedesis) of leucocytes through 
the vessel walls. Unfortunately it is impossible to give large enough 
doses in practice to realize such favorable results in inflammatory 
disorders. An enormous increase of leucocytes (leucocytosis) occurs 
in acute diseases accompanied by a local exudation process, and also 
in leukemia, etc. Nucleic acid may induce leucocytosis and 
may be valuable in bacterial infections. Its therapeutic value is 
still doubtful after many years of trial. Arsenic, and in some cases 
quinine, appear to reduce leucocytosis, and in leukemia seem to thus 
aid recovery. Drugs altering the consistency of the blood are: Cal- 
cium chloride and (to a less extent) other calcium salts, gelatin and 
potassium iodide, which increase the rate and degree of coagulation ; 
cod-liver oil, which augments the solids in the blood ; and toxic doses 
of mercury, which lessen the solids and coagulation and increase the 
fluidity of the blood. 



II. — Drugs Acting on the Heart. 

The mechanism controlling the heart, which is influenced by 
drugs, is as follows : 

1. Heart-muscle and ganglia. 

2. Inhibitory apparatus, including the vagus nerve roots orig- 
inating from the medullary centre, and its fibres terminating in 
the heart. 

3. The accelerator apparatus, consisting of the accelerator 
nerve — with centres in the cerebrum and medulla — and its fibres 
passing down the spinal cord to the dorsal nerves ; from thence 
through the first thoracic ganglion to the sympathetic, and so on to 



30 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

the cardiac plexus, with peripheral terminations in the heart. The 
ganglia in the heart are situated about the auriculo-ventricular 
groove and at the entrance of the superior and inferior venae cava?, 
and at the orifices of the pulmonary veins. 

The ganglia have been divided into the inhibitory, connected 
with the vagus nerve; the motor; and the accelerator ganglia; and 
they are supposed to be influenced by drugs as well as the rest of 
the mechanism detailed above. Recent work seems to show that these 
ganglia do not originate impulses but that impulses originate in the 
heart muscle itself, beginning in the sinus venosus and spreading 
down over the auricle and ventricle to the apex. 

The contractile power of the muscle may be inhibited by the 
vagus or increased by the accelerator apparatus. The precise func- 
tions of the cardiac ganglia are unknown. 

The action of drugs on the heart-muscle has been determined 
by estimating their influence on the lower two-thirds of the apex, 
which is comparatively free from nerve supply. The action of 
drugs on the inhibitory apparatus is of more importance than that 
exerted on the accelerator nerve, and we know more about it. Drugs 
usually affect the roots of the vagus nerve in the centre, or its pe- 
ripheral terminations in the heart, rather than its trunk. The heart 
is influenced by drugs as follows : 

1. Stimulation, of the inhibitory apparatus leads to slowing or weakening 
of the heart-beats, or to both. 

2. Depression of the inhibitory apparatus results in quickening or 
strengthening the heart-beats, or both. 

3. Stimulation of the accelerator apparatus causes an increase in the 
rate or force of the heart-beats, or both. 

4. Depression of the accelerator apparatus induces decrease in the rate 
or force of the heart-beats, or both. 

5. Stimulation of the! heart- muscle produces increase in the rate or force 
of the heart-beats, or both. 

6. Depression of the heart-muscle lowers the rate or force of the heart- 
beats, or both. 

The vagus centre is stimulated by agencies increasing blood- 
pressure, or causing asphyxia. On the other hand, agencies reduc- 
ing blood-pressure depress the vagus, or stimulate the accelerator 
nerve, or both. Thus, the nitrites, as amyl nitrite, nitro-glycerin 
and spirit of nitrous ether, quicken the heart by lowering vascular 
tension. External stimuli to sensory nerves reflexly stimulate the 
heart, as also do many locally irritating agents taken internally ; e.g. , 
strong alcoholic or ammoniaeal preparations. 

Since drugs commonly influence more than one part of the 



DKUGS ACTING ON THE CIRCULATION 31 

mechanism controlling the heart, and since it is difficult to determine 
the exact physiological details in such complex actions, we shall con- 
tent ourselves with tabulating the actions of drugs ordinarily em- 
ployed for their influence on the heart, remembering that while 
moderate doses produce the effects enumerated below, poisonous doses 
often give rise to diametrically opposite actions. 

(a) Drugs increasing the force of the heart-heat. 



Digitalis 

Adrenalin 

Strophanthus 

Sparteine 

Squill 

Physostigmine 



Barium salts -i Do not alter rate 
.Slow the pulse _ I ,. , , 

Camphor particularly 



(b) Drugs increasing the rate of heart-heats. 

Belladonna Stramonium 

Atropine Cocaine 

Hyoscyamus 



(c) Drugs increasing the force and rate of heart-heats. 



Alcohol 


Strychnine 


Chloroform 


Caffeine 


Ether 


Quinine 


Ammonia 


Arsenic 


Ammonium carbonate 





(d) Drugs decreasing the force and rate of the heart-heats. 

Aconite Prussic acid 

Veratrum viride Ergot 

Antimony salts 

Note. — Aconite and veratrum do not depress the heart in medicinal 
doses; they only slow it by cardio-inhibitory stimulation. 

The drugs most frequently given to animals for their action on 
the heart are alcohol, ether, digitalis, strophanthus, ammonia, am- 
monium carbonate, camphor, caffeine, strychnine, atropine, aconite 
and veratrum viride. The reader is referred to special articles on 
these drugs for therapeutical indications and other details. 



32 GENERAL ACTION OF DKUGS 



III. — Deugs Acting on the Blood Vessels. 

The following table includes the mechanism regulating vascular 
tension : 

f Smooth muscular fibres 
1. In the walls of the vessels J Terminations of vasodilators and vaso- 
constrictors 



2. Nerve supply of vessels. 



3. Centres 



Vasodilators 
Vasoconstrictors 

Vasomotor centres in the medulla and 
subsidiary centres in the spinal 
cord and sympathetic system, con- 
trolling the vasodilating and con- 
stricting- nerves 



Each vessel is governed by two sets of fibres, — the constricting 
and dilating, — but we cannot discriminate between the action of a 
drug on the muscular fibres and the peripheral nerve endings in the 
vessel walls ; nor can we always tell whether a drug acts to stimu- 
late one set of peripheral fibres or depress the other. 

Vascular tension is increased not only by contraction of vessels, 
but also by drugs which cause the heart to beat more quickly, and 
by those making its pulsations more forcible and complete, so that 
all the blood is squeezed out of the ventricle at each contraction. 
Contrariwise, blood pressure is diminished, not only by those drugs 
inducing- vascular dilatation, but by those reducing the rate or force 
of the heart, or both. 

•We shall simply classify drugs influencing the vessels according 
as to whether they act after absorption into the blood, or only when 
applied locally to the vessel walls. 



(a) Drugs acting systemically to contract vessels. 



Adrenalin 


Digitalis 


Strychnine 


Cocaine 


Strophanthus 


Hamamelis 


Ergot 


Squill 


Hydrastis 


Atropine 


Sparteine 


Physostigmine 



DRUGS ACTING OX THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 33 

^b) Drugs acting systemically to dilate vessels. 

Amyl nitrite Chloral 

Nitroglycerin Aconite 

Spirit of nitrous ether Opium 

Alcohol Belladonna (secondary action) 

Ether Hyoscyamus 

Chloroform Stramonium 

] 

(c) Agents acting locally to contract vessels. 
Cold Astringents 

(d) Agents acting locally to dilate vessels. 
Heat Counter-irritants 

Uses. — Drugs or agencies causing general dilatation of vessels 
are useful in overcoming internal congestions and colds by equaliz- 
ing the circulation ; that is, by causing the blood to be distributed 
more equably about the body. They are also of benefit in morbid 
conditions attended with a high, vascular tension ; and are service- 
able in dilating peripheral vessels and in causing perspiration and 
loss of heat in fevers (spirit of nitrous ether and alcohol). Drugs 
inducing general contraction of vessels are employed in disorders 
characterized by loss of tone, as in shock and collapse ; and in heart 
weakness or disease (adrenalin, digitalis and strychnine) ; also in in- 
ternal hemorrhage and inflammations (ergot) ; and to aid the ab- 
sorption of dropsies and edemas. The uses of drugs locally contract- 
ing vessels will be described under Astringents (p. 57) and of agents 
locally dilating vessels under Counter-irritants (p. 56). 



Drugs Acting on the Nervous System. 

I. — Drugs Influencing the Brain. 

It is impossible to classify drugs according to their action on 
the various centres of the brain, because our knowledge is insuffi- 
cient. In a general way, drugs affecting the nervous system fall 
into two groups, — the excitant and depressant. But another diffi- 
culty arises in regard to classification from the fact that the same 
drug usually both excites and depresses. Many drugs influencing 
the nervous apparatus possess some exciting action, and most drugs 



34 GENEKaJL action of drugs 

which excite in small doses cause depression and paralysis after 
poisonous quantities. 

It is probable that alcohol, ether and chloroform are cerebral 
depressants from the very beginning, contrary to accepted ideas. 
Belladonna and its congeners, on the other hand, only excite the brain 
in large amounts; while opium and cannabis indica may excite the 
brain in small doses, but are used for their more common depressant 
action. The condition of the patient has some bearing on the action 
of a drug influencing the brain. Thus moderate doses of alcohol 
depress and stupefy healthy animals while stimulating the enfeebled 
and ill-nourished. 

The brain of the lower animals is undeveloped compared to 
that of man, and, in accordance with the general fact that the more 
highly a portion of the nervous mechanism is organized the more 
powerfully is it influenced by drugs, it follows that drugs acting on 
che brain and cord are more prone to affect the cord in veterinary 
patients while impressing the brain more potently in man. For 
this reason we notice in the horse that the primary period of excit- 
ability (sometimes seen in man) following the administration of 
morphine is much prolonged and not infrequently completely oblit- 
erates thG somnifacient action of the drug in this animal. 

We shall be content to classify drugs acting on the nervous sys- 
tem according' to their mo*t pronounced action in moderate doses. 



(a) Cerebral Excitants. 

Camphor Quinine 

Caffeine Cocaine 



Uses. — These drugs are rarely used simply to excite the brain, 
but for other purposes. Camphor, caffeine and quinine are em- 
ployed to generally ex2ite the nervous system in depressed condi- 
tion. Camphor is perhaps the best agent we possess to stimulate the 
heart and vital nerve centres in emergencies. Caffeine is a valuable 
antidote to the depressing cerebral action of opium in poisoning and 
is a potent heart stimulant. 

(b) Cerebral Depressants. — It is fortunate that drugs pro- 
gressively paralyzing the functions of the brain follow the so-called 
law of dissolution — i.e.,, paralyze the various functions of the brain 
in the inverse order of their evolutionary development. The centres 
last to be acquired are the first to be paralyzed (cerebral centres) ; 
while those of earliest origin (the respiratory, vagus and vasomotor 
centres) are last to succumb to the action of cerebral depressants. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 35 

The cerebral depressants are used mostly to relieve pain, when they 
are called anodynes or analgesics. Pain is due to irritation of any 
sensory nerve, or the sensory tract in the spinal cord, or of the sen- 
sory centres in the brain. Pain may be relieved by paralyzing any 
portion of this path and destroying connection with the perceptive 
centres in the brain. 



(1) Anodynes, by reason of their action on the brain. 



Codeine 


Alcohol 


Cannabis Indica 


Morphine 


Anesthetics 


Gelsemium 


Opium 


Chloral 


Bromides 



(2) Narcotics.- — This term is a broad and somewhat inclusive 
one. Narcotics embrace drugs which depress the brain and cause 
sleep (hypnotics or soporifics) and stupor (some anodynes and anes- 
thetics), and finally paralyze the respiratory and circulatory func- 
tions. The following may be included in this group : 

Opium Anesthetics Cannabis Indica Stramonium 

Alcohol Chloral Belladonna Hyoscyamus 



(a) Hypnotics or Soporifics (drugs causing sleep) : 

Opium Bromides Paraldehyde Sulphonal 

Morphine Cannabis Indica Urethrane Trional 

Chloral ( Of little importance in veter ina ry 

practice) 



Uses. — Hypnotics are not of much value in Veterinary medi- 
cine by simply promoting sleep. Their general sedative and ano- 
dyne actions are utilized in relieving motor excitement (spasms) or 
sensory excitement (pain). 



(b) General Anesthetics. 

Ether Nitrous oxide Methylene, bichloride 

Chloroform Ethylene dichloride Schleich's mixture 

(Of slight value in veterinary medicine) 

Anesthetics are agents which abolish sensation generally or 



36 GENERAL ACTION OP DRUGS 

locally. It is thought that the general anesthetics act directly on 
the nerve cells. Anesthetics — like narcotics generally — first stimu- 
late and then depress the nerve centres, but depression is by far their 
most salient and useful effect. 

Anesthetics destroy the functions of nerve centres in the cere- 
brum and spinal cord, and so abolish pain, sensation and reflex ac- 
tion. The law of dissolution is exemplified in their action. Anes- 
thesia is commonly described in three stages. (1) The first or 
stimulant stage is exhibited by excitement and struggling, owing 
in part to fright and in part to irritation of the respiratory tract by 
concentrated vapor. There are also coughing and choking in this 
stage, following the local irritation of the vapor on the respiratory 
tract. There may be vomiting, and the circulation and respiration 
are reflexly stimulated. Stimulation now ceases, and depression of 
the cerebrum, together with the motor, sensor and reflex spinal 
centres, appears, and ushers in the (2) anesthetic stage, charac- 
terized by muscular relaxation and complete abolition of con- 
sciousness, sensation and motion. Between these two stages — the 
stimulant and anesthetic — there sometimes occurs a transient state 
in which sensation is lost before consciousness. This has been styled 
the anodyne stage. 

Finally, the (3) paralytic stage ensues, accompanied by de- 
pression and then paralysis of the three great vital medullary cen- 
tres controlling the circulation and respiration, together with that 
of the lowest reflex centres, so that involuntary micturition and def- 
ecation occurs. The animal dies of a combination of vasomotor, 
heart and respiratory failure. If recovery should follow the para- 
lytic stage, the bodily functions return in the reverse order of that 
in which they were lost; i.e., the lower vital functions first appear, 
followed finally by the higher cerebral functions. 

Uses. — Anesthetics are employed in surgical operations to pre- 
vent pain and struggling; in obstetrical operations and in the re- 
duction of fractures, dislocations and hernia, to secure complete 
muscular relaxation ; to overcome spasms and convulsions resulting 
from disease or poisons ; to arrest severe pain in colic ; and finally 
to destroy aged or sick and useless animals. 

For fuller details see Anesthesia (p. 276). 

(c) Drugs acting on the cortical motor centres of the brain. 

(1) DRUGS STIMULATING THE MOTOR CENTRES. 

Strychnine Physostigmine 

Atropine 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 37 

(2) DRUGS DEPRESSING THE MOTOR CENTRES. 

The Bromides Alcohol 

Chloral Anesthetics 

The action of drugs on the cerebral cortical centres has been 
found by comparing the local effect of electrical stimulation before 
and after the internal use of drugs. 

Uses. — The drugs depressing the cortical motor area of the 
brain are valuable in convulsions and spasmodic disorders and in 
motor excitement, particularly in epileptiform convulsions of dogs. 

II. — Drugs Acting on the Spinal Cord. 

The functions of the cord consist in the conduction of sen- 
sory impulses forward to the brain and of motor impulses backward 
to the muscles ; in the origination of nervous force in centres con- 
trolling certain functions (sexual, sweating, etc.) ; and in reflex action 
by which the cord transmits impulses from sensory to motor tract 
of the same side of the body, or laterally, from sensory to motor col- 
umns on opposite sides. 

While drugs probably influence the various centres in the cord, 
our knowledge of their action is chiefly limited to that exerted on 
the motor cells of the inferior cornua. 

If a drug stimulating the motor cells of the cord is given ex- 
perimentally, slight peripheral irritation will reflexly cause con- 
vulsions, and, if the cord is severed from the brain, the same phe- 
nomena appear. 

(A) Drugs stimulating the motor cells of the inferior cornua. 

Strychnine Ammonia Opium T„. 

t» • . i, .. -r, . }- Primary action 

Brucme Anesthetics Ergot 

Thebaine 

Uses. — Strychnine is employed in paraplegia resulting from 
diseases of the spinal cord after irritation caused by the lesion has 
passed away. 

(B) Drugs depressing the motor cells of the inferior cornua. 

Physostigmine Emetine .<§ c Antimony 

Turpentine "ja •{ Silver 
Magnesium Zinc 

Sodium Saponin 

Potassium 
Lithium 



Bromides 




Ergot 




Nitrites 
Gelsemium 


-U 

"3 

1/2 



38 



GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 



Cnloral 


Ether 


Nicotine 


Morphine 


Chloroform 


Veratrine 


Apomorphine 


Camphor 


Mercury 


Alcohol 


Carbolic acid 


Arsenic 



Uses. — Drugs depressing the motor cells of the cord are service- 
able as antidotes in the treatment of poisoning by those exciting 
the same (chloral and bromides in strychnine poisoning), and in 
convulsive and spasmodic disorders, as chorea and tetanus. 



III. — Drugs Acting on the Nerves 

The nerve terminations, rather than their trunks, are influ- 
enced by drugs. 



(A) Drugs influencing peripheral sensory nerve-endings. 

(1) Stimulating sensory nerve-terminations. — Counter-irritants. 
(See p. 56). 

General Uses. — They are applied externally (mustard and heat) 
to stimulate the heart and respiration in heart failure, shock and 
collapse. 

(2) Depressing sensory nerve-terminations. — These include 
local sedatives or anodynes, which lessen sensation ; and local 
anesthetics, which abolish sensation. 





LOCAL ANODYNES 




Aconite 


Morphine 


Veratrine 


Menthol 


Chloral 


Heat 


Carbolic acid 


Prussic acid 


Cold 


Atropine 


Sodium bicarbonate 





Cocaine 
Eucaine 



Stovaine 
Novocoeaine 



LOCAL ANESTHETICS 



Holocaine 
Cold 



spray 



Methyl-chloride 
Ether 



Uses. — The local anodynes are employed to relieve pain of an 
inflammatory, rheumatic or neuralgic character, and itching. The 
local anesthetics are employed to prevent pain in surgical opera- 
tions. 



DRUGS ACTING OX THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 39 

(B) Drugs influencing peripheral motor nerve-endings. 

( 1 ) STIMULATING MOTOB NERVE-TERMINATIONS 

Strychnine Aconite Pyridine 

Pilocarpine Nicotine 

(2) DEPRESSING MOTOR NERVE-TERMINATIONS 

Curare Atropine Prussic acid 

Conium Cocaine Nicotine 

Amyl-nitrite Camphor and many others 

Uses. — Drugs influencing the peripheral motor nerve-endings 
are not of any practical therapeutical value. 

IV. — Drugs Acting on the Nerves of Special Sense. 
(A) Drugs acting on the eye. 

(1) Drugs influencing the pupil. — The mechanism controlling 
the pupil consists of the centres for the contraction of the pupil (in 
the corpora quadrigemina ?), the centres for the dilatation of the pupil 
(in the medulla and acqueduct of Sylvius?), the third nerve, the 
cervical sympathetic and the circular and radiating (latter some- 
times absent) muscular fibres of the iris. Drugs may act either 
centrally or locally on these structures. The pupil is dilated by 
drugs (1) depressing the contracting centre (oculomotor), (2) the 
terminations of the third nerve or (3) the circular fibres of the iris; 
and contrariwise, by (4) stimulating the dilating centre, (5) the ter- 
minations of the sympathetic or (6) the radial fibres of the iris; 
and, finally, by a combination of these actions. 

Again, the pupil is contracted by drugs stimulating (1) the 
oculomotor centre, (2) the terminations of the third nerve or (3) 
circular fibres of the iris; and by depressing (4) the dilating centre, 
(5) the terminations of the sympathetic or (6) the radial fibres of 
the iris ; and also by a combination of these actions. Drugs may act 
locally on the pupil through the medium of the circulation as well 
as when dropped into the eye. Furthermore, absorption and central 
action may occur when drugs are dropped into the eye as well as 
when entering the blood through the more ordinary channels. 

The drugs used in the treatment of the diseases of the eye are 



40 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

only those acting locally. Drugs influencing the pupil are divided 
into two classes: (1) those that contract the pupil (myotics) and 
(2) those that dilate the pupil (mydriatics). 



(1) Mydriatics. 

(a) ACTING LOCALLY. 

Atropine 
Homatropine 

^ ^ L Paralyse third nerve terminations 

Hyoscine 

Scopolamine 

Gelsemine 

Cocaine Stimulates sympathetic endings. 



(b) ACTING CENTRALLY. 

Anesthetics (late in their action) 

The dilating centre is stimulated by carbonic dioxide in the 
blood, and therefore dilatation of the pupil occurs in asphyxia; also 
after irritation of sensory nerves, the sexual organs and digestive 
apparatus. 

Uses. — Mydriatics are useful in dilating the pupil for ex- 
amination of the eye, and to prevent adhesions of the iris in central 
corneal ulcers; in keratitis, to overcome photophobia and blepharo- 
spasm ; and in iritis, to secure rest of the iris and ciliary muscles. 



(2) Myotics. 

(a) ACTING LOCALLY (b) ACTING CENTRALLY 

Physostigmino^) Stimulate third Anesthetics 

Pilocarpine J nerve endings Opium 

Uses. — Myotics are employed to prevent prolapse of the iris in 
wounds and ulcers of the cornea ; to antagonize the effect of atropine ; 
to prevent the entrance of light in painful disorders of the eye; to 
lessen intra-ocular tension in glaucoma* ; and, in alternation with 

* By opening up the nitration angle at the periphery of the anterior cham- 
ber and allowing drainage of lymph through the lymph spaces there into the 
canal of Schlemm, or to contraction of the intraocular vessels, so lessening 
secretion (Gronholm). 



DRUGS ACTING ON" THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 41 

mydriatics, to break up adhesions to the iris. All the local mydriatics 
and myotics mentioned above act on the ciliary muscle to destroy the 
power of accommodation. Intra-ocular tension in glaucoma is 
usually increased by atropine and other mydriatics, but is diminished 
by eserine. 



V. — Drugs Acting on the Ear. 

Strychnine makes the hearing (and sight) more acute; while 
salicylic acid, salicylates and quinine cause, in man, subjective symp- 
toms, including fulness, roaring and buzzing noises in the ears. 



Drugs Acting on the Respiratory Organs. 

It is impossible to describe under this head all the drugs in- 
fluencing the respiratory tract. Thus, agents affecting the circula- 
tion exert a powerful action on the blood supply and functions of 
the respiratory organs. The application of counter-irritants and 
heat and cold externally, reflexly produce notable alterations of 
pulmonary conditions. Emetics are indirectly serviceable in assist- 
ing the expulsion of exudations from the upper air passages in 
dogs. Furthermore, medicines having a depressing action on the 
nervous system are of importance in respiratory disorders in reliev- 
ing cough and spasm. We shall consider here those agents acting 
on the respiratory apparatus itself. 



Drugs Acting on the Respiratory Mucous Membrane. 
(A) Drugs Acting Locally. 

1. Stimulating the mucous membranes and causing vascular 
dilatation, increased secretion and muscular contraction of • the 
walls. 

2. Producing a sedative action. 

3. Exerting an antiseptic influence. 

4. Relaxing spasm. 

5. Causing a local astringent action. 

6. Thinning exudations. 



42 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

Errhines, or sternuatories, are drugs which are introduced into 
the nostrils to cause irritation, coughing and sneezing and expul- 
sion of secretions, parasites and foreign bodies from the nasal 
chambers and upper air passages. They are rarely of any value, 
and include tobacco, ipecac, euphorbium, ammonia, chlorine and 
sulphurous anhydride. 

By inhalation (in pint of water near the poiling point; unless 
otherwise stated). 

(1) DRUGS EXERTING STIMULANT ACTION. 

Carbolic acid gr.xx. 

Creosote ITLxx. 

Oil of cubebs §ss. 

Tincture of benzoin 3ss. 

Tincture of ipecac Bss- 

Oil of turpentine 3ss.-3iiss. 

Oil of pine 3ss.-3iiss. 

(2) DRUGS EXERTING A SEDATIVE INFLUENCE. 

Diluted hydrocyanic acid ( nix.-xv. in 3i. cold water) . 

(3) DRUGS PRODUCING AN ANTISEPTIC ACTION. 

Thymol .' gr. vii.-xii. 

Carbolic acid 3i. 

Creosote §ss. 

Compound tincture of benzoin §ss. 

Sulphurous anhydride gas. 
Formaldehyde vapor. 

Oil of eucalyptus fllx.-xx. (in §ii. of alcohol) . 

Oil of cubebs §ss. 

Oil of juniper §ss. 

Benzoic acid 3ix. ( in gviii. of alcohol ) . 

Tar water, undiluted. 

Potassium permanganate gr.xv.-3i. 

Quinine hydrochlorate 3ss. 

(4) DRUGS RELAXING SPASM. 

Amyl nitrite H., 3ss.-i. ; D., Til ii.-v., undiluted. 

Extract of belladonna gr. ii.-iv. 

" " hyoscyamus gr. vii.-xv. 

" " conium . .gr. viii. 

(Burning stramonium leaves). 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 43 

(5) DRUGS CAUSING A LOCAL ASTRINGENT ACTION. 

Alum 3ss. 

Zinc sulphate 3ss. 

Solution of ferric chloride 3i. 

Silver nitrate 3ss. 

(6) DRUGS THINNING SECRETION. 

Sodium bicarbonate 3ss. 

Solution of lime, undiluted. 

Ammonium chloride 3ss. 

Vinegar §ii- 

Lactic acid Si- 

Uses. — Inhalations are often beneficial in the treatment of 
coryza, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis and bronchitis. In the 
first stage of catarrhal inflammation of the upper air passages, anti- 
septics may cut short the attack. Simple steaming with vinegar or 
sodium bicarbonate moistens and soothes the dry, irritable mucous 
membrane and relieves congestion by promoting secretion. In the 
exudative stage, agents stimulating the respiratory mucous mem- 
brane and making the secretions less viscid are in order. If the 
mucous or purulent discharges are excessive, astringent sprays or 
inhalations are useful; and if they are foul-smelling, drugs com- 
bining stimulant and antiseptic actions may be employed. Inhala- 
tions may be given by means of a bronchitis kettle, or by atomization 
to small animals. Care must be exercised that too large a quantity of 
the solution be not used lest absorption and poisoning ensue. Dogs 
may be placed over the perforated seat of a cane-bottomed chair with 
the steaming apparatus underneath. 

A hot brick is sometimes employed to give inhalations to horses 
by dropping it into a pail containing the proper solution. The head 
should not usually be covered during inhalation if the breathing is 
embarrassed or the respiratory tract obstructed, since fresh air is 
imperative. Simple steaming may be conducted for an hour. In- 
halations containing special drugs may be given for fifteen minutes. 

(B) Drugs Acting Systemicdlly. 

Expectorants are agents which influence the bronchial mucous 
membrane and its secretion. They aid or hinder expectoration in 
man, but are much less efficient in this respect in veterinary 
medicine, because the act of expectoration is performed with dif- 
ficulty by the lower animals. Nevertheless, expectorants are useful 
in altering the character of the secretion and lessening the irritation 



44 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

caused by dry, tenacious discharges, and in stimulating the mucous 
membranes and improving their circulation and nutrition. More- 
over, some drugs (volatile oils) exert an antiseptic action on the 
bronchial mucous membrane during their elimination. 



EXPECTORANTS. 
(1) INCREASING SECRETION 

Depressing the heart and lowering vascular tension 
( "depressing expectorants" ) 

Apomorphine Ipecac Antimony and potas- 

Potassium iodide Pilocarpine sium tartrate 

Stimulating the heart and increasing vascular tension 
("stimulating expectorants") 

Ammonium chloride Sulphur Terpin hydrate 

Squill Tar Terebene 

Camphor Turpentine Volatile oils 
Balsams 

(2) DIMINISHING SECRETION 

Belladonna Stramonium Opium 

Hyoscyamus Acids 

Volatile oils, and drugs containing them, first increase and then decrease 
bronchial secretion as a secondary effect. 

(3) ALTERING THE NUTRITION OF BRONCHIAL MUCOUS MEMBRANE 

Potassium iodide Cod-liver oil Sulphur 

Ammonium chloride 

(4) EXERTING AN ANTISEPTIC ACTION 

Turpentine Tar Balsam of Tolu 

Terebene Ammoniacum Cubebs 

Terpine hydrate Balsam of Peru Copaiba 

(5) LOCALLY STIMULATING AND ANTISEPTIC TO MUCOUS MEMBRANES 

Creosote Eucalyptol Guiacol 



Uses. — Expectorants are chiefly prescribed in bronchitis. In 
the early or dry stage drugs increasing secretion and at the same 
time depressing the circulation are often employed in sthenic cases. 



DRUGS ACTING OK THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 45 

These drugs possess less value in the treatment of the horse, on 
account of comparative insusceptibility to them, than in the case of 
dogs. 

If exudation is excessive, then drugs lessening secretion are 
indicated. When the disorder is persistent, agents altering and 
improving the nutrition of the bronchial mucous, membrane are 
beneficial. Bronchitis accompanied by a copious foul secretion is 
treated with volatile oils, which exert an antiseptic action on the air 
passages. Expectorants are usually administered with other agents 
influencing the respiratory tract ; e.g., drugs relieving cough and 
spasm and those stimulating the respiratory movements or circula- 
tion. 



Drugs Stimulating the Respiratory Centres. 

Strychnine Cocaine Stramonium 

Atropine Belladonna .Ammonium carbonate 

Caffeine Hyoscyamus Strong ammonia 

External counter- irritation and heat. 



Dkugs Depressing the Respiratory Centres. 

Morphine, codeine and heroine are sedative to the respiratory 
centre and thus useful in cough, asthma and dyspnea. 

Uses. — Drugs stimulating the respiratory centres and move- 
ments are of great value in diseases of the chest — especially bron- 
chitis — attended with obstruction in the air passages and cyanosis. 
They promote coughing and efforts at expulsion of secretion and 
facilitate the entrance of oxygen into the blood. Some, possibly am- 
monia, stimulate the movements of the cilise lining the tracheal 
mucous membrane. 

Strychnine is, perhaps, the most powerful respiratory stimulant ; 
atropine is indicated where exudation is abundant, while ammonium 
carbonate is prescribed to increase secretion. Certain drugs some- 
times cause in large doses Cheyne-Stokes breathing in animals, e.g., 
opium, chloral, bromides, digitalis, ammonium carbonate and 
strychnine, owing to disturbance of the respiratory centre. 



4G GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 



Drugs Relaxing Spasm of the Bronchial Muscular Tunic 
and Relieving Cough 



LOCALLY 

White of egg Linseed tea 

Mucilage Syrups 

External counter-irritation and heat. 



STSTEMICALLY 

Opium Nitrites 

Codeine Chloral 

Hyoscyamus Bromides 

Stramonium Chloroform 

Cannabis Indica Phenacetin 



Uses of Drugs Allaying Spasm and Cough. 

Coughing is a reflex act following irritation of sensory nerve 
endings in any part of the respiratory tract (usually of afferent 
vagal branches), in the pharynx, pleura, ears, teeth, stomach and 
liver. Sensory impulses conveyed to the reflex centre for coughing, 
— near the respiratory centre in the medulla, — are there transformed 
into motor impulses and result in coughing. Drugs may stop cough- 
ing by acting locally to relieve congestion and irritation (demul- 
cents) or they may exert a topical sedative action on the nerve end- 
ings. They also act systemically by quieting the reflex centre for 
coughing, or the sensory or motor nerve endings ; also by abating 
congestion in promoting secretion ( expectorants), or in influencing 
the circulation. 

Cough may be beneficial when it assists the expulsion of exuda- 
tion, but is not so when it is constant and ineffective, as in congestion 
of the trachea, bronchial mucous membranes, lungs or pleura; in 
pulmonary consolidation ; and in coughs originating outside of the 
respiratory tract. We should try to arrest coughing by agents re- 
moving the cause (congestion or irritation), such as counter-irri- 
tants, expectorants, local applications (sprays, inhalations) and heart 
stimulants, but if these are inefficient and coughing is immoderate, 
we may resort to the use of sedative agents. Some preparation of 
opium is most frequently employed to stop coughing, but should be 
avoided if cyanosis exists, since inspiratory and expulsive efforts are 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE URINARY ORGANS 47 

weakened by the drug. Belladonna, on the other hand, stimulates 
the respiratory centres and arrests cough by depressing both the affer- 
ent and efferent vagal terminations in the lungs, while — like opium — 
lessening secretion. These drugs are often combined. When spasm 
of the bronchioles exists, as in asthma, and sometimes in bronchitis, 
the nitrites are particularly valuable. 



Drugs Acting on the Urinary Organs. 

^Diuretics are drugs increasing the secretion of urine. Three 
factors are concerned with urinary flow. (1) The composition of 
the blood. (2) The state of local (renal) and general blood pres- 
sure. (3) The activity of the renal cells. The renal mechanism 
influenced by drugs comprises : 

(1) The Malpighian glomerules, which excrete water, salts and 
some excrementitious matters from the blood by osmosis. Their 
activity depends upon their blood supply, which is increased by 
agents causing dilatation of their afferent vessels, or contraction of 
the efferent vessels ; and by drugs increasing general blood tension. 
Drugs augmenting the mass of blood and tension in the Malpighian 
bodies enlarge the surface of cubical epithelium covering the capil- 
lary loops and promote osmosis of fluid into the cavity of the Mal- 
pighian capsule. 

(2) The nucleated polyhedral cells lining the convoluted tubes. 
— These secrete the solid products resulting from the retrograde 
metamorphosis of nitrogenous bodies circulating in the blood, as urea, 
together with water. 

(3) The constricted tubes. — These regulate the urinary secre- 
tion by either impeding its passage by constriction of their walls, 
thus aiding absorption, or by their active peristalsis facilitating the 
flow of urine. 

(4) Nervous mechanism. — This governs the secretory activity 
of the cells of the convoluted tubes, regulates the tension in the 
vessel? of the Malpighian bodies, and possibly controls the unstriped 
muscle of the constricted tubes. It comprises: 

* The exact physiological details accounting for the action of individual 
diuretics are still largely a matter of conjecture. 



48 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

(a) Four medullary centres. 

Vasomotor r Vasodilator centres 

(controlling renal vessels) i Vasoconstrictor centres 

Secretory (Stimulating cells of convoluted tubes) 

Inhibitory (Depressing activity of renal cells) 

(b) Subsidiary centres in the spinal cord, solar and renal plexus. 

(c) Secretory nerve-endings in kidneys. 

(d) Muscular fibre in renal vessels. 

(e) Renal cells. 



These structures may be either stimulated or depressed. 

Diuretics more commonly act in three ways. (1) By influenc- 
ing renal circulation; (2) by stimulating the secretory nerve-endings 
in the renal cells or the cells themselves. (3) Salines increase the 
concentration of the blood and thus absorption of water from the tis- 
sues. The increased volume of blood going to the kidneys causes 
diuresis. (See "Salt Action," page 134.) 

(1) Diuretics increasing general or local (renal) blood tension* 

These drugs increase cardiac action in some cases, and in others 
stimulate or depress the vasomotor centres, or the terminations of 
the vasoconstrictors or dilators in the renal vessels — to cause dilata- 
tion of the branches of the renal artery carrying blood to the capillary 
loops in the Malpighian bodies, or to produce contraction of the 
arterial branches conducting blood away from the Malpighian tufts 
— in either way increasing local blood tension and secretion of urine. 

Local blood tension is thought to be augmented by the nitrites 
and alcohol acting on the vasomotor centre or renal vessels to dilate 
the afferent vessels of the Malpighian glomerules, in addition to 
stimulating the heart. Buchu, turpentine, juniper and cantharides 
are said to act locally on the kidneys to contract the efferent vessels 
of the Malpighian bodies. Digitalis, strophanthus, squill, caffeine 
and strychnine stimulate the heart and contract the vessels generally, 
while locally they are believed to cause contraction of the efferent 
vessels of the Malpighian bodies by action on the vasomotor centres. 
The entrance of water into the circulation increases the mass of 
blood, vascular tension, and thus the flow of urine. Diuretics will 
not act unless an extra amount of water is supplied the patient in 
drink, or in food, enema, or saline infusion. This fact is often lost 
sight of. It is impossible to eliminate an increased amount of 
water from the body for any length of time unless water is supplied 
to take its place. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE URINARY ORGANS) 49 



(2) Diuretics stimulating the secretory nerve-endings or 
renal cells. 

Potassium nitrate Colchicum 

" acetate Calomel 

" citrate Urea 

" bitartrate Theobromine sodio-salicylate 

Lithium salts (Diuretin) 

Salines generally Caffeine 

Uses. — Diuretics are useful in removing deleterious and waste 
solid matters in the blood resulting from disease or the imperfect 
oxidation of albuminoid substances. Their action depends on an ex- 
tra ingestion of water. In fevers the potassium nitrate and other 
potassium salts are employed with spirit of nitrous ether, alcohol and 
digitalis. They are antipyretics by eliminating pyrogenic material. 
Tissue waste is increased by diuretics, and they are serviceable in 
plethora, rheumatism and obesity. In acute disease of the kidneys, 
salines and digitalis are indicated ; in chronic renal disorders more 
stimulating agents are often used, as juniper, buchu, etc. Diuretics 
remove water from the system. They are, therefore, employed in 
edema and dropsy of renal or cardiac origin, and in chronic effusions, 
as in pleuritis and pericarditis. Blood tension is lowered by with- 
drawal of water from the blood, and congestion may be relieved in 
various parts of the body. Diuretics lessen irritation of the kidneys 
by diluting the urine when the secretion is concentrated or contains 
toxins or other irritants (uric acid, calcium oxalate, etc.). Finally, 
stimulating diuretics (buchu, turpentine, etc.), are indicated in 
chronic inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and bladder, and in 
relaxed and paretic disorders of the bladder (incontinence of urine) 
to excite the reflex and motor functions of the sphincter and de- 
trusor muscles. 



Drugs Influencing the Reaction of Urine. 

. In man and animals secreting an acid urine, the basic phosphates 
of sodium and potassium in the blood are decomposed by the renal 
cells, and acid phosphate of sodium or potassium — being more diffusi- 
ble — are eliminated, giving the urine its characteristic reaction, while 
the bases remain behind. In the case of the herbivora the urine is 
alkaline, because there are larger quantities of magnesium and 
calcium salts in the food, which precipitate phosphoric acid in the 
stomach, and because there is an excess of alkaline sodium and potas- 



50 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

sium salts in the blood. The urine may best be made acid by benzoic 
acid, which is converted into hippuric acid during its passage through 
the kidneys. Salicylic acid, urotropin, the mineral acids (as acid 
salts), and large quantities of the vegetable acids and boric acid tend 
to acidify the urine in a less degree. An acid urine may be made 
alkaline by alkalies, as salts of potassium, lithium, sodium and cal- 
cium, together with the vegetable salts, tartrates, citrates and acetates, 
which circulate as carbonates in the blood. Drugs promoting diuresis 
make the urine less acid because the basic sodium phosphate in the 
blood is not so readily broken up in the kidney when it diffuses 
through the cells in great dilution. Ammonia fails to make the 
urine alkaline because it is transformed into urea. 

Uses. — Benzoic acid is sometimes of benefit in acidifying and 
disinfecting an alkaline decomposing urine of pyelitis or cystitis. 
Recently urotropin has been used more successfully for these pur- 
poses. The alkalies are thought to be useful in alkalizing the blood 
in certain disorders (rheumatism, hemoglobinemia, etc.), and the 
urine of carnivora, to prevent the precipitation of uric acid in the 
urine or to aid its solution when already precipitated. 

Drugs Influencing the Composition of TJrinb. 

Drugs contracting the efferent vessels of the Malpighian bodies 
diminish the flow of blood and urea-excretion and increase the 
elimination of water ; while those dilating the afferent vessels cause 
more blood to pass through the kidney and promote the secretion of 
solids and water. Drugs stimulating the cells of the convoluted tubes 
augment especially the urinary solids. The composition of the 
urine is also altered by most drugs eliminated in it, leading to 
changes in color, odor, reaction and the appearance of blood pigment, 
etc.* 



* Thus blood appears in the urine after toxic doses of turpentine, can- 
tharides and salicylic acid; and blood pigment, in poisoning by potassium 
chlorate, acetanilide, nitrites, glycerin and mushrooms (muscarin) ; and 
occasionally by overdoses of mineral acids, naphtol, naphtalin and arsenic. 
Rhubarb and senna impart their coloring matter ( chrysarobin ) to urine, 
which makes acid urine brown, but alkaline urine a deep blood or purplish 
red. Carbolic acid, creosote, naphtalin and other tar-products, together with 
gaultheria and uva ursi ( due to contained arbutin ) , stain the urine a green- 
ish-brown or blackish hue. Santonin dyes an alkaline urine cherry or purple- 
red, while an acid urine is turned yellow or greenish. Logwood gives its 
color to acid urine, while an alkaline urine is rendered red or violet. 
Poisonous doses of sulphonal and trional give rise to a claret-colored urine, 
owing to hematoporphyrin. Gamboge and carrots bestow their colors on the 
urine. Turpentine is said to give urine the odor of violets, but large doses 
impart the peculiar odor of the oil itself. Cubebs, copaiba, eucalyptus, vale- 
rian, musk, asafetida, sandal wood oil, asparagus and turpentine (large doses) 
communicate their special odor to the urine. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE SEXUAL ORGANS 51 



Urinary Antiseptics. 

Certain drugs are sometimes given with the purpose of killing 
bacteria in the urine in purulent pyelitis and cystitis. Among these 
are: 



Urotropin 


Methylene blue 


Copaiba 


Benzoic acid 


Salicylic acid 


Cubebs 


Boric acid 


Salol 
Buchu 


Volatile oils 



Urinary Sedatives. 
The foregoing list, in preventing decomposition, and: 

Hyoscyamus Opium 

Belladonna Alkalies (with an acid urine) 



Drugs Acting on the Sexual Organs. 

(A) Influencing Chiefly the Male Generative Organs. 

The mechanism concerned with the sexual functions is presided 
over by cerebral and spinal lumbar centres. Agents may immediately 
excite the spinal centres or cause local irritation of sensory nerves 
in various parts of the body — more particularly in the neighborhood 
of the genital organs — and thus reflexly stimulate the lumbar centres. 

The cerebral centres are mainly affected by visual, nasal or oral 
impressions, and also reflexly by irritation of sensory nerve-endings, 
more especially those situated in the sexual organs. 

(1) Aphrodisiacs are drugs exciting sexual desire (and increas- 
ing sexual power in the male). They include: 

DIEECT APHRODISIACS 

Strychnine, Phosphorus, Alcohol (act on centres) 

Cantharides (local irritant) 

Yohimbine ( causes congestion of the sexual organs ) . 

INDIRECT APHRODISIACS 

In debility: Iron, Strychnine, Arsenic (full diet) 



52 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

(2) Anaphrodisiacs are drugs lessening sexual desire. They 
are : 

Opium, Bromides, Purgatives, Nauseants, (bleeding), (spare diet) 

Uses. — Aphrodisiacs may sometimes be useful in impotence and 
loss of sexual desire. Irritants, as cantharides, may cause inflam- 
mation of the urinary tract. Loss of sexual desire and power should 
usually be treated by improving the general nutrition with tonics and 
good feeding and by regulating the use of the sexual organs, unless 
the trouble is due to organic disease. Drugs diminishing sexual 
appetite may be useful in quieting the centres and rendering them 
less sensitive to sources of local irritation. It is, however, more sensi- 
ble to remove the cause of irritation, as smegma preputii, acid urine, 
urinary calculi, intestinal parasites, scybala, fissure of the rectum, 
hemorrhoids, etc. Anaphrodisiacs may be employed to subdue ex- 
cessive sexual excitement and nervousness (hysteria) sometimes ac- 
companying "heat" in the female. 

(B) Influencing the Female Sexual Organs. 

(1) Emmenagogues are drugs which favor the occurrence of 
"heat" (ovulation) in the female when it is irregular or abnormally 
absent. We are at present ignorant of their exact mode of action. 
Some act directly, perhaps, by stimulating the centres or sexual 
organs. 

DIRECT EMMENAGOGUES 

Savin, Eue, Cantharides (irritants) 
Ergot 

INDIRECT EMMENAGOGUES 

Purgatives (Aloes) 

In debility: Iron, Arsenic, Strychnine (full diet) 

Uses. — The irritant emmenagogues are usually ineffectual in 
medicinal doses, while they may cause inflammation of the urinary 
tract and abortion (in pregnant animals) in large doses. The use 
of the indirect emmenagogues is more rational and effective. Aloes 
is thought to stimulate the uterus reflexly by irritation of the large 
intestines, and may also act locally on the uterus after absorption. 
Absence of estrum, ordinarily a symptom resulting from a general 
or local condition, should be treated if possible by removing the 
cause (debility, plethora, deformity). 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE SEXUAL ORGANS 53 

(2) Ecbollics, or oxytocics, are drugs stimulating uterine con- 
traction during or directly after parturition. The exact physio- 
logical details concerned in their action are unknown except in the 
case of ergot (p. 551). They are: 



Ergot 


Quinine 


Cotton root bark 


Hydrastis 


Corn smut 


Savin 



(3) Drugs restraining uterine contractions. 

Anesthetics Chloral 

Opium Bromides 

Cannabis Indica 

Uses. — Ecbollics (preeminently ergot) are used to contract the 
uterus and arrest hemorrhage after parturition; or to stimulate the 
womb during parturition in inertia. In poisonous doses they may 
lead to abortion during pregnancy. Drugs restraining uterine con- 
traction (especially opium) are sometimes given to prevent threat- 
ened abortion. 

(4) Drugs influencing milk-secretion. 

(a) Galactagogues are drugs increasing the flow of milk. They 
include : 

Extracts of the pituitary and Alcohol (full diet) 

mammary glands. 
Pilocarpine Leaves of castor oil plant (internally 

or locally on udder as poultice). 

Drug treatment is practically valueless in increasing the secretion 
of milk; rich feeding is the chief desideratum. Many drugs are 
eliminated in milk and may produce their characteristic effects in 
animals or man drinking it. Among these are : 



Opium 




Arsenic 


Copper 


All volatile oils 


Mercury 


Carbolic acid 


Purgative 


salts 


Lead 


Colchicum 


Rhubarb 




Zinc 


Euphorbium 


Senna 




Iron 


Ergot 


Castor oil 




Bismuth 


Salicylic acid 


Scammony 




Neutral salts 


Veratrine 


Jalap 




Ammonia 


Strychnine 


Iodine 




Acids 


Croton oil 


Potassium 


iodide 


Sulphur 


Aloes 


Antimony 




Atropine 


Turpentine 



54 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

(b) Antigalactagogu.es. — Belladonna is the only efficient drug 
lessening the secretion of milk, applied locally or given internally. 
It paralyzes the peripheral secretory nerve-endings and is useful in 
mammitis by diminishing the circulatory activity in the mammary 
gland. 



Drugs Influencing Metabolism. 

(1) Alteratives. — The term "alterative" is a vague, indefinable 
word used to describe the action of certain drugs modifying tissue 
change and improving nutrition in some disorders. The word is 
simply a cloak for ignorance and should be dropped. The value of 
alteratives has been discovered by clinical experience. The follow- 
ing are often classed as alteratives : 

Arsenic and its preparations Phosphoric acid 

Mercury and its salts Colchicum 

Iodine and its salts Sarsaparilla 

Cod liver oil Sulphur 

Uses. — Alteratives are employed in those diseases in which ex- 
perience has proved them to be beneficial. 

Tonics. — The word a tonic" is another term even more vague 
and all-embracing than "alterative," and, therefore, impossible to 
define precisely. Tonics improve the general nutrition and health, 
and, as ordinarily understood, refer to drugs promoting appetite and 
digestion (bitter tonics, as gentian) ; the state of the blood (hema- 
tinics, as iron and arsenic) ; or the condition of certain organs (heart 
tonics, as digitalis; nervines, as strychnine). 

Tonics are indicated in the treatment of debility (general or 
special) and anemia. 



Drugs Influencing Bodily Heat. 

Antipyretics are drugs lowering the temperature of the body in 
fever. The mechanism concerned with temperature changes is as 
follows : 

(1) Heat production. — There is a centre in the corpus striatum 
for heat production. Probably this controls muscular activity, which 
is chiefly instrumental in the production of bodily heat. 

(2) Heat loss. — There is a centre for heat dissipation situated 



DRUGS INFLUENCING BODILY HEAT 



55 



in the medulla. This controls the vasomotors and state of vascular 
tension ; the activity of the sweat glands and respiration ; and, there- 
fore, the amount of heat lost by radiation from the blood vessels of 
the skin, by evaporation of sweat, and by the act of respiration. 
Heat is also lost by the passage of feces and urine. 

(3) Heat regulation. — There are heat-regulating centres in the 
cortex cerebri ( ?) which coordinate or adjust the relations existing 
between the heat-producing and heat-dissipating centres. 

Finally, the bodily temperature is reflexly influenced by sensory 
impulses originating in various parts of the body, and conveyed by 
afferent nerves to the three brain-centres controlling temperature. 
Agents lowering bodily temperature in fever may act to depress the 
heat-producing centre; to stimulate the heat-dissipating centre; to 
dilate vessels ; to increase the secretions (particularly of sweat) ; to 
depress the circulation by drugs or venesection; to physically ab- 
stract heat, and to remove sources of fever in the digestive tract. 



TABLE SHOWING THE PROBABLE MODE OF ACTION OF 
ANTIPYRETICS. 



O 

'i-H 

H 
H 

Ph 
\- 1 
H 

< 



Lessen 
tion 



heat produc- 



Increase heat loss 





Phenacetine 


^Depress heat-produc- 
ing centre 


Antipyrine 
Acetanilide 
Quinine 
Salicylic acid 
Salicin 




Aconite 


Influence circulation 


Veratrum 
Digitalis 




Antimony 
Venesection 


"Slightly stimulate 
heat-dissipating 
centre 


" Acetanilide 
Antipyrine 
Phenacetine 




r Alcohol 


Cause sweating and 
dilate vessels 


Spirit of nitrous ether 

Opium 

Ipecac 


Abstract heat ■< 


Cold, externally 
and internally 



Purgatives ( remove 
pyrogenic material) 



56 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

Antipyretics do not lower temperature in health when given in 
medicinal doses. 

Uses. — 'Antipyretics are employed to diminish fever. It is 
wiser to lessen heat production than to increase heat loss (by dia- 
phoretics, diuretics, circulatory depressants, bleeding, etc.), because 
heat production is stimulated by the latter process. The modern 
antipyretics (acetanilide, antipyrine and phenacetine) act chiefly to 
lessen heat production, and are, therefore, most serviceable, but even 
these drugs should usually be avoided unless fever is exceedingly 
high or long-continued. This follows because a high bodily tempera- 
ture is often inimical to bacterial life and growth, and because fever 
is a natural protective agency, being the result of increased oxida- 
tion, and destroys toxins and pyrogenic substances. Acetanilide, 
antipyrine and phenacetine, moreover, depress the circulation in large 
doses and alter the red corpuscles so as to interfere with their oxygen- 
carrying functions. Cold is the best antipyretic agency when it can 
be employed, in not only reducing temperature and increasing the 
elimination of toxins in the urine, but in powerfully stimulating the 
nervous system and vital functions. (See p. 626.) 



Drugs Acting on the Skin. 

(A) Drugs Influencing the Blood Vessels of the Skin. 
(1) Locally dilating superficial vessels. 

IRRITANTS OB COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 

Cantharides Corrosive mercuric chloride 

Iodine Arsenous acid 

Mustard Silver nitrate 

Capsicum Zinc chloride 

Croton oil Carbolic acid 

Oil of turpentine and other Mineral acids 

volatile oils Caustic alkalies 

Ammonia water Anesthetics and alcohol (when evap- 

Camphor oration is prevented) 

Red mercuric iodide (Heat) 

Drugs are classified as follows, according to the degree of irrita- 
tion they produce: 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE SKIN 57 

Rubefacients are drugs which cause vascular dilatation and red- 
ness of the skin when locally applied, such as mustard and iodine 
(and heat). 

Vesicants are drugs producing inflammation of the skin and 
exudation of serum under the epidermis (vesicles), when locally ap- 
plied, such as cantharides. 

Pustulants are drugs inducing a still higher grade of inflamma- 
tion when locally applied, accompanied by migration of leucocytes 
from the vessels into the vesicles, forming pustules. 

Caustics, or Escharotics, are agents which, when locally applied, 
lead to so great a degree of irritation that the vitality of tissues is 
destroyed, e.g., nitric acid, caustic potash and the white-hot iron. 

Uses. — Irritants are often called counter-irritants when they 
are used against (counter) existing irritation or inflammation by 
reflexly causing contraction of vessels in congested or inflamed under- 
lying parts. Thus a blister on the chest leads to contraction of the 
vessels in the inflamed pleura and relieves pleuritis. Counter-irri- 
tants are, therefore, employed locally to overcome internal congestion 
and inflammation. Eubefacients are often applied over the whole 
surface of the body (mustard and turpentine) to dilate superficial 
vessels and equalize the circulation in colds, chills and internal con- 
gestions. Vesicants are used to alter the circulation and nutrition of 
adjacent parts and to secure resolution and absorption of inflam- 
matory products in joint and periosteal disorders. (For details see 
Counter-irritants, p. 620.) 

(2) Locally contracting superficial vessels. 

Astringents are drugs which, when locally applied, make the 
tissues drier and denser and lessen secretions. Their action is prob- 
ably dependent on various factors: partial coagulation of the albu- 
minous fluids of the tissues; coagulation of morbid secretions; re- 
moval of water; and contraction of the musular coat of the blood 
vessels. They are local irritants with the exception of lead acetate 
and bismuth salts. The astringents are: 

Lead Adrenalin 

Aluminum Tannic acid, and drugs containing it 

Zinc Hydrastis 

Silver Cocaine 

Copper Antipyrin 

Ferric Methylene chloride "1 On evapora- 

k Bismuth Ether „ J tion 

Hamamelis (Cold) 
Ergot 



»Salts 



58 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

Styptics, or Hemostatics, are drugs which arrest hemorrhage, 
when locally applied, both by coagulation of albumin of the blood 
and by direct contraction of the vessels and tissues surrounding them. 
Adrenalin and solutions of ferric alum, ferric chloride and subsul- 
phate are the most powerful styptics, although all astringents possess 
an hemostatic action. 

Uses. — Astringents are employed in local loss of tone and re- 
laxation of tissues accompanied by serous, mucous or purulent ex- 
udation from mucous membranes or raw surfaces. The irritating 
astringents are usually contra-indicated in acute inflammatory condi- 
tions, but are thought to prevent the out-wandering of leucocytes 
through the blood vessels, which results in purulent exudation. 

Styptics are employed in the treatment of hemorrhage from 
mucous membranes, or in bleeding from other parts which cannot 
be stopped by surgical means, heat or cold. The coagulated blood is 
prone to sepsis, speedy decomposition and infection. 

(B) Drugs Locally Softening^ Soothing and Protecting the 
Skin, or Emollients. 

They include: 
Lard Olive oil 

Petrolatum Cottonseed oil 

Cacao butter Lanolin 

( Fomentations — Poultices ) 

Demulcents are drugs exerting a soothing, protecting and soften- 
ing influence on the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, when 
given internally. They are mostly gums, syrups and albuminous 
fluids, as: 



Acacia 


Glycerin 


Linseed infusion or tea 


White of egg 


Liquorice 


Milk 


Syrup 


Starch 


Molasses 


Sweet oil 


Honey 





Uses. — Emollients are serviceable in softening the skin when it 
has a tendency to be dry and fissured ; also in charing and superficial 
inflammation when emollients protect the skin from the natural irri- 
tation of the air. 

Demulcents are of value in inflammation of the mucous mem- 
brane of the digestive tract (olive oil, not starch or gums, which may 
decompose and irritate), and again in catarrh of the mucous mem- 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE SKIN 



59 



brane of the upper respiratory tract, because they do not exert a 
direct sedative influence on the throat, but, either reflexly or in some 
measure directly, act on the bronchial tubes. Demulcents are often 
employed to relieve irritation in the urinary tract, but after their 
decomposition in the alimentary canal and absorption into the blood 
they can not act as such. They act chiefly by supplying water. 

(C) Drugs Influencing the Secretion oe Sweat. 

The mechanism controlling the sudoriferous glands and secre- 
tion of sweat, comprises sweat centres in the spinal cord ; secretory 
nerves proceeding from them with terminations in the glands; the 
gland cells, and blood vessels of the skin. Any portion of this mech- 
anism may be affected by drugs to increase or diminish sweat secre- 
tion. 

(1) Drugs increasing the secretion of sweat, or diaphoretics. 
They may : 

(1) Stimulate the sweat centres. 

(2) Excite the secretory nerve-endings in the glands. 

(3) Increase the activity of the gland cells. 

(4) Stimulate the vasodilators and increase the vascularity of 
the skin. Stimulation of the secretory and vasodilator nerves usually 
go hand in hand, since they accompany each other in their course to 
the sweat glands. 



DIAPHOEETICS 



Pilocarpine 

Alcohol 

Spirit of nitrous ether 

Nitrites 

Volatile oils reflexly stimulate the 

circulation, as camphor 
Heart stimulants 

Ipecac and nauseants relax vessels 
External heat 
(Warm drinks) 



Pilocarpine stimulates the gland 
cells, or secretory nerve-endings. 
The others act indirectly by pro- 
moting the vascularity of the 
skin, and thus the activity of the 
sweat glands. 



Antimony salts 

Solution of ammonium acetate 

Opium 

Camphor 

Ipecac 

Potassium acetate 

Potassium citrate 

Aconite 



Stimulate sweat centres 



Action unknown 



60 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

(2) Drugs diminishing the secretion of sweat, or anhidrotics. 
They may depress the various parts of the mechanism which are 
stimulated, by diaphoretics. They are: 



Atropine 
Belladonna 
Hyoscyamus 
Stramonium 
{Cold externally) 



Acids 
Paralyze se- Zinc sa it s 
cretory nerve- Nux vomica 
endings Quinine 

Salicylic acid 



- Action undetermined 



Uses. — There are two indications for the use of diaphoretics. 
First, to bring blood to the surface and to cause sweating, thus 
equalizing the circulation in "colds," chills and congestions and re- 
ducing temperature in fever by evaporation and radiation of heat 
from the skin. Ammonium acetate, alcohol and spirit of nitrous 
ether are commonly used in the treatment of the disorders first noted, 
but acetanilid and phenacetin are more powerful antipyretics. 
Second, to eliminate morbid material from the blood in failure of 
the kidneys, as urinary suppression, or uremia. These conditions 
are comparatively rare in veterinary practice. The skin of the lower 
animals generally is much less responsive to diaphoretics than that 
of man, while horses and cattle are more susceptible to these agents 
than dogs, cats or pigs. 

A warm covering and atmosphere assist the dilation of the 
peripheral vessels and activity of the gland cells and should always 
be secured to aid diaphoresis. Anhidrotics are of little service in 
veterinary medicine. Excessive sweating is usually' a sign of 
debility and is remedied by rest, tonics and good feeding. 



Drugs Which Destroy Microorganisms and Parasites. 

(1) Disinfectants or Germicides are agents which destroy the 
microorganisms causing infectious and contagious diseases, fermenta- 
tion and putrefaction. Examples : 

Corrosive mercuric chloride Sulphurous acid 

Carbolic acid Chlorine 

Lime Heat 

Chlorinated lime 

(2) Antiseptics are agents which prevent the growth and de- 



DRUGS WHICH DESTROY MICRO-ORGANISMS AND PARASITES 



61 



velopment of the microorganisms occasioning fermentation, putre- 
faction and disease; more especially the micrococci producing sup- 
puration. Those used externally for surgical purposes are : 

Iodine and its tincture Potassium permanganate lodol 



Alcohol 


Zinc chloride 


Boric acid 


Carbolic acid 


Zinc sulphate 


Benzoin 


Corrosive sublimate 


Formalin 


Thymol 


Creolin 


Iodoform 


Balsam of Peru 


Lysol 


Salicylic acid 




Hydrogen dioxide 


Aristol 




Antiseptics which 


are given internally : 


Naphtol 


Bismuth 


salicylate 


Salol 


" 


subnitrate 


Creolin 


Quinine 




Carbolic acid 


Volatile 


oils and others 



Deodorants,, or Deodorizers, are agents which destroy or counter- 
act a foul odor. Those possessing any real value are also disinfect- 
ants and antiseptics, and remove the source of the odor. 

(For further details see special article on disinfectants, antisep- 
tics and deodorants, p. 637.) 

Anthelmintics or Vermicides are drugs which kill intestinal 
worms, as the various species of taenia (tape worm) ; of ascaris 
(round worms) and oxyuris, thread, seat or whip worm, inhabiting 
the alimentary canal of the domestic animals. They are absorbed 
with difficulty, or they would poison the host as well as the parasites. 



Anthelmintics inimical to taenia are: 

Aspidium (horse and dog) Calomel 

Oil of turpentine * Arsenic 
Kousso Aloes 

Areca nut (sheep and lambs) Linseed, 

Pumpkin seed or castor oil 



cotton-seed 



Aid in expulsion of 
dead parasites 



Anthelmintics destroying ascarides. 



HORSES. 



Creolin 

Aloes 

Oil of turpentine 

Arsenic 

Calomel 



Iron 

Gentian 

Arsenic 

Copper sulphate 



Tonics 



62 GENERAL ACTION OF DRUGS 

DOGS. 
Areca nut Santonin Spigelia 

Anthelmintics hilling oxyurides. 

Rectal injections containing salt, solution of lime, quassia, iron 
salts, alum and oil of turpentine are used to destroy these parasites 
infesting the lower bowel. 

Anthelmintics destroying strongylidw. 

Thymol Turpentine Asipidium 

Anthelmintics destroying cestri equi ("Bots"). 

Carbon disulphide Hydrochloric acid ") 

Chloroform Bitters 

Iron > Tonics 

Arsenic 

Copper sulphate j 

Vermifuges are purgatives (as aloes and oil) used to expel dead 
parasites from the bowels after the administration of anthelmintics. 

Parasiticides, or antiparasitics, are drugs which destroy para- 
sites, more especially those inhabiting the skin. We may classify 
them as those used: 

(1) Against Tinea (Ringworm and Favus). 
Mercurial ointments Chrysarobin ointment Salicylic acid 



Tincture of iodine 
Glycerite of carbolic acid 
Creolin 
Creosote 


Cantharides 
Croton oil 
Formalin 




Boric acid 
Thymol 
Sulphurous acid 


(2) Against Acari. (Scab, 

Sulphur 

Tar 

Peruvian balsam 

Styrax 


itch and mange) . 
Carbolic acid 
Corrosive sublimate 
Salicylic acid 
Cantharides 


(3) Against Pediculi. (Lice.) 
Staphisagria Cai-bolic acid 
Oil of tar Creolin 
Peruvian balsam Tobacco 
Styrax Pyrethrum 
Oil of anise 





DRUGS WHICH DESTROY MICRO-ORGANISMS AND PARASITES 63 



(4) Against Pulex irritans. (Flea.) 

Pyrethrum Oil of anise 

Carbolic soap 



(5) Against Actinomycosis. 



Tincture of iodine 
Potassium iodide 
Glycerite of carbolic acid 



Iodoform 
Copper sulphate 
Corrosive sublimate 



(6) Against Oideum albicans. 
stomatitis.) 



(Thrush, aphtha, aphthous 



Boric acid 
Potassium chlorate 
Potassium Permanganate 



Alum 

Salicylic acid 
Hydrochloric acid 



(7) Against Strongylus micrurus and filaria. (Intratracheal 
injections of carbolic acid and turpentine.) 

(For details concerning the use of parasiticides, see special 
articles on the drugs enumerated above and p. 723.) 



The More Important Medicinal Bodies and Principles 
Contained in Drugs. 

Alkaloideum , pi. Alhaloidea, — Alkaloids. Characteristics: 

1. Alkaloids are nitrogenous bodies, being the active principles 
of many vegetable drugs. 

2. They resemble mineral bases in that they have an alkaline 
reaction and unite with acids to form soluble crystalline salts. 
Hence their name, alkaloids. 

3. Chemically they are ammonia, compounds. One or more 
atoms of H (in ]STH 3 ) are replaced by various radicals. 

4. They are mostly insoluble in water, but very soluble in 
alcohol. Solutions possess a bitter taste. 

5. They are similar to animal alkaloids and probably have a 
like origin, i.e., from the decomposition of albuminoid material. 

6. Alkaloids are precipitated in solutions by tannin, forming 
insoluble tannates. 

They are usually solids and their salts are soluble and con- 
venient for hypodermic use. 

8. Their Latin ending is ina; English, me; viz.: Morphina, 
morphine. 

Examples: An alkaloid of cinchona is quinine; of belladonna, 
atropine. 

Olucosideum, pi. Glucosidea. — Glocosides are neutral, non- 
nitrogenous organic bodies, representing the active principles of 
many vegetable drugs. They yield glucose and other substances on 
decomposition. Hence their name. Their Latin ending is inum; 
English, in; viz., salcinum, salicin. 

Examples: A glucoside of digitalis is digitalin; of santoninum 
is santonin. 

Oleum, pi. Olea. — Fixed oils are combinations of glycerin with 
fatty acids ; usually oleic, stearic, margaric or palmitic acids. They 

64 



MEDICINAL BODIES AND PRINCIPLES CONTAINED IN DRUGS 65 

are liquid at ordinary temperatures and soluble in benzin, chloro- 
form and ether. Exposed to the air they undergo acid fermentation, 
resulting in "rancidity." Fixed oils are expressed from fruits and 
seeds of plants and animal tissue. They are "fixed" because they 
cannot be distilled. They leave a greasy mark on paper. 

Examples: Cod liver oil, castor oil, olive oil, linseed oil and 
croton oil. 

Oleum, pi. Olea. — Eats are solid, fixed oils. 

Examples: Lard, cacao butter. 

Oleum destillatum, pi. Olea. destillata. — Distilled oils are ob- 
tained by the distillation of flowers, fruits, leaves or seeds of plants ; 
by maceration, infusion, expression; or by extraction with solvents. 
They are either liquid or solid and possess an aromatic odor and 
taste. They are lighter than water, and soluble in alcohol, ether, 
and very slightly soluble in water. Distilled oils are miscible with 
fatty substances and mineral oils. They do not leave a greasy mark 
on paper. 

Synonyms: Essential oils, volatile oils and ethereal oils. Al- 
coholic solutions of these oils are known as essences. 

Examples : Oil of peppermint, oil of cloves, oil of wintergreen. 

Oleo-resina, pi. Oleo-resinw. — Oleo-resins are semi-solid mix- 
tures of resins and volatile oils. Many are natural products, exuding 
from trees, as crude turpentine, which contains the volatile oil of 
turpentine and a resin, or what is commonly termed "rosin." They 
are soluble in ether. 

Examples: Oleo-resin of capsicum, oleo-resin of aspidium. 

Resina, pi. Resinw. — Resins are brittle, amorphous solids, 
soluble in alcohol and alkalies. They are obtained from oleo-resins 
by simple distillation, as in the case of turpentine; or may be ex- 
tracted from plants by means of heat or alcohol. 

Examples : The resins of Burgundy pitch and podophyllum. 

Balsamum, pi. Bahama. — Balsams are oleo-resins with the addi- 
tion of either cinnamic or benzoic acids, or both. They are solids 
or liquids. 

Examples : Balsam of Peru, balsam of Tolu. 

Gummus, pi. Gummi.* — <Gums are solid exudations from plants. 
They are generally soluble in water, and their solutions are precipi- 
tated by alcohol. 

Example: Gum acacia. 

Gum Resina, pi. Gum-Resince, are solid exudations from plants 
consisting of a mixture of a gum and a resin. 



Gummi (indeclinable noun), often used for gum or gums. 



66 PHARMACY 



Pharmaceutical Processes. 

Many of the technical methods are those employed in chemistry, 
but of those more especially used in pharmacy are the following: 



PROCESSES OF MECHANICAL DIVISION. 

Slicing. — This prepares the drug for further reduction, and is 
the first of all pharmaceutical processes. 

Bruising or Contusion. — Consists in breaking the drug by force, 
and is usually performed with an iron mortar and pestle. 

Rasping or Filing. — For those drugs not easily reduced by the 
former process, as guaiac wood. 

Trituration. — Performed with mortar and pestle. The effect 
produced where there is a circular motion, accompanied by pressure. 

Grinding and Sifting. — In order to exhaust drugs some must 
be ground and sifted to a finer powder than others. To accomplish 
this, after grinding, we use sieves of different degrees of fineness, 
designated by numbers 20, 40, 60, 80, 100. These have refer- 
ence to the number of meshes contained to the square inch. There- 
fore, when a 60 powder is directed to be used, it is that which will 
pass through a sieve containing 60 meshes to the square inch. 

Levigation. — Somewhat similar to trituration, but performed 
with a slab and mutter. These should be made of glass, or some non- 
absorbent material. 

Elutriaiion. — This consists in mixing the powder, obtained by 
some of the former comminuting processes, with water; agitating 
it ; allowing the coarser particles to settle, and pouring off the super- 
natant liquid which holds the finer particles in suspension. The 
powder settles from the latter and is dried. 



MECHANICAL PROCESSES. y 

Processes by which liquids are separated from solids, and by 
which active principles and soluble constituents are separated from 
the inert portion of the drug. 

Decantation.- — The process by which solids are allowed to sub- 
side in a mixture and the supernatant liquid is slowly poured off or 
decanted. Liquids which will not mix, or that are of different Sp. 
Gr., may be decanted one from the other. 

Filtration. — This is the process of separating solid insoluble 



PHARMACEUTICAL PROCESSES 67 

substance from a liquid by passing the liquid containing it through 
a porous substance called a filter. The filter commonly used consists 
of unsized or bibulous paper, although cotton, muslin, felt, earthen- 
ware, and other substances are employed. 

Percolation consists in the following process: A : pulverized 
vegetable drug (containing both soluble and insoluble constituents) 
is placed in a conical vessel, or percolator, and subjected to the 
action of a liquid called a menstruum, when the soluble portion, or 
percolate, flows from the lower opening. The menstruum as it de- 
scends becomes more and more saturated with the soluble constitu- 
ents of the drug. The first that escapes is the strongest, and 
each successive portion of the percolate becomes weaker until the 
drug is exhausted. The percolate should not drop faster than one 
or two drops a second. Percolation is employed in making tinctures, 
fluid and solid extracts, syrups and some other fluid pharmaceutical 
preparations. 

Clarification. — Is the process whereby cloudy substances are 
made clear by the addition of some coagulable substances, as albu- 
min or ichthyocolla. It is the adding to any fluid, containing a sedi- 
ment, a substance which will carry down all undissolved particles, 
then filtering or decanting the liquid. 



CHEMICAL PROCESSES USED IN PHARMACY. 

Solution.- — The process by which soluble substances assume the 
fluid state through the action of a liquid. 

Lixiviation. — Employed to separate a soluble constituent from 
an insoluble porous body. The substance to be lixiviated is mixed 
with water and placed in a conical vessel, the bottom of which is 
covered with straw or coarse sand, and, after maceration has con- 
tinued sufficiently, the saturated portion, called the lye, is drawn off 
from an opening in the lower part of the vessel. 

Crystallization. — Is the concentration of a liquid containing a 
soluble solid by means of heat, when on allowing it to stand until 
cool, crystals form. Stirring during cooling will produce granula- 
tion. Solution, filtration and crystallization are the three best ways 
of obtaining pure salts. 

PROCESSES REQUIRING THE, APPLICATION OF HEAT. 

Liquefaction. — Is the melting of substances which at ordinary 
temperature are hard, and when cool return to the same condition 
as before heating, as resin, wax, lard, tallow. 



68 PHARMACY 

Evaporation. — Is the conversion of a liquid into steam or 
vapor. Liquids which evaporate at ordinary temperature are called 
volatile , as alcohol. To keep the heat below the boiling point of 
water, we use the water bath, which cannot reach a higher tempera- 
ture than 100° C. To gradually increase the heat, use the sand 
bath. 

Distillation. — Is the vaporization of a liquid in a retort or a 
still, by heat, and conduction of the vapor through a cooled tube, 
where it is condensed and passes into a receiver and is called the 
distillate. Distillation is used to purify liquids or recover a volatile 
liquid from a solid, solution or mixture. Where two liquids are 
mixed that have different points of vaporization and are separated in 
this way, the process is called rectification. 

Sublimation. — Distillation of a volatile solid. When the prod- 
uct is in a solid form, it is called a sublimate, as iodine, camphor, 
etc. ; when in flakes, it is called flowers, as sulphur. 

Maceration. — A term used to denote the action of liquids upon 
drugs at ordinary temperature. 

Digestion. — Same process, with heat raised to 40° C. 

Menstruum,. — Any fluid substance used to dissolve a solid body 
or extract its medicinal principles. 

Excipient.— Any substance used to give a pill mass proper con- 
sistency. 

Exsiccate. — The process of removing alt moisture, even the 
water of crystallization, from a crystal, by the use of heat. 

Dessicate. — To remove all excess of moisture. Heat not usually 
employed in this process. 

Incineration. — The combustion of a substance for its ashes. 

Reduction is employed to recover a metal in its purity, when in 
a combined state. 



Pharmaceutical Preparations. 

The "United States Pharmacopoeia" is an authoritative book, 
including the drugs of most value, with a description of their prop- 
erties, tests for their purity, and methods for making their prepara- 
tions. It is revised each decade by a convention of representative 
delegates from medical schools and societies, schools of pharmacy 
and pharmaceutical associations, with the collaboration of medical 
officers from the army, navy and marine hospital service. The last 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS 69 

edition dates from September 1, 1905. All matter occurring in the 
"Pharmacopoeia" is said to be according to the U. S. P., or official. 
That occurring in the "British Pharmacopoeia" is marked B. P. 



Official Preparations. 

I. — Preparations Whose Solvent is Water. 

Decocium, pi. Decocta. — Decoctions are solutions of crude 
drugs in water, obtained by boiling. Unless specified otherwise, 
their strength is 5 per cent., and the boiling is conducted fifteen 
minutes. Decoctions tend to undergo rapid decomposition, and are 
only suitable in case of those drugs whose active principle is soluble 
in water. They are unsuitable when the active principle of a drug 
is volatile,' decomposed by heat, or when it contains much starch, 
which would form an easily decomposable, thick mass. 

Drugs containing hard, woody substances, especially albumin, 
which coagulates in boiling and remains in the crude drug, are those 
especially adapted for this method. 

Infusum, pi. Infusa. — Infusions are aqueous solutions of drugs 
made by maceration in boiling water, without the aid of ebullition. 
Maceration is done for half an hour, and the strength is 5 per cent., 
unless otherwise ordered. The same disadvantages apply in the 
case of infusions as with decoctions, in addition to the longer time 
required for their preparation. Some drugs, as digitalis or ergot, 
which yield their active principles to water and are more powerful 
when freshly made, are suitable for this process. 

Liquor, pi. Liquores. — Solutions are preparations holding 
active non-volatile principles in solution in water. They have no 
uniform strength. 

Aqua, pi. Aquae. — Waters are aqueous solutions of volatile 
principles. They have no uniform strength and are mostly solu- 
tions of volatile oils or gases. 

Mistura, pi. Mistura?. — Mixtures are compounds consisting of 
a combination of fluid preparations or compounds in which solid 
substances are dissolved or held in suspension by an appropriate 
vehicle. The term is thus very comprehensive, including most 
prescriptions for fluids used in practice, but more narrowly it applies 
in pharmacy to insoluble materials suspended by suitable vehicles in 
water, the whole to be shaken before using. They have no uniform 
strength. 



70 PHARMACY 

Emulsum, pi. Emulsa. — Emulsions are similar to mixtures in 
that an oily substance in a state of fine division is held in suspen- 
sion in a gummy or albuminous vehicle. They have no uniform 
strength. 

Syrupus, pi. Syrupi. — Syrups are saccharine solutions. The 
vehicle is usually water, although vinegar and alcohol may be used, 
and they are all medicated except the simple syrup. They are not 
of uniform strength. 



II. — Preparations Whose Solvent is Alcohol. 

Tinctura, pi. Tincturce. — Tinctures are alcoholic solutions of 
non-volatile principles, made usually by maceration and percola- 
tion of the crude drug. They vary in strength ; the more powerful 
drugs in 10 per cent., the weaker drugs in 20 per cent, solution. 
The alcohol in tinctures is often an important factor in the action 
of the preparation. Strong or diluted alcohol is used according to 
the solubility of the active principle. 

Spiritus, pi. Spiritus. — Spirits are alcoholic solutions of vola- 
tile substances, either gases, liquids or solids. They have no uniform 
strength. 

Elixir, pi. Elixirs. — Elixirs are alcoholic solutions of drugs 
containing sugar and aromatic substances. 



III. — Preparations Having Wine as a Solvent. 

Vinum, pi. Vina. — Wines are weak tinctures containing a 
small amount of alcohol, the remainder of the solvent being white 
wine. They have no definite strength. 



IV. — Preparations Having as a Solvent Diluted 
Acetic Acid. 

Acetum, pi. Aceta. — Vinegars are solutions of the active prin- 
ciples of drugs in acetic acid prepared by maceration and percola- 
tion. They are not of uniform strength. 



V. — Preparations Made by Solution and Evaporation. 

Extraction, pi. Extracta. — Extracts are concentrated prepara- 
tions of the crude drug. Ordinarilv alcoholic solutions of the crude 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS 71 

drug are obtained by maceration and percolation, and then evapo- 
rated to a pasty mass. They are usually stronger, weight for weight, 
than the crude drug, but are not of uniform strength. 

Fluidextr actum , pi. Fluidextr acta. — Fluidextracts are per- 
manent, concentrated medicinal solutions of uniform strength. 1 cc. 
of the fluidextract is equivalent to 1 gm. of the crude drug. This 
result is obtained by percolation (usually with alcohol) and partial 
evaporation.* 



VI. — Preparations Made by Distillation or Occurring 
Naturally, as Exudations from Trees. 

Oleo-Resina, pi. Oleo-Resinw. — Oleo-Resins are officially ex- 
tracts obtained by percolation of the crude drug with ether, and 
evaporation of the solvent. They have no uniform strength. 

Pulvis, pi. Pulveres. — Powders are preparations of finely pul- 
verized drugs. Sugar of milk is frequently added, on account of its 
hardness, to aid in pulverization and as a diluent. Comparatively 
tasteless, non-irritating and often insoluble drugs are given in this 
form. Drugs that are volatile, deliquescent or irritating are other- 
wise administered. Powders are used to advantage in veterinary 
practice, since they are often voluntarily on food. 

Trituratio, pi. Triturationes. — Triturates are combinations of 
drugs and sugar of milk, prepared by trituration. They occur in 
powder or are pressed into tablets. 

Oleum, pi. Olea. — Fixed oils are usually obtained by mechan- 
ical expression from the product of plants or the tissue of animals. 

Pilula, pi. Pilulce. — Pills are preparations of drugs made into 
globular form by the addition of a suitable excipient, and should be 
of a convenient size for swallowing. 

Massa, pi. Massce.- — 'Masses are pasty mixtures suitable for 
making pills. 

Suppositorium, pi. Suppositoria. — Suppositories are medicinal 
substances incorporated with cacao butter and moulded into solid, 
usually conical, bodies intended for introduction into the rectum 
or vagina, where they melt at the temperature of the body. 

Confectio, pi. Confectiones. — Confections are pasty masses, 
consisting of powder incorporated with syrup. 



* The last (eighth) edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs that many 
of the fluidextracts be assayed so that they will contain a definite prescribed 
amount of the active principle. 



72 PHAEMACY 

VIII. — Preparations Intended for External, Use* 

Linimentum, pi. Linimenta. — Liniments are liquid preparations 
with an oily, alcoholic or soapy basis. 

Oleatum, pi. Oleata. — Oleates are medicinal solutions in oleic 
acid. 

Unguenium, pi. Unguenta. — Ointments are preparations having 
a fatty basis (80 per cent, of lard). 

Ceratum, pi. Cerata. — Cerates are similar to ointments but 
harder, owing to the addition of 10 per cent, more wax. 

Glyceritum, pi. Glycerita, — Glycerites are preparations whose 
solvent is glycerin. 

Emplastrum, pi. Emplastra. — Plasters are solid, sticky, supple 
preparations intended for application to the skin, where they be- 
come adhesive at the temperature of the body. In veterinary par- 
lance they are often known as "charges." 

Cliarta, pi. Chartoe. — Papers are fragments of medicated paper. 

Collodium, pi. Collodia. — Collodions are solutions of gun cotton 
in ether and alcohol, leaving a thin, dry, adhesive coating when 
applied externally. 

IX. — Preparations Having Honey as an Excipient. 
Mel. pi. Melita. — Honeys. 

X. — Non-Official Preparations Peculiar to Veterinary 

Practice. 

Bolus, pi. Boli. — Balls are substitutes for pills. They are of 
elongated, cylindrical shape, about two and one-half inches long, 
and should weigh about two ounces when intended for horses. Vari- 
ous excipients are used to make a mass of the proper consistency. 
Eor immediate use, molasses and licorice root may be employed, and 
brown tissue paper is used as a covering for the balls. Gelatine 
capsules may take the place of the balls, and should be covered with 
paper to prevent slipping through the fingers when wet with saliva. 

Linseed meal is a good excipient on account of its gum. Soap is 
often used, and glycerin makes a good preservative and keeps the 
mass moist. 

Heat is often necessary in preparing a ball mass when the 
materials are resinous (as aloes) or waxy. A ball is given to a horse 
by holding it in the right hand, the tips of the fingers and thumb 
surrounding it in the form of a cone. The tongue of the animal 
being drawn to the operator's left with his left hand, the right is 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS 73 

then quickly passed along the roof of the patient's mouth (avoiding 
the edges of the back teeth) until the back of the tongue is reached, 
when the ball is dropped, the right hand rapidly removed and the 
tongue released. 

If the mouth is narrow or the animal unmanageable, a balling 
iron or speculum is used to keep the mouth open. The horse may 
be backed into a narrow stall and the head steadied by an attendant 
with the assistance of a "twitch" on the nose. Substances of an 
irritating nature may be given in this form, and balls are also used 
when the disposition of the patient does not admit the giving of a 
drench. 

Hausius, pi. Haustus, — A drench is an extemporaneous fluid 
mixture, intended for immediate use as a single dose. 

Soluble substances are best given in solution to obtain the most 
rapid results, unless irritating. Even then they may be preferable 
when sufficiently diluted with water and demulcents. Insoluble 
drugs may at times be given to advantage in a mixture rather than 
in the form of a ball or powder. Most official fluid preparations 
require dilution before administration, but for convenience small 
doses of tinctures and fluidextracts are dropped upon the tongue of 
horses unless the preparations are exceptionally acrid. Drenches 
are particularly applicable for cattle and sheep, as solids are not 
quickly absorbed in their capacious digestive apparatus, and drenches 
are given them with ease. 

The amount of liquid conveniently administered to horses is 
from one to two pints; to dogs, from two to four ounces; to sheep, 
six to eight ounces. Cattle take readily unlimited quantities. Care 
should be observed that drenches are so diluted as to be harmless to 
the mucous membrane, and, if containing insoluble drugs, that these 
be held in suspension by a suitable vehicle or thoroughly shaken 
before using. Drenches are best given to horses by making a loop 
on the end of a rope, passing the upper jaw through this, the other 
end of the rope being passed through a pulley in the ceiling and held 
by the operator or assistant. The horse should be first backed into a 
narrow stall. The neck of the bottle (which should properly be 
made of horn or tin) containing the drench, being introduced and 
held in the right hand of the operator between the outside of the 
back teeth and the inside of the cheek of the patient, the left hand is 
used to steady the nose of the animal, but the nostrils should not be 
obstructed. 

In giving drenches to cattle the operator stands on their left 
and passes his right arm between the horns over the poll and down 
in front of the face, grasping the nasal septum between the thumb 
and forefinger. The neck of the bottle is then thrust with the left 



74 PHARMACY 

hand into the animal's month. Dogs are given drenches with the 
aid of an assistant, who holds the month closed with one hand, while 
he makes a cup by pulling the corner of the lip away from the teeth 
with the other hand, into which the medicine may be slowly poured, 
the animal easily swallowing it. Small dogs may be placed sitting 
upon a table. A large dog may be put upon his hind quarters in a 
corner, and his head held between the knees of the operator. Cats 
are given drenches by rolling them in a heavy blanket with only the 
head out and the jaws held apart by means of two loops of tape about 
either jaw behind the incisor teeth. The jaws are then pulled apart 
by drawing on either loop from above and below the animal's head. 
Sheep may be drenched by backing them into a corner and by holding 
the head of the animal between the knees of the operator. 

Drenches should never be poured into animals if in an uncon- 
scious condition, for then they are unable to swallow, and the fluid 
may gravitate into the trachea. If coughing ensues during the ad- 
ministration of a drench, the procedure should be immediately 
stopped. 

A pint syringe may be used to drench the larger animals. The 
jaws are held closed by a strap or rope about the head and the lips 
held together by an attendant. 

The nozzle of the syringe, or a rubber tube connected with it, is 
introduced at one corner of the mouth and the fluid injected toward 
the back of the tongue. 

Electuarium, pi. Electuaria. — Electuaries are medicinal pastes 
intended to be smeared on the teeth of animals, where they melt at 
the temperature of the body and become absorbed. Molasses, honey, 
glycerin, syrup or mucilage are used as excipients. Electuaries are 
used for their local action on the mouth and throat, and for con- 
venience in administration, if so crude a method may be thus 
described. A certain specified quantity of the electuary may be 
weighed by the dispenser and served as a sample, or a domestic 
utensil may be employed to measure the dose, which is smeared 
with a thin, flat stick on the back teeth or tongue of the patient. 



INCOMPATIBILITY. 



Before entering upon the study of prescription writing, it is 
essential to consider the results of improper combination of drugs, 
i.e., incompatibility. 

While a knowledge of chemistry, pharmacy and the physio- 
logical actions of drugs is necessary to avoid incompatibility, it is 
yet possible to formulate certain rules which will assist us in escap- 
ing unfortunate combinations. 

Incompatibility is conveniently divided into three classes: 
I. Chemical. II. Physical. III. Physiological. 

I. Chemical incompatibility occurs when drugs are so mixed 
that an unsuitable alteration in their chemical composition takes 
place. Certain substances should usually be prescribed alone be- 
cause of the frequency with which chemical changes arise when 
they are combined with other medicines. These are : 

Lead, silver and zinc salts Mineral acids 

Iodine and iodides Solution of potassa and lime 

Tannic and gallic acids Quinine sulphate 

Liquid iron preparations Hydrocyanic acid 

Corrosive sublimate 

The possibilities of the following combinations must be kept 
in mind to avoid incompatibility : 

1. Solutions of alkaloids are incompatible with tannic acid, 
alkalies, alkaline salts, and iodides and bromides, because precipita- 
tion occurs. 

2. Glucosides are decomposed by acids and are, therefore, incom- 
patible with them. 

3. Acids may not be added to alkalies, alkaline salts or vege- 
table acid salts, because decomposition and chemical change will 
ensue. 

4. A mixture of salts in solution will decompose if either an 

75 



76 INCOMPATIBILITY 

insoluble compound or double salt can be formed; otherwise no 
change will take place. 

5. Chloral is incompatible with alkaline solutions, because 
chloroform is generated. 

6. Chloroform and potassium cyanide form prussic acid. 

7. Potassium chlorate, nitrate, or permanganate, liberate 
oxygen and should not be mixed with readily oxidizable substances, 
such as charcoal, sugar, sulphur, glycerin, carbolic acid, iodine, tur- 
pentine and organic materials, lest explosive compounds be formed. 

8. Lime water precipitates mercury salts. 

9. Both calomel and antipyrine are incompatible with sweet 
spirit of nitre. 

30. Calomel may not be combined with nitrohydrochloric acid 
lest corrosive sublimate result. 

11. Calomel and prussic acid form the poisonous mercuric 
cyanide. 

12. Liquid iron compounds are incompatible with fluid prepara- 
tions of the vegetable bitters (except those of calumba and quassia), 
because the tannic acid in them throws down a precipitate. 

13. Considerable quantities of acid are incompatible with tinc- 
tures, since ethers are produced. 

14. Water precipitates resinous tinctures. 

15. Gum arabic is incompatible with lead and iron salts, and 
mineral acids. 

16. Strychnine is precipitated in solution by potassium bromide. 

17. Pepsin and pancreatin are mutually destructive in fluid 
combination. 

18. Solutions of potassium chlorate and iodide unite to form a 
poisonous compound. 

It is beyond our scope to attempt the enumeration of all possible 
drug-incompatibilities. The special incompatibilities of each drug 
may be found under the proper heading in the detailed description 
of them. Furthermore, we may avoid incompatibility by (above 
all) simplicity in prescription writing, i.e., the use of a few drugs 
in combination. Water or alcohol are generally the best solvents. 

II. Physical incompatibility consists in the production of un- 
sightly-looking mixtures, but without necessarily causing any chem- 
ical alteration of their ingredients; for example, the addition of 
water to insoluble powders, oils and chloroform. While such com- 
binations are pharmaceutically improper, they may sometimes be 
used to advantage in practice. 

III. Physiological incompatibility consists in the union of 



* INCOMPATIBILITY 77 

drugs possessing antagonistic physiological actions. For instance, 
the combination of purgatives and astringents; of morphine and 
atropine ; of digitalis and nitroglycerin. Such prescriptions may be 
valuable therapeutically when the antagonism is not complete. This 
follows because, while deleterious action of one drug may be offset 
by another, its beneficial effect may at the same time exist or be 
accentuated. Thus the anodyne influence of morphine is increased 
by combination with atropine, but both the depressing action of 
morphine on the respiration and its constipating tendencies are 
lessened by atropine. 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 



Words and Phrases Commonly Used in Prescription Writing, 
With their Abbreviations. 



LATIN WOBD. 


ABBREVIATION. 


TRANSLATION. 


Acidum 


Acid. 


An acid 


Ad 




To, up to 


Ad libitum 


Ad lib. 


At pleasure 


Adde 


Add. 


Add (thou) 


Ana 


A. aa. 


Of each 


Aqua fontana 


Aq. font. 


Water, spring 


Aqua destillata 


" dest. 


" distilled 


Bene 




Well 


Bis in dies 


Bis. ind. 


Twice daily 


Cape, Capiat 


Cap. 


Take. Let him take 


Capsula 


Caps. 


A capsule 


Ceratum 


Cerat. 


A cerate 


Charta (karta) 


Chart. 


A paper (medicated) 


Chartula (kartula) 


Chart. 


A little paper for a 
powder 


Cochleare magnum 


Coch. mag. 


A tablespoon 


Cochleare parvum 


Coch. parv. 


A teaspoon 


Cola, Colatus 


Col. 


Strain, strained 


Collyrmm 


Collyr. 


An eye wash 


Compositus 


Co. Comp. 


Compound 


Congius 


C. 


A gallon 


Confectio 


Conf. 


A confection 


Cortex 


Cort. 


Bark 


Cum 




With 


Decoctum 


Decoc. 


A decoction 


Dilute, Dilutus 


Dil. 


Dilute (thou), diluted 


Divide 


D. Div. 


Divide (thou) 


Dividendus 


Dividend. 


To be divided 


Dividatur in parts «qu- 


D. in p. a;q. 


Let it be divided into 


ales. 




equal parts 


Dosis 


Dos. 


A dose 


Emplastrum 


Emp. 


A plaster 


Enema 


Enem. 


An enema 


Extractum 


Ext. 


An extract 


Fac, fiat, fiant 


F. 


Make, let be made, let 
them be made 


Filtrum, Filtra 


Fil. 


A filter. Filter (thou) 


Fluidus 


Fl. f. 


Fluid 


Glyceritum 


Glyc. 


A glycerin 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 



79 



LATIN WOED. 


ABBREVIATION. 


TRANSLATION. 


Gutta, Guttae 


Gtt. 


A drop, drops 


Guttatim 


Guttat. 


Drop by drop 


Haustus 


Haust. 


A draught 


Hora 


H. Hor. 


An hour 


In dies 


Ind. 


Daily 


Infusum 


Inf. 


An infusion 


Injectio 


Inj. 


An injection 


Lac 




Milk 


Libra 


Lb. 


A pound, a Troy pound 


Liquor, or Liq'uor 


Liq. 


A solution 


Lotio (losheo) 




A lotion 


Magnus 


Mag. 


Large 


Massa 


Mass. 


A pill-mass 


Misce 


M. 


Mix 


Mistura 


Mist. 


A mixture 


Mucilago 


Mucil. 


A mucilage 


Nox, Norte Maneque 




Night, at night and in 
the morning 


Numerus, Numero 


No. 


A number, in number 


Octarius 


0. 


A pint 


Pars 




A part (governs genitive) 


Partes aquales 


P. se. 


Equal parts 


Parvus 


Parv. 


Small 


Pilula 


Pil. 


A pill 


Pro re nata 


P. r. n. 


According to circum- 
stances ; occasionally 


Pulvis 


Pulv. 


A powder 


Quantum Sufficiat 


Q. S. (followed by- 
genitive) 


As much as is necessary 


Quaqua bora 


Q. h. 


Every hour 


Saturatus 


Sat. 


Saturated 


Semissis 


Ss. 


A half 


Seniidrachma 


Semidr. 


A half drachm 


Sesuncia 


Sesunc. 


An ounce and a half 


Signa 


S. Sig. 


Sign 


Solve, Solutus 


Solv. 


Dissolve, dissolved 


Solutio 


Sol. 


A solution 


Spiritus 


Spr. 


A spirit 


Suppositoria 


Suppos. 


A suppository 


Syrups 


Syr. 


A syrup 


Talis 


Tal. 


Such, or, like 


Tinetura 


Tra. Tr. 


A tincture 


Ter in die 


T. i. d. 


Thi-ee times a day 


Unguentum 


Ungt. 


An ointment 


Vinum 


Vin. 


A wine 


Vehieulum 


Vehic. 


A menstrum 



80 PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

A prescription, derived from the Latin Prae, before, and 
Scriptum, written, comes to us from the early custom of physicians 
in writing down their advice beforehand for their patients' guidance. 
As now used it is the written formula of the practitioner describing 
to the pharmacist the manner of compounding and dispensing medi- 
cines, and to the attendant the mode of administering them. 

Formulae are official when simply taken from the "United States 
Pharmacopoeia," and extemporaneous when concocted offhand by the 
practitioner. Extemporaneous formulae are simple when composed 
of one ingredient; a compound prescription is composed of several 
parts, which may be considered as follows : 

I. Heading. 
II. Names and quantities of drugs. 

III. Direction to compounder. 

IV. Direction to attendant. 
V. Signature of writer. 

The heading, "Recipe," is derived from the Latin, the im- 
perative of the verb meaning to take, and is ordinarily represented 
by the sign R, a corruption of U , the sign of the Zodiac for Jupiter. 
After the Christian era the sign of the Cross was used, or ~N. D., for 
Nomine Deo, in God's name; J. D. for Juvane Deo, meaning God 
helping, etc. We have now reverted to the old sign, which is all that 
remains of an appeal to Jupiter. This symbol seems to put the 
practitioner, even if involuntarily, into a position of reverence in 
thus offering a prayer in embryo (the old physicians also wrote one) 
whenever one writes a prescription. The custom also suggests that 
we are not yet sufficiently sure of our Materia Medica after all these 
centuries, to sacrifice the efficacy of prayer. 

In regard to the names and quantities of drugs, we find in the 
text books that one should always strive after a classical arrange- 
ment, whereby four ingredients are essential to accomplish any result. 
These include : 

I. The basis, or active medicinal substance. 

II. The adjuvant, or assistant. 

III. The corrigent, or corrective. 

IV. The excipient, vehicle, or menstruum. 
| 

But we shall find that while such a classical arrangement may 
exist in the text-books, we are usually content in practice with the 
basis, together with a vehicle. The classical arrangement is essen- 
tial in order that the old Latin motto be fulfilled : "Curare cito, tuto 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 81 

et jucunde." Curare — to cure (the basis) ; cito — quickly (the 
adjuvant) ; tuto — safely (the corrigent) ; jucunde — pleasantly (the 
excipient). 

In a physic hall for horses we may employ aloes as a basis; 
calomel as an adjuvant; ginger as a corrective; molasses as an ex- 
cipient. More commonly in fluid preparations we prescribe several 
bases, or ingredients for curative purposes, neglecting any adjuvant 
or corrigent and simply using water as a vehicle. It is often of 
distinct advantage to write for a combination of several drugs whose 
action looks towards a common end. Yet one should always lean to 
simplicity rather than complexity in the number of ingredients. 
While it is difficult to avoid chemical antagonism, how much harder 
is it to prevent untoward physiological combinations in the body, 
which we can in no wise foretell. In olden times ignorance led prac- 
titioners to try the effect of an enormous number of drugs, with the 
hope that out of the charge one at least of the pellets in these shot- 
gun prescriptions might strike the desired spot, if the others failed 
to do so. But we now believe that the damage done by all the shot 
which miss far surpasses the good accomplished by the successful 
missile. Four hundred different remedies are included in one of 
these old formulas, whereas now it is rare to find four in a prescrip- 
tion. 

In relation to the third part of the prescription (the directions 
to the compounder), we find that a few regulation Latin phrases or 
words express these directions. If one is unfamiliar with Latin, one 
can easily memorize these words and phrases understandingly. The 
directions to the attendant are heralded by the Latin Signa, or 
Signetur, meaning label, or let it be labelled; abbreviated, "Sig." 
or merely "S.," and being for the use of the attendant of the patient, 
are in English. The directions should be very precise. One should 
not write: "Use as directed," or "Give in water," but indicate ex- 
actly the quantity of medicine to be administered, the precise amount 
of water with which it is to be diluted, and the time at which it is 
to be given. For instance: "Give one tablespoonful in half a pint 
of water three times daily after feeding." 

Poisons should be marked as such. It is well sometimes to in- 
dicate that the prescription is "for a horse," in order to avoid mis- 
takes and to quell the qualms of the conscientious druggist. 

Preparations which are not to be used internally should be 
labelled "external use." Under "Signature" the name of the writer 
and date is included. If desirable, one may inscribe "Do not re- 
peat." Quantities used in prescription writing are indicated by 
the signs of the apothecaries or Troy system of weights for solids. 
For liquids, signs representing units of the wine measure are em- 



82 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 



ployed. The Troy grain and ounce are used by apothecaries as units 
of weights in dispensing prescriptions. In ordering large quantities 
(as pounds) the avoirdupois pound of 16 ounces is employed, and 
in buying ounces of drugs without a prescription the avoirdupois 
ounce is also utilized. The avoirdupois ounce contains 437 grains; 
the Troy ounce contains 480 grains. The grain is of similar value 
in both svstems. 



TROY, OR APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT. 



Weight 

Pound 

Ounce 

Drachm 

Scruple 

Grain 



Sign 


Latin name 


ft> 


Libra 


I 


Uncia 


3 


Drachma 


9 


Scrupulum 


gr. 


Granum 



WINE MEASURE. 



Measure 


Sign 


Latin Name 


Gallon .... 


C 


Congius 


Pint 





Octarius 


Fluid Ounce .... 


Fl. % 


Fluida Uncia 


Fluid Drachm .... 


Fl. 3 


Fluida Drachma 


Minim .... 


ni 


Minimum 



A drop is often used synonymously with minim, which is cor- 
rect if the substance spoken of is water, or a liquid of nearly similar 
density. If the liquid is not of similar density, then a minim, or 
the sixtieth part of a drachm, is far from being a drop as measured 
by dropping a liquid from any ordinary utensil. Any amount from 
45 drops to 276 drops, measured in this way, may be obtained from 
a drachm of fluid, according to its density, mode of dropping, and 
kind of vessel from which it is dropped. 

A gutta (gtt.), then, is of no fixed value, but means a drop as 
dropped from a vessel ; while a minim is always the sixtieth part of 
a drachm. 



RELATIVE VALUE OF UNITS IN THE WINE MEASURE. 



c 









■1 




3 




m. 


1C 


= 


8 


= 


128 


= 


1024 


= 


61,440 






Oi. 


— 


16 


= 


128 


= 


7,680 










3i- 


'=. 


8 
3i. 





480 
60 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING S3 

RELATIVE VALUE OF UNITS IN TROY SYSTEM. 



ft 


3 




3 




9 




Gr. 


1 


= 12 


= 


96 


= 


28S 


= 


5,760 




§i. 


= 


8 


= 


24 


= 


480 








3i. 


= 


3 

9 i. 





60 
20 



The abbreviation, Fl., is usually omitted in prescription writ- 
ing, as referring to fluids, the character of the preparation being 
sufficiently apparent. The Eonian numerals are used to express the 
quantities employed. The Roman numerals are written under a 
horizontal line, the i's or j's are dotted (they are identical in Latin) 
and the dot serves to enforce and check the numbers used. Frac- 
tions are usually expressed in ordinary Arabic characters, except 1/2, 
which is often indicated by a double s (ss), standing for semis, the 
Latin for one-half. 



APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENTS OF WINE UNITS IN DOMESTIC 

MEASURES. 



Teaspoon 


= 


3 i.-ii. 


= 


5 Cc. 


Dessert spoon 


= 


3 ii. 


= 


10 Cc. 


Table spoon 


= 


E ss. 


= 


15 Cc. 


Cup 


= 


?\ i v 




120 Cc. 


Tumbler 


= 


E viii. 


= 


250 Cc. 



There are usually about six teaspoonfuls to the fluid ounce. 
It is a good plan to have some regard for the size of vials generally 
kept by druggists, and to write for a quantity to fill the bottle. The 
bottles commonly in use in human and canine practice are the 2 and 
4 drachm; the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, and 16 ounce. 

The 2 drachm bottles are useful for measuring the dose of fluid 
extracts for horses ; the 3 ounce bottle is convenient in writing pre- 
scriptions in the metric system for dogs, as it holds approximately 
100 Cc. The 4 ounce bottle is the common size, employed in canine 
practice, containing 24 doses of one teaspoonful each. The % pt- 
and pt. bottles are more appropriate for larger animals. 

THE METRIC SYSTEM. 

The metric system will be described, because it is the universal 
system employed in scientific writings, and is now official. It is 



84 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 



based on the fact that a uniform, unchangeable standard is em- 
ployed as the unit of all measures, whether of weight, capacity or 
area. This standard is the ten-millionth part of the distance from 
either pole to the equator, and is denominated a meter (39.371 
inches), and is the standard of length. The cube of 0.1 of a meter 
is taken as the unit of capacity and called a litre (2.1135 pints). 
The weight of water at its greatest density, 4° C. (39.2° F.), which 
this cube will contain, is termed a kilogram (2.2046 lbs. Avoirdu- 
pois), and is the unit of the measure of weight. 

METRIC DIAGRAM. 



The weight of water that the small cube will contain is one 
gramme. This is the unit of weight of the metric system. 






One=tenth Metre Long 



IGm. 



U- 



E 

c 
u 



X5 
O 

o 
o 



u 

o 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 85 

But for prescriptions and other small weighings lesser units than 
the kilo and liter are required and therefore the cube of one-hun- 
dredth of a meter is taken and the weight of water which this cube 
holds is recognized as the unit of weight and called a gram (15,432 
grains). The quantity of water contained in the cube of one-hun- 
dredth of a meter is used as a unit in measuring capacity in chem- 
ical and pharmaceutical practice and termed a cubic centimeter. 
The multiples of these measures, proceeding in decimal progression, 
are distinguished by Greek numerals as prefixes, i.e., Deca-10, 
Hecto-100, Kilo-1000. The subdivisions of the unit are represented 
by the Latin prefixes, as Deci-0.1, Centi-0.01, Milli-0.001. Hence, 
using the gram as the unit, we can arrange a table as follows : 

Kilogram = 1,000 grams == 1,000.0 

Hectogram = 100 grams = 100.0 

Decagram = 10 grams = 10.0 

Gram = 1 gram = 1.0 

Decigram = 1^0 gram = 0.1 

Centigram = i/ioo gram = 0.01 

Milligram = %ooo gram — 0.001 

The metric system has the advantage of being arranged deci- 
mally, which makes the computation of percentages easy, and the 
transference of a quantity of one denomination to that of another, 
by merely shifting a decimal point. There are other advantages 
which make it of value to practitioners. Our present system is not 
uniform with that of any other country. The English, while using 
the same nomenclature for weights and measures, put a different value 
upon them. The system has another value, at least theoretically, in 
having one unit for weights and measures. The unit of the fluid 
measure is 1 cubic centimeter of water, which at 4° C. weighs one 
gram. As a matter of fact, fluids are dispensed in the metric system 
by measuring them in Cc, and if liquids were all of the same density 
as water, they would be equivalent to grams of water when measured 
in Cc. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Theoretically, medicine 
should be dispensed by weight in the metric system, but as medicines, 
when given to patients, are usually measured by bulk, they cannot 
be dispensed by weight without producing a complication. For ex- 
ample, suppose that we order chloroform in a prescription in the 
metric system,- — 



R Chloroformi 30 

S. Two tea spoonfuls in water. 



John Smith. 



86 PRESCRIPTION WRITING- 

thinking we are dispensing 10 grams,* for a teaspoonful holds 5 
grams of water. But as chloroform weighs % more than water, we 
really have ordered 10+ 1 /2=15 Gm. of chloroform. Therefore, in 
writing a prescription for chloroform with other ingredients, weighed 
in Gm., we would have to add % of the number of Gm. of chloroform 
in the prescription to the number previously estimated in order to 
make the chloroform of the same bulk as other liquids of the density 
of water. 

In order to avoid reducing substances of density differing from 
that of water, to terms of equivalency with that of water, it is the 
custom, and now official, to weigh solids in Gm. and measure liquids 
in Cc. This is an exact method if the doses of drugs are learned in 
the same way: i.e., if the doses of solids are learned in Gm. and 
prescribed in Gm., and the doses of liquids are learned in Cc. and 
prescribed in Cc. 

In writing prescriptions in the metric system a line is drawn 
perpendicularly across the right-hand side of the blank to indicate the 
decimal point; multiples of the unit being placed to the left of the 
line, while fractions are written to the right of the decimal line. In 
using this system we are spared the annoyance of special signs and 
different tables for weights and measures. As matters now stand we 
must be cognizant of both systems, and be able to .convert the old into 
the new, or vice versa. One drachm is equivalent to four grams, 
3 i.=Gm. 4. Therefore, Gm. 1=31/4 or Gr. 15. Then Gr. i.=l/15 
of Gm. i. ; or 



15) 1.000 (.066 
90 

100 
90 



The equivalent of Gr. 1 is Gm. .06. In order to determine the 
equivalent of fractions of a grain in grams, we divide .06 by the 
denominator and multiply the result by the numerator of the fraction 
of a grain. For example: 

Gr. §=§ of .06 Gm.; as .06 Gm. = Gr. i., then 

3). 06 (.02 X 2 = .04. Therefore, Gr. § = .04 Gm. 
6 





For each dose. 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING °« 

Again : to find the equivalent of Gr. Vs m Gm. 

8). 066 (.008 X 1 = .008 
64 

2 
Therefore, Gr. | = .00S Gm. 

We stated that 5 i.=4 Gm. It follows that § i. would equal 32 Gm. 
As a fact, 5 i. apothecaries' weight, is equivalent to a trifle less than 
Gm 4 • and an ounce, apothecaries' weight, is usually considered 
equal to' 30 Gm. (exactly 31.10 Gm.) for the sake of convenience. A 
fluid ounce in wine measure is precisely equivalent to 29.57 Cc 
We have here another reason why both solid and fluid ounces should 
he valued at 30 Gm. or Cc. Although it is the custom to regard the 
minim of liquid as the equivalent of one gram, it is inexact. An 
apothecaries' ounce weighs 480 Gr. ; a fluid ounce of wine measure 
weighs 457 Gr. Multiples of grams or cubic centimeters may be 
designated as such, instead of using the technical terms. It is per- 
fectly proper to speak of 100 Gm. as one hundred grams, although 
technically equal to a hectogram. .1 Gm. may be called one-tenth 
gram, although technically a decigram. Similar remarks apply to 
Cc, yet 1,000 Cc. (approximately 1 quart) equal one liter, and this 
term is in common use. 



88 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 



TABLE FOR CONVERTING APOTHECARIES' WEIGHTS AND 
MEASURES INTO GRAMS AND CUBIC CENTIMETERS. 



Troy Weight. 



Grains. 



Vie 

%0 



3 
4 
5 
6 
8 

10 

15 

20 

24 

26 

30 

40 

50 

60 
120 
180 
240 
300 
360 
420 
480 

5ii. 

giv. 

Svi. 

g viii 



(3 i.) 



(3i.) 
(3ii.) 



Metric. 



Grams. 



.001 
.0015 
.002 
.003 
.004 
.005 
.006 
.008 
.010 
.016 
.02 
.03 
.065 
.13 
.20 
.26 
.32 
.39 
.52 
.65 
1.00 
1.30 
1.50 
1.62 
1.95 
2.60 
3.20 
3.90 
7.80 
11.65 
15.50 
19.40 
23.30 
27.20 
31.10 
62.20 
124.40 
186.60 
248.80 



Apothecaries' 



Measure. 


Metric. 


Minims. 


Cc. 


1 


.06 


2 


.12 


3 


.18 


4 


.24 


5 


.30 


6 


.36 


7 


.50 


8 


.42 


9 


.55 


10 


.60 


15 


.72 


16 


1.00 


20 


1.25 


25 


1.55 


30' 


1.90 


35 


2.20 


40 


2.50 


48 


3.00 


50 


3.12 


60 (f. 3 i.) 


3.75 


72 


4.50 


80 


5.00 


90 


5.60 


96 


6.00 


100 


6.25 


120 


7.50 


160 


10.00 


ISO 


11.25 


240 (f. 5 ss.) 


15.00 


f 3 v. 


18.75 


f 3vi. 


22.50 


f 3vii. 


26.25 


f I i. 


30.00 


f I ii. 


60.00 


f 3 iii. 


90.00 


f I iv. 


120.00 


f I v. 


150.00 


f I vi. 


180.00 


f I viii. 


240.00 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 



89 



METRIC WEIGHTS. 


EXACT EQUIVALENT IN 


APPROXIMATE EQUIVA- 




GRAINS. 


LENTS IN GRAINS. 


.001 


.0154 


& 


.002 


.0308 


%2 


.003 


.0463 


y 22 


.004 


.0617 


Vie 


.005 


.0771 


Vl3 


.006 


.0926 


Mi 


.007 


.1080 


% 


.008 


.1234 


% 


.009 


.1389 


¥i 


.01 


.1543 


Ye 


.02 


.3086 


M 


.03 


.4630 


%3 


.04 


.6173 


Vn 


.05 


.7717 


% 


.06 


.9260 


9 /io 


.07 


1.0S03 


1 


.08 


1.2347 


ii 


.09 


1.3890 


14 


.10 


1.543 


i* 


.20 


3.086 


3 


.30 


4.630 


4* 


.40 


6.173 


6 


.50 


7.717 


n 


.60 


9.260 


9 


.70 


10.803 


11 


.80 


12.347 


m 


.90 


13.890 


14 


1.00 


15.432 


15 


2.00 


30.864 


5 S3. 


3.00 


46.296 


9 ii. 


4.00 


61.728 


3 i. 


5.00 


77.160 


9 iv. 


6.00 


92.592 


3 iss. 


7.00 


10S.024 


9 vss. 


8.00 


123.456 


3 ii. 


9.00 


138.888 


3 vii. 


10.00 


154.320 


3 iiss. 



90 PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

Rules for Forming the Genitive Case in Prescription Writing. 

The Latin names of drugs, as we learn them, when consisting of 
a single word, are in the nominative case. For example: oleum, an 
oil. The genitive case of a Latin word means of (the word), and 
is equivalent to the English possessive. Thus the Latin name 
Oleum Lini, consists of two words. The first, oleum, is the Latin 
nominative for oil, and the second word, lini, is the Latin genitive of 
the word meaning linseed. The name signifies, then, oleum (oil) and 
lini (of linseed). In writing prescriptions it is usually essential to 
put the Latin name of the drug in the genitive case, following the 
use of the heading E, standing for the Latin imperative Recipe, 
meaning in English, Take. 

Eor example : 



Potassii nitratis o i. 

Literally translated this means : 

Take 

Of potassium nitrate, ounce 1. 

There is only one other case which is used in writing prescrip- 
tions (the accusative), but this can be avoided by using abbreviations 
in the few instances in which it should be employed. The following 
rules can be memorized (with their exceptions) in order to form the 
genitive case (singular) : 

(1) Latin names of drugs ending in "a" form their genitive 
in ae. The only exceptions are three : Physostigma takes the genitive 
in Us, physostigmatis. Folia (leaves), pi. genitive, foliorum. 
Theobroma, genitive tlieobromatis. In most instances the genitive 
of Latin nouns ending in a, can be made in practice by dropping the 
nominative ending (a) and adding ai in its place, viz. : Tinctur-a 
(a tincture), genitive tinctur-ae (of a tincture). 

(2) All pharmacopceial nouns ending in us, um (os and on), 
form their genitive in i. This genitive case can be formed in prac- 
tice by dropping the nominative ending (us or um) and adding i in 
its place, viz.: bol-us, a ball; genitive bol-i, of a ball. Extract-wm, 
an extract ; genitive extract-i, of an extract. 

The nouns ending in os and on are very few. Exceptions: 
Rhus, genitive rhois. Flos, genitive floris. Fructus, quercus and 



RULES FOR FORMING THE GENITIVE CASE 91 

spiritus do not change in the genitive, as it is the same as the 
nominative case. 

(3) All other Latin names of drugs, of whatever termination 
(except those ending as described under rules 1 and 2) have their 
genitive in s and is. 

The genitive case can be formed in practice, in some instances, 
by adding is to the nominative, as, for example, choral, genitive 
choral-is ; aether, genitive sether-is. To many nouns ending in the 
nominative in as or is, we not only add is to the nominative, but also 
change the latter letter of the nominative case. For instance, to sul- 
phas (sulphate) not only do we add is, sulphas-is, but we change the 
latter letter, s, of sulphas into a t, so that the proper genitive of 
sulphas is sulphat-is. 

The same remark applies to all the other Latin names of salts, as 
sulphis, genitive sulphit-is ; nitras, genitive nitrat-is ; hydrochloras, 
genitive hydrochlorat-is ; citras, genitive citrat-is ; phosphas, genitive 
phosphat-is ; acetas, genitive acetat-is. Cortex is not cortex-is in the 
genitive, but corticis. Mas, genitive not mas-is, but maris. Adeps, 
genitive not adeps-is, but adipis. Mucilago, pepo and pulvis lengthen 
and change in the gentive to mucilagin-is, pepon-is and pulver-is. 
Aloe, genitive not aloeis, but aloes, adding s and not is. 

(4) Some Latin names of drugs do not change their ending in 
the genitive because indeclinable and not latinized, or else they belong 
to the fourth declension, where the genitive case is the same as the 
nominative. Examples : Spiritus, quercus and f ructus, already men- 
tioned, as exceptions to rule 2. Cannabis, digitalis, sinapis and hy- 
drastis. The genitive of these nouns is the same as the nominative. 

The following are indeclinable: Arayl, buchu, catechu, coca, 
curare, jaborandi, kino, phenol, salol, naphtol, thymol, menthol, cusso, 
gummi, etc. 

If the Latin names for quantities and amounts thereof are 
written out in full (instead of using signs for quantities, and num- 
bers for the amounts), the quantities and amounts in Latin must be 
put into the accusative case, as they are the objects of the verb, 
recipe. 

For example: 

Sodii Sulphatis, uncias duas. 

Translated : 

Take 

Of sodium sulphate, ounces two. 



92 PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

The Latin noun uncia (ounce) is in the accusative case, and the 
adjective duas is also in the accusative, agreeing with uncias. But 
to write out prescriptions in full, as above, is not customary and 
would be considered pedantic. 

Again: The Latin names of the ingredients should be written 
in the accusative case when no noun for weight or measure is em- 
ployed. Lor example: 

Pilulas catharticas compositas duas. 

Translated literally : 

Take 

Pills cathartic compound, two. Or, take two compound cathartic 
pills. 

Pilulas (pills) is in the accusative object of the verb recipe. 
Catharticas, compositas, and duas are adjectives, agreeing with 
pilulas. We can only write this prescription correctly, without using 
the accusative case, by abbreviating it as follows: 

Pil. Cath. Co. ii. 



LIST OF LATIN NOUNS 



93 



List of Latin Nouns With Their Genitive Endings Found in 
the Pharmacopoeia.* 



TThe figure in parenthesis after each word indicates the declension to which 

it belongs.] 



Acacia, 
Acetanilidum, 

Acetas, 
Aceticum, 
Acetonum, 
Aeetphenetidinum, 

Acetum, 

Acidum, 

Aconitina, 

Aconitum, 

Adeps, 

Adhesivum, 

Adjuvans, 

^Ether, 

Alcohol, 

Aloe, 

Aloinum, 

Althaea, 

Alumen, 

Aluminum, 

Ammonia, 

Ammonium, 

Amygdala, 

Amyl, 

Amylum, 

Animal, 

Anisum, 

Anthemis, 

Antidiphtheriticum, 

Antimonium, 

Antipyrina, 

Antisepticus, 

Apocynum, 

Apomorphina, 

Aqua, 

Argentum, 

Arnica, 

Arsenas, 



Acacias ( 1 ) . 
Acetanilidi ( 2 ) . 
Acetatis ( 3 ) . 
Acetici (2). 
Acetoni ( 2 ) . 
Acetphenetidini 

(2). 
Aceti (2). 
Acidi (2). 
Aconitinae ( 1 ) . 
Aconitii (2). 
Adipis (3). 
Adhesivi (2). 
Adjuvantis ( 3 ) . 
^Etheris (3). 
Alcoholis (3). 
Aloes (3). 
Aloini (2). 
Althsese (1). 
Aluminis ( 3 ) . 
Alumini (2). 
Ammonias ( 1 ) . 
Ammonii ( 2 ) . 
Amygdalae ( 1 ) . 
Amylis (3). 
Amyli (2). 
Animalis ( 3 ) . 
Anisi (2). 
Anthemidis ( 3 ) . 
Antidiphtheritici 

(2). 
Antimonii (2). 
Antipyrinas (1). 
Antiseptici (2). 
Apocyni ( 2 ) . 
Apomorphinas ( 1 ) , 
Aqua; ( 1 ) . 
Arnicas ( 1 ) . 
Argenti ( 2 ) . 
Arsenatis (3). 



Arsenosum, 

Arsenum, 

Asafcetida, 

Aspidium, 

Atropina, 

Aurantium, 

Aurum, 

Balsamum, 

Belladonna, 

Benzaldehydum, 

Benzinum, 

Ben^oas, 

Benzoicum, 

Benzoinum, 

Benzosulphinidum, 

Berberis, 
Betanaphthol, 
Bicarbonas, 
Bismuthum, 
Bisulphis, 
Bitartras, 
Boras, 
Bos, 

Bromidum, 
Bromoformum, 
Boricum, 
Bromum, 
Buchu ( indeclin- 
able). 
Caffeina, 
Calamus, 
Calcium, 
Calendula, 
Calumba, 
Calx, 

Cambogia, 
Camphora, 
Camphoras, 



Arsenosi (2). 
Arseni ( 2 ) . 
Asafoetidas ( 1 ) . 
Aspidii ( 2 ) . 
Atropines (1). 
Aurantii (2). 
Auri (2). 
Balsami ( 2 ) . 
Belladonnas ( 1 ) . 
Benzaldehydi ( 2 ) . 
Benzini (2). 
Benzoatis ( 3 ) . 
Benzoici ( 2 ) . 
Benzoini (2). 
Benzosulphinidi 

(2). 
Berberidis ( 3 ) . 
Betanaphtholis (3). 
Bicarbonatis ( 3 ) . 
Bismuthi (2). 
Bisulphitis (3). 
Bitartratis (3). 
Boratis (3). 
Bovis (3). 
Bromidi (2). 
Bromoformi (2). 
Borici (2). 
Bromi (2). 



Caffeinas ( 1 ) . 
Calami (2). 
Calcii (2). 
Calendulas (1). 
Caliimbas ( 1 ) . 
Calcis (3). 
Cambogias ( 1 ) . 
Camphoras ( 1 ) . 
Camphoratis (3). 



Swan's Prescription Writing. 



94 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 



Camphoricum, 

Canadensis, 

Cannabis, 

Cantharis, 

Capsicum, 

Carbo, 

Carbonas, 



Camphorici (2). 
Canadensis ( 3 ) . 
Cannabis ( 3 ) . 
Cantharidis ( 3 ) . 
Capsici (2). 
Carbonis ( 3 ) . 
Carbonatis ( 3 ) 



Carbonei (neuter genitive used as sub- 
stantive ) . 



Cardamomum, 

Carum, 

Caryopbyllus, 

Cassia, 

Cataplasma, 

Cera, 

Ceratum, 

Cerium, 

Cetaeeum, 

Charta, 

Chimaphila, 

Chi rata, 



Cardamomi (2). 
Cari (2). 
Caryophylli (2). 
Cassia? (1). 
Cataplasmatis ( 3 ) 
Cera (1). 
Cerati (2). 
Cerii (2). 
Cetacei (2). 
Chartse (1). 
Chimaphila? ( 1 ) . 
Chirata? (1). 



Chloralformamidum.Chloralformamidi 
(2). 



Chloralum, 

Chloras, 

Chloridum, 

Chlorinata, 

Chloroformum, 

Cbondrus, 

Chromium, 

Chrysarobinum, 

Cimicifuga, 

Cinchona, 

Cinchonidina, 

Cinchonina, 

Cinnaldehydum, 

Cinnamomum, 

Citras, 

Citricum, 

Coca, 

Cocaina, 

Coccus, 

Codeina, 

Colchicina, 

Colcbicum, 

Collodium, 

Colocynthis, 

Confectio, 



Chlorali (2). 
Chloratis (3). 
Chloridi (2). 
Chlorinatse ( 1 ) . 
Chloroformi (2). 
Chondri (2). 
Chromii (2). 
Chrysarobini ( 2 ) . 
Cirnicifuga? ( 1 ) . 
Cinchona? (1). 
Cinchonidina? ( 1 ) . 
Cinchonina? ( 1 ) . 
Cinnaldehydi (2). 
Cinnamomi (2). 
Citratis (3). 
Citrici (2). 
Cocao (1). 
Cocaina? ( 1 ) . 
Cocci (2). 
Codeina? ( 1 ) . 
Colchicine? (1). 
Colchici (2). 
Collodii (2). 
Colocynthidis (3). 
Confectionis (3). 



Conium, 

Convallaria, 

Copaiba, 

Coriandrum, 

Cormus, 

Cortex, 

Creosotum, 

Cresol, 

Greta, 

Cubeba, 

Cuprum, 

Cusso (indeclin- 
able) . 

Cyanidum, 

Cypripedium, 

Decocta, 

Dichromas, 

Digitalis, 

Disulphidum. 

Elastica, 

Elaterinum, 

Elixir (indeclin- 
able) . 

Emplastrum, 

Emulsum, 

Ergota, 

Eriodictyon, 

Eriodictyi 

Eucalyptol, 

Eucalyptus, 

Eugenol, 

Euonymus, 

Eupatorium, 

Extractum, 

Fel, 

Ferrocyanidum, 

Ferrum, 

Ficus, 

Fistula, 

Fluidextractum, 

Foeniculum, 

Folium, 

Formaldehydum. 

Frangula, 

Galla, 

Gallas, 

Gallicum, 

Gambir (indeclin 



Conii (2). 
Convallaria; ( 1 ) , 
Copaiba? ( 1 ) . 
Coriandri (2). 
Cormi (2). 
Corticis (3). 
Creosoti (2). 
Oresolis (3). 
Creta? (1). 
Cubeba? (1). 
Cupri (2). 



Cyanidi (2). 
Cypripedii (2). 
Decocta? ( 1 ) . 
Dichromatis (3). 
Digitalis (3). 
Disulphidi (2). 
Elastica? ( 1 ) . 
Elaterini (2). 



Emplastri ( 2 ) . 

Emulsi (2). 

Ergota? ( 1 ) . 

Eriodictyontis ( 3 ) . 
( Pharmacopoeia ) . 

Eucalyptolis ( 3 ) . 

Eucalypti (2). 

Eugenolis ( 3 ) . 

Euonymi ( 2 ) . 

Eupatorii (2). 

Extracti (2). 

Fellis (3). 

Ferrocyanidi (2). 

Ferri (2). 

Fici (2), also ficus, 
ficus. 

Fistula? (1). 

Fluidextracti (2). 

Foeniculi (2). 

Folii (2). 

Formaldehydi (2). 

Frangula? ( 1 ) . 

Galla? (1). 

Gallatis (3). 

Gallici (2). 
able ) . 



JLIST OF LATIN NOUNS 



95 



Gelatinuni, 

Gelseinium, 

Gentiana, 

Geranium, 

Glandula, 

Glandula?, 

Glycerinum, 

Glyceritum. 

Glycyrrhiza, 

Glycyrrhizinum, 

Gossypium, 

Granatum, 

Grindelia, 

Guaiacol, 

Guaiacum. 

Guarana, 

Ha?matoxylon, 

Hammamelis, 

Hedeoma, 

Hexamethylen- 

amina, 
Homatropina, 
Humulus, 
Hydrargyrum, 
Hydrastina, 
Hydrastis, 
Hydriodicum, 
Hy dr obr omi cum, 
Hydrobromidum, 
Hydrochloricum, 
Hydrochloridum, 
Hydro cy anicum, 
Hydroxidum, 
Hyoscina, 
Hyoscyamina, 
Hyoscyamus, 
Hypophosphas, 

Hypophosphis, 

Hypophosphorosum 

Indica. 
Infusum. 
Iodiduni, 
Iodoformum, 



Gelatini (2). 
Gelsemii (2). 
Gentians ( 1 ) . 
Geranii ( 2 ) . 
Glandulse (1). 
Glandularum ( 1 ) 

plural. 
Glycerini (2). 
Glyceriti (2). 
Glycyrrhiza? (1). 
Glycyrrhizini (2). 
Gossypii (2). 
Granati ( 2 ) . 
Grindelia? ( 1 ) . 
Guaiacolis ( 3 ) . 
Guaiaci (2). 
Guarana? ( 1 ) . 
Hsematoxyli (2). 
Hammamelidis ( 3 ) 
Hedeoma? ( 1 ) . 
Hexamethyl ena- 

mina? ( 1 ) . 
Homatropina? ( 1 ) . 
Humuli (2). 
Hydrargyri ( 2 ) . 
Hydrastinse ( 1 ) . 
Hydrastis ( 3 ) . 
Hydriodici (2). 
Hydrobromici (2). 
Hydrobromidi ( 2 ) . 
Hydrochlorici ( 2 ) . 
Hydrochloridi (2). 
Hydro cyanici (2). 
Hydroxidi (2). 
Hyoscina? ( 1 ) . 
Hyoscyamina? ( 1 ) . 
Hyoscyami (2). 
Hypophosphatis 

(3). 
Hypophosphitis 
(3). 
, Hypophospborosi 

'(2). 
Indica? ( 1.) . 
Infusi (2). 
Iodidi (2). 
Iodof ormi ( 2 ) . 



Iodolum, 

Iodum, 

Ipecacuanha, 

Jalapa, 

Kaolinum, 

Kino (indeclinable) 

Krameria, 

Lac, 

Lactas, 

Lacticum, 

Lactucarium, 

Lappa, 

Laptandra, 

Lignum, 

Limo, 

Linimentum, 

Linum, 

Liquor, 

Lithium, 

Lobelia, 

Lupulinum, 

Lycopodium, 

Magnesium, 

Maltum, 

Manganum, 

Manna, 

Marrubium, 

Massa, 

Mastiche, 

Matico (indeclin- 
able). 
Matricaria, 
Medulla, 
Mel, 
Mentha, 
Menthol, 
Methyl, 

Methylthionina, 
Mezereum, 
Mistura, 
Morphina, 
Morrhua, 
Moschus, 
Mucilago, 
Myristica, 
Myrrha, 



Iodoli (2). 
Iodi (2). 
Ipecacuanha? ( 1 ) . 
Jalapse ( 1 ) . 
Kaolmi (2). 

Krameria? ( 1 ) . 
Lactis ( 3 ) . 
Lactatis (3). 
Lactici (2). 
Lactucarii (2). 
Lappa? ( 1 ) . 
Laptandra? ( 1 ) . 
Ligni (2). 
Limonis (3). 
Linimenti ( 2 ) . 
Lini (2). 
Liquoris ( 3 ) . 
Lithii (2). 
Lobelia? ( 1 ) . 
Lupulini (2). 
Lycopodii (2). 
Magnesii (2). 
Malti (2). 
Mangani ( 2 ) . 
Manna? ( 1 ) . 
Marrubii (2). 
Massa? (1). 
Mastiches ( 1 ) 
Greek noun. 



Matricaria? ( 1 ) . 
Medulla? (1). 
Mellis (3). 
Mentha? (1)'. 
Mentholis (3). 
Methylis (3). 
Methylthionina? (1). 
Mezerii (2). 
Mistura? ( 1 ) . 
Morphina? ( 1 ) . 
Morrhua? ( 1 ) . 
Moschi (2). 
Mucilaginis ( 3 ) . 
Myristica? ( 1 ) . 
Myrrha? (1). 



96 



PRESCRIPTION WRITING 



Naphthalenum, 


Naphthaleni (2). 


Potassium, 


Potassii (2). 


Nitras, 


Nitratis (3). 


Prunifolium, 


Prunifolii (2). 


Nitricum, 


Nitrici (2). 


Prunum, 


Pruni (2). 


Nitris, 


Nitritis (3). 


Prunus, 


Pruni (2). 


Nitrohydrochlori- 


Nitrohydrochlorici 


Pulvis, 


Pulveris ( 3 ) . 


cum, 


(2). 


Purshiana, 


Purshianse ( 1 ) . 






Pyrethrum, 


Pyrethri (2). 


Nnx vomica, 


Nucis Vomicae (3 


Pyrogallol, 


Pyrogallolis ( 3 ) . 




and 1 ) . 


Pyrophosphas, 


Pyrophosphatis ( 3 ) 


Oleas, 


Oleatis (3). 


Pyroxylinum, 


Pyroxilini (2). 


Oleatum, 


Oleati (2). 


Quassia, 


Quassie ( 1 ) . 


Oleicum, 


Oleici (2). 


Quercus, 


Quercus ( 4 ) . 


Oleoresina, 


Oleoresine ( 1 ) . 


Quillaja, 


Quillaje ( 1 ) . 


Oleum, 


Olei (2). 


Quinina, 


Quinine ( 1 ) . 


Opium, 


Opii (2). 


Radix, 


Radicis (3). 


Opulus, 


Opuli (3). 


Resina, 


Resine (1). 


Oxalas, 


Oxalatis (3). 


Resorcinol, 


Resorcinolis ( 3 ) . 


Pancreatinum, 


Pancreatini ( 2 ) . 


Rhamnus, 


Rhamni (2). 


Paramnum, 


Paraffini (2). 


Rheum, 


Rhei (2). 


Paraldehydum, 


Paraldehydi (2). 


Rheus, 


Rhois (3) Greek 


Pareira, 


Pareire (1). 




noun. 


Pelletierina, 


Pelletierine ( 1 ) . 


Rosa, 


Rose ( 1 ) . 


Pepo, 


Peponis ( 3 ) . 


Rubus, 


Rubi (2). 


Pepsinum, 


Pepsini (2). 


Sabal, 


Sabalis (3). 


Permanganas, 


Permanganatis ( 3 ) . 


Sabina, 


Sabine ( 1 ) . 


Petrolatum, 


Petrolati (2). 


Saccharum, 


Sacchari (2). 


Phenol, 


Phenolis (3). 


Safrolum, 


Safroli (2). 


Phenol sulphonas, 


Phenol sulphonatis 


Salicinum, 


Salicini (2). 




(3). 


Salicylas, 


Salicylatis (3). 


Phenyl, 


Phenylis (3). 


Salicylicum, 


Salicylici (2). 


Phosphas, 


Phosphatis ( 3 ) . 


Salvia, 


Salvie ( 1 ) . 


Phosphis, 


Phosphitis (3). 


Sanguinaria, 


Sanguinarie ( 1 ) . 


Phosphoricum, 


Phosphorici ( 2 ) . 


Santalum, 


Santali (2). 


Phosphorus, 


Phosphori (2). 


Santonica, 


Santonice ( 1 ) . 


Physostigma, 


Physostigmatis 


Santoninum, 


Santonini ( 2 ) . 




(3). 


Sapo, 


Saponis (3). 


Phytolacca, 


Phytolacca ( 1 ) . 


Sarsaparilla, 


Sarsaparille ( 1 ) . 


Pilocarpina, 


Pilocarpine ( 1 ) . 


Sassafras ( inde- 




Pilocarpus, 


Pilocarpi ( 2 ) . 


clinable). 




Pilula, 


Pilule (1). 


Scammonium, 


Scammonii (2). 


Pilule, 


Pilularum ( 1 ) 


Scilla, 


Scille (1). 




plural. 


Scoparius, 


Scoparii (2). 


Pimenta, 


Pimento ( 1 ) . 


Scopola, 


Scopole ( 1 ) . 


Piper, 


Piperis (3). 


Scopolamina, 


Scopolamine ( 1 ) . 


Piperina, 


Piperinse ( 1 ) . 


Scutellaria, 


Scutellarie ( 1 ) . 


Pix, 


Picis (3). 


Semen, 


Seminis ( 3 ) . 


Plumbum, 


Plumbi (2). 


Senega, 


Senege ( 1 ) . 


Podophyllum, 


Podophylli (2). 


Senna, 


Senne ( 1 ) . 



LIST OF LATIN NOUNS 



97 



Serpentaria, 


Serpentaria ( 1 ) . 


Syrupus, 


Syrupi (2). 


Serum, 


Seri (2). 


Talcum, 


Talci (2). 


Sevum, 


Sevi (2). 


Tamarindus, 


Tamarindi ( 2 ) . 


Sinapis, 


Sinapis ( 3 ) . 


Tannas, 


Tannatis ( 3 ) . 


Sodium, 


Sodii (2). 


Tannicum, 


Tannici (2). 


Sparteina, 


Sparteine ( 1 ) . 


Taraxacum, 


Taraxaci ( 2 ) . 


Spigelia, 


Spigelian ( 1 ) . 


Tartaricum, 


Tartarici (2). 


Spiritus, 


Spiritus (4). 


Tartras, 


Tartratis (3). 


Staph isagria, 


Staphisagria ( 1 ) . 


Terebenum, 


Terebeni ( 2 ) . 


Stearas, 


Stearatis (3). 


Terebinthina, 


Terebinthina ( 1 ) . 


Stearicum, 


Stearici (2). 


Terpinum, 


Terpini ( 2 ) . 


Stillingia, 


Stillingise (1). 


Tersulphas, 


Tersulphatis ( 3 ) . 


Stramonium, 


Stramonii (2). 


Theobroma, 


Theobromatis ( 3 ) . 


Strontium, 


Strontii (2). 


Thiosulphas, 


Thiosulphatis (3). 


Strophanthinum, 


Strophanthini ( 2 ) . 


Thymol, 


Thymolis (3). 


Strophanthus, 


Strophanti (2). 


Thyroidea, 


Thyroidearum ( 1 ) 


Strychnina, 


Strychnina ( 1 ) . 




plural. 


Styrax, 


Styracis ( 3 ) . 


Tinctura, 


Tinctura ( 1 ) . 


Subacetas, 


Subacetatis ( 3 ) . 


Tragacantha, 


Tragacantha ( 1 ) . 


Subcarbonas, 


Subcarbonatis (3). 


Trichloraceticum, 


Trichloracetic! ( 2 ) 


Subgallas, 


Subgallatis (3). 


Trioxidum, 


Trioxidi (2). 


Subnitras, 


Subnitratis (3). 


Triticum, 


Tritici (2). 


Subsalicylas, 


Subsalicylate ( 3 ) . 


Trituratio, 


Triturationis ( 3 ) . 


Subsulphas, 


Subsulphatis ( 3 ) . 


Trochiscus, 


Trochisci (2). 


Succus, 


Succi (2). 


Ulmus, 


Ulmi (2). 


Sulphas, 


Sulphatis (3). 


Unguentum, 


Unguenti (2). 


Sulphis, 


Sulphitis (3). 


Uva ursi, 


Uva ursi ( 1 ) . 






Valeriana, 


Valeriana ( 1 ) „ 


Sulphonethylme- 


Sulphonethylme- 


Vanilla, 


Vanilla (1). 


thanum, 


thani (2). 


Vanillinum, 


Vanillini (2). 


Sulphonmethanum, 


Sulphonmethani 


Veratrina, 


Veratrina ( 1 ) . 




(2). 


Veratrum, 


Veratri (2). 


Sulphur, 


Sulphuris (3). 


Viburnum, 


Viburni (2). 


Sulphuricum, 


Sulphurici (2). 


Vinum, 


Vini (2). 


Sulphur osum, 


Sulphurosi ( 2 ) . 


Virginiana, 


Virginiana ( 1 ) . 


Sumbul ( indeclin- 




Xanthoxylum, 


Xanthoxyli ( 2 ) . 


able). 




Zea, 


Zea (1). 


Suppositoria, 


Suppositoria ( 1 ) . 


Zincum, 


Zinci (2). 


Suprarenales, 


Suprarenalium (3) 
plural. 


Zingiber, 


Zingiberis ( 3 ) * 



98 



PKESCEIPTION WRITING 



List of Latin Adjectives Found in the Pharmacopoeia, With 
Their Genitive Endings. 





Masculine. 


Feminine. 


Neuter. 


Nom. 


Albus, 


Alba, 


Album. 


Gen. 


AIM, 


Alba, 


Albi. 


Nom. 


Amarus, 


Amara, 


Amarum. 


Gen. 


Araari, 


Aniarse, 


Amari. 


Nom. 


Ammoniatus, 


Ammoniata, 


Ammoniatum. 


Gen. 


Ammoniati, 


Ammoniatae, 


Ammoniati. 


Nom. 


Aromaticus, 


Aromatica, 


Aromaticum. 


Gen. 


Aroniatici, 


Aromatic®, 


Aromatici. 


Nom. 


Cantharidatus, 


Cantharidata, 


Cantbaridatum. 


Gen. 


Cantharidati, 


Cantharidatse, 


Cantharidati. 


Nom. 


Cornpositus, 


Composita, 


Compositum. 


Gen. 


Compositi, 


Composite, 


Compositi. 


Nom. 


Corrosivus, 


Corrosiva, 


Corrosivum. 


Gen. 


Corrosivi, 


Corrosive, 


Corrosivi. 


Nom. 


Depuratus, 


Depurata, 


Depuratum. 


Gen. 


Depurati, 


Depuratse, 


Depurati. 


Nom. 


Dilutus, 


Diluta, 


Dilutum. 


Gen. 


Diluti, 


Dilutee, 


Diluti. 




Masculine and Feminine. 




Nom. 


Effervescens, 




Effervescens. 


Gen. 


Effervescentis, 




Effervescentis. 




Masculine. 


Feminine. 


Neuter. 


Nom. 


Exsiccatus, 


Exsiccata, 


Exsiccatum. 


Gen. 


Exsiccati, 


Exsiccata?, 


Exsiccati. 


Nom. 


Flavus, 


Flava, 


Flavum. 


Gen. 


Flavi, 


Flavae, 


Flavi. 




Masculine and Feminine. 




Nom. 


Flexilis, 




Flexile. 


Gen. 


Flexilis, 




Flexilis. 


Nom. 


Glacialis, 




Glaciale. 


Gen. 


Glacialis, 




Glacialis. 




Masculine. 


Feminine. 


Neuter. 


Nom. 


Glycerinatus, 


Glycerinata, 


Glycerinatum. 


Gen. 


Glycerinati, 


Glycerinatse, 


Glycerinati. 


Nom. 


Granulatus, 


Granulata, 


Granulatum. 


Gen. 


Granulati, 


Granulatse, 


Granulati. 


Nom. 


Hydratus, 


Hydrata, 


Hydratum. 


Gen. 


Hydrati, 


Hydratse. 


Hydrati. 


Nom. 


Liquefactus, 


Liquefacta, 


Liquef actum. 



LIST LATIN ADJECTIVES 



99 





Masculine. 


Feminine. 


Neuter. 


Gen. 


Liquefacti, 


Liquefactse, 


Liquefacti. 


Nom. 


Liquidus, 


Liquida, 


Liquidum. 


Gen. 


Liquidi, 


. Liquidse, 


Liquidi. 


Nom. 


Lotus, 


Lota, 


Lotum. 


Gen. 


Loti, 


Lotae, 


Loti. 




Masculine and Feminine. 




Nom. 


Mitis, 




Mite. 


Gen. 


Mitis, 




Mitis. 


Nom. 


Mollis, 




Molle. 


Gen. 


Mollis, 




Mollis. 




Masculine. 


Feminine. 


Neuter. 


Nom. 


Niger, 


Nigra, 


Nigrum. 


Gen. 


Nigri, 


Nigrse, 


Nigri. 


Nom. 


Piperatus, 


Piperata, 


Piperatum. 


Gen. 


Piperati, 


Piperatse, 


Piperati. 


Nom. 


Ponderosus, 


Ponderosa, 


Ponderosum. 


Gen. 


Ponderosi, 


Ponderosse, 


Ponderosi. 


Nom. 


Prsecipitatus, 


Prsecipitata, 


Prsecipitatum. 


Gen. 


Prsecipitati, 


Praecipitatse, 


Prsecipitati. 


Nom. 


Prseparatus, 


Prasparata, 


Prseparatum. 


Gen. 


Prseparati, 


Prseparatse, 


Praeparati. 


Nom. 


Purificatus, 


Purificata, 


Purificatum. 


Gen. 


Purificati, 


Purificatse, 


Purificati. 


Nom. 


Reductus, 


Reducta, 


Reductum. 


Gen. 


Reducti, 


Reducta?, 


Reducti. 


Nom. 


Ruber, 


Rubra, 


Rubrum. 


Gen. 


Rubri, 


Rubrse, 


Rubri. 


Nom. 


Saccbaratus, 


Saccbarata, 


Saccharatum. 


Gen. 


Saccharati, 


Saccharatse, 


Saccharati. 


Nom. 


Siccus, 


Sicca, 


Siccum. 


Gen. 


Sicci, 


Siccse, 


Sicci. 


Nom. 


Sicci, 


Sicca?, 


Sicca. 1 g. 
Siccorum. I <-> 

■' Pn 


Gen. 


Siccorum, 


Siccarum, 




Masculine and Feminine. 




Nom. 


y Solubilis. 




Solubile. 


Gen. 


Solubilis, 




Solubilis. 




Masculine. 


Feminine. 


Neuter. 


Nom. 


Stypticus, 


Styptica, 


Stypticum. 


Gen. 


Styptici, 


Stypticae, 


Styptici. 


Nom. 


Sublimatus, 


Sublimata, 


Sublimatum. 


Gen. 


Sublimati, 


Sublimatse, 


Sublimati. 



100 PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

Examples of Prescriptions for Different Preparations. 

TO WRITE A PRESCRIPTION FOR A PILL. 

1. We calculate the number of pills we wish to prescribe and 
then multiply the dose of each ingredient in the pill by that number. 
We will suppose that we desire to prescribe 30 pills to a dog, con- 
taining reduced iron, socotrine aloes and sulphate of strychnine. 
The dose of reduced iron is gr.ii. ; of socotrine aloes gr.ss. ; of strych- 
nine sulphate gr. 1/120. Multiply each dose by 30 : 

Reduced, iron gr.ii. X 30 = gr.60 

Aloes gr.y 2 X 30 = gr.15 

Strychnine g r -Vi20 X 30 = gr.^ 

The Latin of aloes socotrine is aloe, genitive aloes, of aloes; 
socotrina, genitive socotrin-oe, of socotrine. 

The Latin of strychnine sulphate is strychnina, genitive strych- 
nin-oe, of strychnine ; sulphas, genitive sulphat-is, of sulphate. 

The Latin of reduced iron is ferrum, genitive ferr-i, of iron: 
reductum, genitive reduct-i, of reduced. Hence: 

Ferri reducti 3 i. 

Aloes socotrinse gr.xv 

Strychninae sulphatis g r --/4 

Misce et divide in pilulas xxx. 

(Abbreviated) M. et div. in pil. xxx. 

Signa. Give one pill three times daily. 

John Smith. 

The Latin names of the drugs being put in the genitive, and the 
signs and numbers for the proper quantities and amounts added, we 
come to the Latin directions to the pharmacist. (Misce) mix (et) 
and (divide) divide (in pilulas, accusative plural) in pills xxx. 
This is a regulation phrase and can be employed whenever we write 
a prescription for pills, so that it should be memorized. It can be 
abbreviated correctly as follows : 

M. et div. in pil. xxx. 

Instead of writing the prescription as just described, we can 
calculate the dose needed of each ingredient in the pill, and then 
write a prescription for one pill and direct the pharmacist to make 
30 pills like it. 



EXAMPLES OF PRESCRIPTIONS 101 

Ferri reducti gr.ii. 

Aloes socotrinae gr.ss. 

Strychninae sulphatis gP-ViSLQ 

Misce et fiat pilula 1 ; dispense pilulas tales numero xxx. 
(Abbreviated) M. et f. pil. 1. Dispense pil. tales No. xxx. 
Signa or S. (as before.) 

Translated: (Misce) mix (et) and (fiat) let there be made 
(pilula) pill 1; (dispense) dispense (pilulas) pills, (tales) such, 
(numero) in number, xxx. Abbreviated as above, (Signa) S.= 
Label. 

The same prescription may be written in the metric system : 
Gr. 1=.06 gm. Fractions of a grain are converted into grams, 
therefore, by dividing .06 by the denominator of the fraction and 
multiplying the result by the numerator. The dose of aloes (gr. ^) 
is transformed into grams, then, as follows : 

2). 06 (.03 X 1 =.03 
06 

00 

Gr. 1/120 is converted into grams thus: 

120 ) .0600 ( .0005 X 1 = .0005 gm. 

600 

Solids in Gm. Liquids in Cc. 



Ferri reducti 12 

Aloes socotrinae 03 

Strychninae sulphatis 0005 

M. et f . pil. 1 ; dispense pil. tales No. xxx. 
Sis'. ( as before ) . 



This prescription may be abbreviated in this manner: 

Ferri reducti 12 

Aloes soc | 03 

Strych. sulph 0005 

M., etc. 



102 PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

Prescriptions for balls are calculated and written in every re- 
spect like those for pills. We may write the above prescription in 
another form, in case we prescribe a pill or ball mass to be made, 
or an official mass to be divided into pills. Suppose we write a pre- 
scription for a physic mass, suitable for horses. We conclude to 
write for a quantity of the mass sufficient to make eight balls. Each 
ball contains a single dose of aloes and sufficient excipient to make 
the mass of the proper consistency. The dose of aloes is one ounce, 
and we know by experience that it will take an equal amount of 
molasses and one drachm of powdered ginger to make a proper ball 
mass. Multiplying each of the ingredients, then, by 8, we find we 
need 8 ounces each of aloes and molasses, and 1 ounce of pulverized 
ginger, to make a mass which shall be divided into 8 balls. 

The Latin names and genitives of socotrine aloes we have al- 
ready described. Molasses is syrupus fuscus in Latin, or brown syrup. 
Syrupus, genitive syrup-i, of syrup. Fuscus, genitive fusc-i, of 
brown. The Latin for powdered ginger is pulvis, powder, genitive 
pulver-is, of powder. Zingiber, ginger, genitive zingiber-is, of gin- 
ger. 

We will proceed to write the prescription thus : 

Aloes socotrinse 

Syrupi fusei aa § viii. 

Pulveris zirtgiberis 3 i- 

Misce et fiat massa. in bolos viii., dividenda. 
(Abbreviated) M. et f. mass., in bolos viii., dividend. 
Sig. Give one ball at once. 

John Smith 

The Latin directions to the pharmacist are translated: (Misce) 
mix (et) and (fiat) let there be made (massa) a mass (in bolos, ac- 
cusative pk) ? i 11 balls viii. (dividenda) to be divided. 

This is also a stock phrase and should be memorized as applying 
to pills or balls made from a mass. 

The prescription is abbreviated : 

Aloes soc. 

Syr. fusci ■ aa § viii. 

Pulv. zingiber 5 i. 

M. et f. mass., in bolos viii., dividend, (as above) 
Or: Misce et divide in bolos viii. 

(Abbrev.) M. et div. in bolos viii. 

Translated : Mix and divide into balls 8. 



EXAMPLES OF PRESCRIPTIONS 103 

Or: M. et fac bolos viii. (abbrev.) M. et f. bolos viii. 

Translated : Mix and make balls 8. 

Mixtures are compounds in which fluids are mixed or solids dis- 
solved or held in suspension by a suitable vehicle. We must first 
decide upon the number of doses which we wish to prescribe, and 
then the quantity of the mixture to be given at each dose. 

Suppose we wish to give sweet spirit of nitre and quinine to a 
horse. We propose to give the mixture three times daily, for several 
days. The dose of the nitrous ether will be an ounce ; the quinine 
will be dissolved in it. Bottles are in use containing 12 to 16 ounces, 
or 1 pint. We will decide upon the pint bottle. This, then, will 
hold 16 ounces, or 16 doses of sweet spirit of nitre. In each dose of 
the nitre we want dissolved gr.20 of quinine sulphate. 16Xgr-20 
=gr. 320=5 v. 9 i. ~Now, 5 drachms of quinine sulphate will not 
dissolve in 16 ounces of sweet spirit of nitre, so that we will add 
enough diluted sulphuric acid to dissolve the quinine. We do not 
know how much sulphuric acid will be required, so we write after 
acid sulphuric, Q,. S., for quantum sufficiat, i.e., as much as suffices 
(to dissolve, understood). 

Again, we do not know exactly how much bulk* the quinine will 
take up when dissolved in the nitre; nor what amount of acid will be 
required. Yet, on the other hand, we want to fill our bottle. To 
get over these difficulties we will write after sweet spirit of nitre ad, 
underlined (to) ; in other words, we order the druggist to take of 
sweet spirit of nitre enough to (make, understood) a pint. 

The Latin for quinine is quinina, genitive quinin-ce, of quinine. 
The Latin for sulphate is sulphas, genitive sulpliat-is of sulphate 
The Latin for spirit of nitrous ether is spiritus, genitive spiritus, 
of spirit ; nitrosus, genitive nitros-i, of nitrous ; cether, genitive 
cether-is, of ether. The Latin for sulphuric acid diluted is acidwm, 
genitive acid-i, of acid ; sulpliuricus, genitive sulphuric-i , _ of sul- 
phuric; dilutus, genitive dilut-i of diluted. 

We may now write our prescription as follows : 

Quininse sulphatis 3 v. & i. 

Acidi sulphurici diluti Q. S. 

Spiritus cetheris nitrosi ad Oi. 

Misce. 

(Furnish § i. bottle for measure). 
Signa. Small bottleful three times daily in half a pint of water. 

John Smith. 

* The increase in volume of the drench through the addition of this amount 
of quinine would be negligible, but in cases where large quantities of solids are 
dissolved in liquids the increase in volume is marked. 



104 PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

Abbreviated : 

Quin. sulph 3 v. 9 i. 

Acid, sulphuriei dil Q. S. 

Spts. sether. nitrosi ad Oi. 

M. 

S. (as above) . 

We will write a prescription for a mixture containing 12 doses 
of chloral and potassium bromide for a dog. The quantity of the 
mixture given to each dose will be a teaspoonful. ISTow, there are six 
teaspoonfuls in one ounce. We will order a 2-ounce bottle, which 
will, therefore, hold 12 doses of a teaspoonful each. The dose of 
chloral is gr.v 5X12=gr.60, or 5 i. The dose of potassium 
bromide is gr.x. 10X12=gr.l20, or 5 ii. Then we will order 
enough water to fill the bottle. The Latin for chloral is chloral, 
genitive chloral-is, of chloral ; Latin for potassium bromide is potas- 
sium, genitive potassi-i, of potassium ; bromidum, genitive bromid-i, 
of bromide ; Latin for water is aqua, genitive aqu-ce, of water. 

Chloralis 3 i. 

Potassii bromidi 3 ii. 

Aquse ad § ii. 

M. 
Signa. Teas, in 1 tablespoonful of water every 3 hours. 

John Smith. 

A drench is a mixture which is given the horse in one dose. We 
will write a prescription for a horse, containing ether, chloroform 
and laudanum, to be administered as a drench. The Latin for ether 
is aether, genitive cether-is, of ether; dose, o i- The Latin for chloro- 
form is chloroformum, genitive chloroform-i, of chloroform; dose, 
5 ii. The Latin for laudanum is tinctura opii; tinctura, genitive 
tinctur-ce, of tincture; opium, genitive opi-i. of opium; dose, * ii. 
The prescription reads: 

B 

iEtheris % i. 

Chloroformi 3 ii. 

Tincturae opii S ii. 

Misce et fiat haustus. 



EXAMPLES OP PRESCRIPTIONS 105 

Translated: (Misce) mix, (et) and (fiat) let there be made 
(haustus) a drench. 

(Abbreviated) M. et f. haust. 
Sig. Give at once in one dose in pint of water. 

John Smith. 

In writing a prescription for powders, we may either write for 
one powder and direct the druggist to dispense several more like it, 
or write for the whole amount of the ingredients and order them 
divided into the required number of doses or papers. In the first case 
we will write for a powder containing one dose of each of the drugs. 

For example, we write a prescription for calomel and san- 
tonin, with sugar of milk as an excipient, since the dose of the drug 
is inconveniently small. This powder is suitable for a medium-sized 
dog. 

The Latin for calomel, or the lower chloride of mercury, is 
hydrargyrum, genitive hydrargyr-i, of mercury: chloridum, genitive 
chlorid-i. of chloride ; mite, genitive mii-is. of lower ; dose, gr.ii. 
The Latin for santonin is sanioninum, genitive saniordn-i, of san- 
tonin : close, gr.i. The Latin for sugar of milk is saccliarum, genitive 
sacchar-i, of sugar; lac, genitive lac-tis, of milk; amount gr.x. The 
prescription will read: 

Hydrargyri ehloridi mitis gr. ii. 

Santonini gr. ii- 

Sacchari lactis gr. x. 

Misce et fiat pulvis 1 ; dispense pulveres tales vi. 

Translated : Mix, and let there be made powder 1 ; dispense 
powders such vi. 

(Abbreviated) M. et f. pulv. 1; dispense pulv. tales vi. 

Sig. One powder every half hour until 4 doses are given. 

John Smith. 

In the second case, if we write a prescription for six powders, 
we multiply the dose of the ingredients in each powder by 6, and then 
order the prescription to be dispensed in six papers. 

Hydrarg. chlorid. mitis gr.xii. 

Santonin gr.vi. 

Sacch. lactis 3 i. 

Misce et divide in chartulas numero vi. 



106 PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

Translated: Mix and divide into papers in number vi. 
Sig. (as before). 

To write the above in the metric system. The dose of calomel 
is gr.ii.=.12 gm. .12X6=.72, or gr.xii. The dose of santonin 
is gr.i.=.06 gm. .06X6=. 36 gm., or gr.vi. The amount of 
sngar of milk used as an excipient in each powder is gr.x. .06X10 
=.6 gm., the amount prescribed in each powder. The amount neces- 
sary for six powders is 6X6=3.6 gm., approximately 4 gm. 

Solids in Gm. Liquids in Cc. 

Hydrarg. chlorid. mitis | 72 

Santonin | 36 

Saeh. lactis 4 1 

M. et div. ch't. in No vi 

Sig. (as before). 

We will write a prescription for a horse, in the form of a 
powder, containing dried iron sulphate, mix vomica and sodium 
bicarbonate. The Latin for iron sulphate (dried) is ferrum, 
genitive ferr-i, of iron ; sulphas, genitive sulphat-is, of sulphate ; 
exsiccatus, genitive exsiccat-i, of dried ; dose, 5 i. The Latin for 
nux vomica is nux, genitive nuc-is, of nut ; vomica, genitive vomic-ce, 
of vomica; dose, o i. The Latin of sodium bicarbonate is sodium, 
genitive sodi-i, of sodium; bicarbonas, genitive bicarbonat-is, of 
bicarbonate. We will order a sufficient quantity of the ingredients 
to make thirty powders. The dose of iron and nux vomica is 
o i. X30=o iii-, 5 vi. The dose of soclinm bicarbonate is 
5 ii. X30=§ vii.ss. 

Ferri sulphatis exsiccati 

Pulveris nucis vomicre aa § iii., 3 vi 

Sodii bicarbonatis Svii.ss. 

Misce et divide in cbartulas xxx. 

Translated: Mix and divide into papers xxx. 
(Abbreviated) M. et div. in chart, xxx. 

Sig. Give one powder three times daily on the food. 

John Smith. 



EXAMPLES OF PRESCRIPTIONS 107 

In order to avoid the expense of having powders divided into 
papers, we may frequently direct one dose to be weighed by the 
druggist, and a measure to be furnished holding the quantity. 



3 

Ferri sulph. exsice. 

Pulv. nucis vom aa § iii., 3 vi. 

Sod. bicarb. § vii. ss. 

Misce et fiat pulvis. 
Translated: Mix and let there be made a powder. 
(Abbreviated) M. et f. pulv. (Furnish measure holding § ss.) 
Sig. Give measureful on food three times daily. 

John Smith. 



To transform this prescription into terms of the metric system : 
§ i.=Gm.30. ; 5 i.=Gm. 4. Hence % iii., 3 vi=Gm.H4; 
o vii.ss.=Gm.225. 

Solids in Gin. Liquids in Cc. 

Ferri sulph. exsice. 

Pulv. nucis vom aa 114 | 

Sodii bicarb 225 j 

M. et f. pulv., etc. 
S. (as before). 



Electuaries are not suitable preparations in which to prescribe 
powerful drugs, as we cannot secure any degree of accuracy in the 
dosage. This happens because we do not usually know the exact 
amount of excipient which will be required to make the paste of the 
proper consistency. We will write for an electuary containing 
potassium chlorate, licorice and molasses. The Latin for potassium 
chlorate is potassium, genitive potassi-i, of potassium; chloras, 
genitive clilorat-is, of chlorate ; dose, 3 ii. The Latin for powder of 
licorice root is (powder has been given before) glycyrrhiza, genitive 
glycyrrhiz-ce, of licorice ; radix, genitive radic-is, of root. The Latin 
for molasses is syrupus, genitive syrup-i, of syrup ; fuscus, genitive 
fusc-i, of brown; dose of licorice root and molasses immaterial. 
They are used as excipients. 



108 PRESCRIPTION WRITING 

Potassii chloratis 

Pulveris glycyrrhizae radicis. . aa. . % vi. 

Syrupi fusci Q.S. 

Misce et fiat electuarium. 
Translated: Mix and let there be made an electuary. 
(Abbreviated) M. et f. electuarium. 

(Weigh 3 vi. as sample). 
S. Give amount equal to sample every 2 hours smeared on teeth. 

John Smith. 

We cannot tell precisely what quantity of potassium chlorate 
will be administered in the 5vi. ordered in this prescription, but we 
can be assured that it will not be larger than 3 drachms, which is a 
small dose for the horse. 

Suppositories are occasionally prescribed to dogs. The ex- 
cipient is cacao butter, of which about 15 grains is required. We 
will write a prescription containing iodoform and extract of Bella- 
donna root, to be dispensed in suppositories for a medium-sized dog. 
The Latin for iodoform is iodoformum, genitive iodoform-i, of 
iodoform; dose, gr.l/o. The Latin for extract of belladonna root 
is belladonna, genitive belladonn-ae, of belladonna; exiractum, 
genitive exfract-i, of extract; radix, genitive radic-is, of root; dose, 
gr.^4.. The Latin for cacao butter is oleum, theobroma; oleurni, 
genitive ole-i, of oil; theobroma, genitive tlieobromatis, of theo- 
broma. The quantity of cacao butter may be safely left to the 
discretion of the pharmacist. We will multiply the dose by ten, to 
make ten suppositories. 

Iodof ormi S r - V - 

Extracti belladonnas radicis gr.ii.ss. 

Olei theobromatis q.s. 

Misce et fiant suppositoria x. 
Translated : Mix and let there be made suppositories x. 
(Abbreviated) M. et f. suppos. x. 

Sig. Introduce one into the bowel every 4 hours. 

John Smith. 

In writing prescriptions for ointments the degree of dilution 
of the medicinal substance, or substances, must be determined. In 
case the dilution is clone in percentage, the metric system is par- 
ticularly useful. A five-per-cent. ointment of the yellow oxide of 
mercury is of value in some cases of conjunctivitis. We will write 
for 5 gm. 



EXAMPLES OF PRESCRIPTIONS 109 

The Latin for yellow oxide of mercury is hydrargyrum oxidum 
flavum; hydrargyrum, genitive hydrargyr-i, of mercury; oxidum, 
genitive oxid-i, of oxide ; flavum, genitive fiavi, of yellow. 

The excipient will be simple ointment. Latin for simple oint- 
ment is unguentum, genitive unguent-i, of ointment. If we order 
5 gm. of simple ointment we can determine the amount of mercury 
necessary to form a 5-per-eeiit. preparation with it by simply 
moving the decimal line forward two places, .05, which will give a 
1-per-cent. ointment of mercury; and then, by multiplying by 5, 
.05X5=. 25, we secure a 5-per-cent. ointment. 

Solids in Gm. Liquids in Cc. 

Hydrargyri oxidi flavi | 25 

Unguenti 5 | 

Misce et fiat unguentum. 
Translated; Mix and let there be made an ointment. 
(Abbreviated) M. et f. ung. 

Sig. Use externally. 

John Smith. 

There is nothing of special note to consider in regard to writing 
prescriptions for liniments. We will write a prescription for Carron 
oil as an example. 

Carron oil is composed of equal volumes of solution of lime and 
cottonseed oil. The Latin for oil of cottonseed is oleum gossipii 
seminis, oleum, genitive ole-i, of oil; gossypium, genitive gossypi-i, 
of cotton; semen, genitive semin-is, of seed. The Latin for solution 
of lime is liquor colds; liquor, genitive liquor-is, of liquor; calx, 
genitive calc-is, of lime. 

Liquoris calcis. 

Olei gossypii seminis. aa E iii. 

Misce et fiat linimentum. 
Translated: Mix and let there be made a liniment. 
(Abbreviated) M. et f. liniment. 

Sig. Apply externally. 

John Smith. 



CLASSIFICATION. 



PAKT I. 
Inorganic Agents. 



Section I. — Water, and Solution of Hydrogen Dioxide. 

Section II. — Alkaline Metals; Potassium, Sodium, Ammonium and Lithium. 

Section III. — Alkaline Earth Metals; Calcium, Barium, Magnesium, Heavy 

Metals; including Sections IV-VI. 
Section IV. — Aluminum, Cerium, Plumbum, Argentum, Zincum, Cuprum and 

Bismuthum. 
Section V. — Ferrum, Manganum. 
Section VI. — Hydrargyrum. 

Section VII. — Arsenic, Atoxyl, Sodium Cocodylate, Antimony. 
Section VIII. — Phosphorus. 

Section IX. — Chlorine, Iodine, Bromine, Orthoform. 
Section X. — Sulphur. 
Section XI. — Acids. 
Section XII. — Carbon Compounds. 

Class 1. Carbon. 

Class 2. Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform. 

Class 3. Nitrites. 

Class 4. Chloral, Chloretone. 

Class 5. Antipyretics, Analgesics. 

Class 6. Antiseptics. 

Class 7. Miscellaneous Carbon Compounds. 



PART II. 
Vegetable Drugs. 

Section I. — Drugs acting on the brain. 

Class 1. Depressing the brain; Opium. 

Class 2. Stimulating the brain; Belladonna. 
Section II. — Drugs acting on the spinal cord. 

Class 1. Stimulating the inferior cornua; Nux Vomica, Strychnine. 

Class 2. Depressing the inferior cornua; Physostigma, Gelsemium. 

110 



VEGETABLE DKUGS 111 

Section III. — Drugs acting chiefly on the motor nerves. 

Class 1. Depressing the motor nerves; Tobacco and Conium. 
Section IV. — Drugs acting on the sensory nerves. 

Class 1. Depressing the sensory nerves; Cocaine, Eucain, Stovaine, Holocain, 
Yohimbine, Novocaine. 
Section V. — Drugs acting on the secretory nerves. 

Class 1. Stimulating the secretory nerves; Pilocarpus. 
Section VI. — Drugs acting on the heart. 

Class 1. Increasing the foree and decreasing the frequency of the heart; 

Digitalis, Strophanthus, Convallaria and Squill. 
Class 2. Decreasing the force and frequency of the heart; Aconite, Vera- 
trum Viride and Album, Veratrine. 
Section VII. — Drugs acting on the respiration; Ipecac. 
Section VIII. — Vegetable Antipyretics and Antiseptics. 
Class 1. Cinchona and its Alkaloids. 

Class 2. Salicylic Acid, Salicin, Salol, Oil of Gaultheria and Methyl 
Salicylate, Aspirin. 
Section IX. — Volatile Oils or Drugs containing them. 

Class 1. Used mainly for their action on the skin: Turpentine, Oil of 
Turpentine, Terebene, Terpin Hydrate, Burgundy Pitch, 
Canada Turpentine, Resin, Tar, Pitch, Oil of Cade, Balsam of 
Peru, Balsam of Tolu, Benzoin, Benzoic Acid, Black and White 
Mustard, Fibrolysin, Thiosinamine, Eucalyptus, Arnica, 
Myrrh. 
Class 2. Used mainly for their stomachic and carminative action upon 
the digestive tract: Capsicum, Ginger, Peppermint, Menthol, 
Spearmint, Anise, Cardamon, Coriander, Fennel, Fenugreek. 
Class 3. Used mainly for their antispasmodic action in stimulating the 
nervous system: Valerian, Ammonium, Ferric and Zinc 
Valerianates, Asafcetida and Ammoniacum. 
Class 4. Used mainly for their stimulant and diuretic action on the genito- 
urinary tract: Buchu and Oil of Juniper. 
Class 5. Used mainly for its emmenagogue action on the female generative 
organs; Savin. 
Section X. — Vegetable Bitters. — Gentian, Quassia, Cascarilla, Calumba, Taraxa- 
cum, Hydrastis, Calamus. 
Section XL — Vegetable Cathartics. 

Class 1. Simple Purgatives. — Aloes, Linseed Oil, Castor Oil, Rhamnua 
Purshiana, Phenolphthalein, Frangula, Rhamnus Catharticus, 
Rhubarb (Cbrysarobin), Senna. 
Class 2. Drastic Purgatives. — Croton Oil, Scammony, Jalap, Gamboge, 
Elaterin, Colocynth, Podophyllum, Podophylin. 
Section XII. — Tannic Acid and Drugs containing it. 

Xutgall, Tannic Acid, Gallic Acid, Pyrogallol, White Oak, Catechu, 
Kino, Krameria, Hematoxylon, Hamamelis. 
Section XIII. — Vegetable Demulcents. 

Olive Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Soap, Soft Soap, Glycerin, Linseed, Acacia, 
Tragacanth, Althaja, Sugar. 



112 CLASSIFICATION 

Section XIV. — Vegetable Drugs killing Parasites. 

Class 1. Used to destroy tape worms: Aspidium, Areea Nut, Kamala, 

Kouso, Granatum. 
Class 2. Used to destroy round worms: Santonica. 
Class 3. Used to destroy oxyurides: Quassia. 
Class 4. Used to destroy lice: Stavesacre. 
Class 5. Used to destroy fleas: Pyrethrum. 
Section XV. — Vegetable Drugs stimulating unstriated muscle, particularly of 
the uterus. 

Ergot, Cotton Eoot Bark. 
Section XVI. — Colchicum. 
Section XVII. — Vegetable Drugs acting mechanically. 

Starch, Oil of Theobroma, Purified Cotton, Pyroxylin, Collodion, 
Euphorbium. 
Section XVIII. — Medicinal Agents of Animal Origin. 

Adrenalin, Cantharides, Lard, Suet, Hydrous Wool Fat, Yellow and 
White Wax, Spermaceti, Honey, Milk, Sugar, Pepsin, Pancreatin, 
Ox Gall, Papain, Cod Liver Oil, Ichthyol, Thiol. 



NOTE. 

ABBREVIATIONS "USED IN REFERENCE TO THE SYNONYMS IN THE DESCRIPTIONS 

OF DRUGS. 

B. P British Pharmacopoeia. 

E English. 

P. G German Pharmacopoeia. 

Ft French. 

G German. 

Three doses of each medicine are usually given; one for horses and cat- 
tle; one for sheep and swine, and one for cats and dogs, unless otherwise 
specified. The quantities are expressed in units of the Apothecaries' Weight 
or Wine Measure and also in the metric system. The solids in the latter 
to be dispensed in grams, the liquids in cubic centimeters. Only those 
official drugs and preparations of the United States and British Pharmacopoeia's 
will be mentioned, which are considered to be of value to practitioners of 
Veterinary Medicine. In connection with doses the following abbreviations are 
used : < 

H Horse. 

C Cattle. 

Sh. & Sw Sheep and Swine. 

D. • Dogs. 

The same dose may be given to either dogs or cats of equal weight. 



PAKT I. 
INORGANIC AGENTS. 



SECTION I. 
Water. 



Aqua, Water. Aqua Destiulata, Distilled Water. H 2 0. (The 
latter used in filling many prescriptions.) 

Action external. — The reader is referred to special articles on 
"Cold and Heat" (p. 626), "Food and Feeding" (p. 606), and 
"Counter Irritants" (p. 620), for details concerning the action 
and uses of water, respectively, as a medium of heat and cold, as an 
article of diet in health and disease, and as a counter irritant. Cold 
water, externally, at first stimulates reflexly heat production, with 
slight rise of temperature, increased carbonic acid elimination and 
contraction of the vessels and muscles of the skin. If the cold water 
application is continued, the bodily heat falls, owing to physical ab- 
straction of heat. "Reaction" follows the removal of cold, if 
properly applied, with dilatation of the superficial vessels (and sen- 
sation of warmth and exhilaration in man). Moderate warm water 
(105° F.) applications stimulate cutaneous vascularity, favor di- 
aphoresis, and diminish urinary secretion. Hot water (110°-1.20° 
F.) applications act as counter irritants in dilating the peripheral 
vessels, contracting those in more remote parts, and relieving pain, 
spasm, congestion and inflammation. 

Action internal. — Water is quickly absorbed and thus swells 
the secretion of urine, and, to a less extent, that of bile, saliva and 
pancreatic juice. Intestinal peristalsis is facilitated by a consider- 
able amount of water. Water also increases tissue change, and 
elimination of carbonic dioxide and urea ; promotes the appetite and 
washes out the tissues and urinary tract, thus removing waste 
matters from the body. The elimination of uric acid is lessened by 
water. Large quantities of water, if not taken at meal time — when 

113 



114: INORGANIC AGENTS 

they dilute the digestive juices aud disorder digestion — favor the 
formation of fat. 

Uses external. — See "Heat and Cold," p. 626. 

Uses Internal. — Healthy animals may be given as much water 
as they desire, with certain restrictions in relation to work and 
feeding. It is unwise to allow horses much water, either immediately 
before or after severe work, or after feeding. If water is given 
before severe work it increases the bulk of intestinal contents, is apt 
to cause digestive disturbance, and interferes with the movements 
of the diaphragm. For these same reasons water should only be 
permitted in small amount (at a time) in "heaves" of horses. 

If a quantity of cold water is allowed horses after hard work, 
colic is very likely to occur. Working horses should, therefore, be 
watered, in reasonable amount, while at work ; and, if this is im- 
practicable, may be allowed but a few mouthfuls of water, or a 
gallon of oatmeal gruel after severe work, with whole hay but no 
grain until after an hour's rest. When horses at rest drink much 
water after eating, the contents of the stomach (which is unusually 
small in this animal) are washed into the intestines and are not so 
thoroughly digested. This accomplishes two bad results : it deprives 
the animal of some nourishment and engenders digestive trouble and 
diarrhea. 

The best plan is to give resting horses water before eating, or 
to keep it at their command at all times. Cold water is desirable, 
frequently and in unlimited quantities, in fever, although there is 
a popular fear of it. Water is more valuable than any other known 
agent in fever to eliminate toxins. Drinking should be encouraged 
by putting salt on the food and by keeping water always at the 
animal's disposal. Also by giving large enemata of normal salt 
solution (p. 650). Hot water assists the action of diaphoretics; cold 
water that of diuretics. Lukewarm water is an emetic, but hot water, 
in small and repeated doses, allays nausea and vomiting. Water is 
restricted in ordinary diarrheas, obesity, and to assist the absorption 
of exudations. The drinking of water should be encouraged by a 
liberal allowance of salt (which in itself aids digestion), in animals 
in a poor condition, to increase their appetite and flesh. Water is 
valuable in diluting a concentrated urine from which calculi are 
liable to be deposited. High rectal injections of water are absorbed, 
and consequently flush out the kidneys. 



SOLUTION OF HYDROGEN DIOXIDE 115 



Solution of Hydrogen Dioxide. 



Aqua Hydrogenii Dioxidi. Solution of Hydrogen Dioxide. 

(U. S. P.) 

Synonym.— Liquor Hydrogenii Peroxidi, Hydrogen Peroxide. 
A slightly acid aqueous solution of hydrogen dioxide (H 2 2 ) con- 
taining, when freshly prepared, about 3 per cent., by weight, of the 
pure dioxide, corresponding- to about 10 volumes of available 
oxygen. 

Derivation. — Add barium dioxide, 300, to cold, distilled water, 
500; agitate and keep at a temperature of 100° C. (50° P.). To 
this mixture (of barium hydrate) add a solution of phosphoric acid, 
96, in cold distilled water, 320, and shake them together thoroughly. 
Filter, and wash the precipitate (barium phosphate) with distilled 
water until the nitrate measures 1000. Add diluted sulphuric acid 
to the nitrate (until cloudiness disappears in a small filtered portion 
of it; absence of barium), and starch 10. Agitate frequently. 
Filter and refilter till the solution becomes clear. 

Properties. — A colorless liquid, without odor, acidulous to the 
taste and producing a peculiar sensation and soapy froth in the 
mouth ; liable to deteriorate by age, exposure to heat, or protracted 
agitation. Spec. gr. 1,006 to 1,012. 

Reaction slightly acid. When exposed to the air at the or- 
dinary temperature, or when heated in a water bath at a temperature 
not exceeding 60° C. (140° F.) the solution loses chiefly water. 
When rapidly heated it is liable to decompose suddenly. (The value 
of a given sample of hydrogen dioxide may be roughly ascertained 
by adding a few drachms to a few crystals of potassium perman- 
ganate in a test tube. The greater the amount of effervescence the 
better the hydrogen dioxide. — Wallian.) 

Dose.— H. & C, § i-ii. (30.-60.) ; D., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) 

Action and Usesp&&~££ydrogeri dioxide is probably the most 
powerful, non-toxic, surgical antiseptic and disinfectant. It is not 
poisonous to higher animals, and liberates oxygen immediately in 
the presence of all forms of living matter, excised organs, and 
drawn blood, thus destroying all bacteria and organized ferments. 
It is, moreover, a most efficient cleansing agent in wounds, the 
gaseous froth mechanically removing detritus better than irrigation. 
It thus acts like soap-suds in ordinary washing processes. Injected 



116 INORGANIC AGENTS 

intravenously hydrogen dioxide causes death through the formation 
of gas (oxygen) emboli — in its catalysis in the blood — by plugging 
the heart and blood-vessels of the brain and lungs. 

The microbicidal action is transient and not persistent ; only 
water remains. Therefore hydrogen dioxide is useless for the pro- 
duction of continuous antiseptic action. The drug is an antiseptic in 
the digestive tract, and some oxygen may be absorbed by the blood, 
but this is extremely doubtful. The official solution contains 10 
volumes of oxygen; that is, it yields up 10 times its bulk of oxygen 
gas. Most proprietary preparations are stronger, and contain 12 
volumes of oxygen, and are more powerfully disinfectant. 

Hydrogen peroxide is particularly valuable as an antiseptic on 
suppurating and septic wounds, necrosed tissue, abscess cavities, 
sinus', ulcers, morbid growths and suppurating mucous membranes. 
In fistulse of the withers and poll, hydrogen dioxide acts as an effi- 
cient cleansing and antiseptic agent, and it should be injected prior 
to the use of other antiseptics, stimulants and caustics, as carbolic 
acid in glycerin (see p. 301). Hydrogen dioxide is probably the best 
remedy we possess in the treatment of acute catarrh of the pharynx 
and tonsils in dogs and cats when applied directly to the throat, 
diluted with two parts of lime water, with an atomizer or brush, or 
on absorbent cotton on an applicator. It is commonly employed in 
full strength and only in glass, porcelain, or hard rubber vessels or 
instruments. The drug should not be used in cavities where an out- 
let for the free escape of gas is wanting. Peroxide of hydrogen de- 
composes pus with effervescence, and thus is a guide to its presence 
or absence; it also destroys the pus cocci. 

Hydrogen dioxide is a safe and efficient agent in disinfecting 
drinking water, and is of some value in gastric fermentative indi- 
gestion of dogs where the vomitus and feces show evidence of gas 
formation or frothiness, and is absolutely safe. Recently good re- 
sults have been reported from the use of hydrogen dioxide, diluted 
with three parts of lime water, in dysentery when given as high 
enemata twice daily. 



POTASSIUM 117 

SECTION II. 

Alkaline Metals — Potassium, Sodium, Ammonium, Lithium. 

Potassium. 

Potassium is not used in medicine in the metallic state. Its 
compounds may be considered in three groups ; 1, Pot ass a ; 2, the 
Carbonates (acetate and citrate) ; 3, the Mineral Salts. 

Potassium compounds were formerly obtained from wood 
ashes by lixiviation ; from sea water by evaporation, and from argol, 
a substance deposited in wine casks. 'Now they are obtained from 
potassium muriate, mined in Stassfurt, Saxony, which is thought 
to result from the boiling away of sea water in past ages. 

GENERAL ACTION OF POTASSIUM SALTS.* 

In lethal doses the action of all the potassium compounds is 
very similar. 

Stomach and Intestines. — The potassium salts, with the ex- 
ception of the vegetable compounds, are irritants to the gastrointes- 
tinal tract, if ingested in concentrated form. 

Heart. — When injected into a vein, potassium has a direct, 
paralyzing action on the heart muscle, and in lethal doses there is 
cardiac arrest in diastole. Much the same action is, moreover, ob- 
served on all higher forms of tissue. The functional activity of the 
nerves and muscles is depressed and abolished, more especially that 
of the brain and cord, so that paralysis of central origin occurs. 

Potassium has, however, no depressing influence upon the 
heart when given by the mouth, as enormously greater amounts than 
are ever given medicinally are daily consumed in the food. Bunge 
estimates from 50 to 100 gms. may be thus daily ingested in food 
by man. This fact explodes the fallacy that sodium salts are less 
depressant to the heart than the corresponding salts of potassium 
and are preferable as medicinal agents to the latter. 

Blood. — When given for any considerable period, the potassium, 
like the sodium salts, impoverish the system and produce a more 



* The action of salts on the body is determined not by the action _ of 
the chemical compound or its molecule but by the action of the ions which 
are dissociated when the salt goes into solution. Thus the action of Potassium 
on the body may be studied by observing the action of KC1 since the influence 
of the CI ion (anion) may be ignored as it induces no physiological effect 
upon the organism. 



118 INORGANIC AGENTS 

fluid state of the blood. Large doses of the potassium salts are likely 
to occasiou purging, while small doses are apt to cause diuresis. The 
carbonates and vegetable salts resemble each other in action, but that 
of the mineral salts is peculiar to the individual compound. 



Potassii Hydroxidum. Potassium Hydroxide. KOH. 

(IT. S. P.) 

Synonyms. — Potassa caustica, B. P. ; potash, potassium hydrate, 
caustic potash, lapis causicus chirurgorum, E. ; potasse caustique, 
Er. ; aetz kali, G; kali causticum fusum, P.G. 

Derivation. — A solution of potassium hydrate is evaporated ; 
the residue is fused and run into moulds. 

Properties. — Dry, white, translucent pencils or fused masses, 
hard and brittle, showing a crystalline fracture ; odorless, or having 
a faint odor of lye, and of a very acid and caustic taste. Exposed 
to the air, it very rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture, and 
deliquesces. Soluble at 25° C. (77°'I\)* in about 0.4 part of water, 
and in 2 parts of alcohol ; very soluble in boiling water and in boil- 
ing alcohol ; slightly soluble in ether. 



Liquor Potassii Hydroxidi. Solution of Potassium Hydroxide. 

(U. S. P.) 

An aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH), con- 
taining about 5 per cent, of the hydroxide. 

Synonym. — Liquor potassae, B. P. ; solution of potassium 
hydrate, kali hydricum solution, lixivium causticum, solution of 
potash, E. ; potasse caustique liquide, lessive caustique, Er. ; aetz- 
kalilauge, G. ; liquor kali caustici, P. G. 

Derivation. — Boiling a solution of potassium carbonate with 
calcium hydrate leaves potassium hydrate in solution, while calcium 
carbonate is precipitated. 

K 2 CO,+Ca (OH) 2 =2 KOH+Ca C0 3 . 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, odorless, having a very 
acrid and canstic taste and a strongly alkaline reaction. It has a 
soapy feel and taste. 

*Dose.—H. k G, § ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i (2.-4.) ; 
D., HI v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 

* When solubility is mentioned hei-eafter, reference will be had to solubility 
at the above temperature. 



POTASSIUM WITH LIME 119 

Potassa Cum Calce. Potassa with Lime. (Non-official.) 
(Equal parts of potassa and lime.) 

Synonym.- — Vienna paste. 

Properties. — A grayish-white powder, deliquescent, having a 
strongly alkaline reaction ; should be soluble in diluted hydro- 
chloric acid without leaving more than a small residue. 

Action and Uses. — Potassium hydroxide, its solution, and 
potassa cum calce are mainly of value as escharotics. Liquor 
potassa? is unfit for internal use unless greatly diluted with water. 
It resembles potassium carbonate in its effects. Caustic potash is 
very destructive of tissue by dissolving proteids and forming alkali- 
proteids. It is most diffusible and, therefore, difficult to limit its 
action. This we may do, however, by applying a plaster to a part, 
with a hole in it, through which the caustic stick is applied. Before 
using the caustic, the outside of the plaster should be covered with 
oil or grease, but not the part under the aperture in it. After 
removing the plaster the operation of the caustic may be arrested 
by vinegar. Cauterization by this means is very painful under or- 
dinary circumstances, but may be made comparatively painless by 
incorporating one part of morphine muriate with three parts of 
potassa cum calce, and adding enough chloroform to make a paste. 

Caustic potash is indicated where extensive destruction of 
tissue is desirable, as in the treatment of the bites of rabid dogs and 
of snakes. It is less commonly used for the removal of warts, and 
small growths, and as a caustic on indolent or exuberant granulations. 

Potash has been employed to form an issue, or artificial ulcer 
for the production of counter irritation. Potash may be prescribed 
in bronchitis, for its action, common to the alkalies, in thinning and 
increasing the bronchial secretions. An excellent mild stimulating 
liniment consists of: 



01. terebinthinse 50.00 

01. succini 20.00 

Saponis pulv 10.00 

Potassa; 2.00 

Aquae ad 1,000.00 

M. et fiat linimentum. 

The potash saponifies the oils and exerts a stimulating action on 
the skin. Potassium bicarbonate is less irritating and more suit- 
able for the latter indication. Potash is sometimes recommended 



120 INORGANIC AGENTS 

as an antacid and sedative in gastric disorders, but is inferior to 
sodium bicarbonate for this purpose. 



P'otassii Carbonas. Potassium Carbonate. K2CO3. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Salts of tartar. 

Derivation. — The solution resulting from the lixiviation of 
wood ashes is boiled to dryness, and the resultant mass is the 
"potash" of commerce. This is purified to some extent by burning 
in ovens, forming "pearlash," a mixture of the hydrate and car- 
bonate. Water dissolves mainly the carbonate which is obtained 
by evaporation of the aqueous solution. 

Properties. — A white, granular powder, odorless, and having 
a strongly alkaline taste; very deliquescent. Soluble in 0.9 part 
of water; insoluble in alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, I ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); 
D., gr.v-xx (.3-1.3). 

Potassii Bicarbonas. Potassium Bicarbonate. KHC0 3 . 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Doppelkohlensaures kali, G. . 

Derivation. — Obtained by passing a stream of C0 2 through a 
solution of the carbonate. 

K 2 C0 3 + COo + HoO = 2 KIICO.. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, odor- 
less and having a saline and slightly alkaline taste. Permanent in 
the air. Soluble in 3 parts of water. Almost insoluble in alcohol. 
Becomes converted into the carbonate by boiling. 

Dose.— H. & C, § ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; 
D., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 

Preferable to carbonate for internal use, as it is less irritating. 

Potassii Ac etas. Potassium Acetate. KCHoOo. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym, — Terra foliata tartari, E. ; Essigsaures kali, G. 
Derivation. — Add acetic acid in excess to potassium carbonate. 
Evaporate to dryness and fuse residue. 

K 2 00 3 + 2 HC 2 H 3 2 = 2 KC 2 H R 2 + H 2 + C0 2 . 
Properties. — A white powder, or crystalline masses of a satiny 



POTASSIUM CITRATE 



121 



lustre; odorless and having a warming, saline taste. Very deli- 
quescent on exposure to the air. Soluble in 0.4 part of water and in 
2 parts of alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as bicarbonate. 



Potassii Citeas. Potassium Citrate. K 3 C 6 H 5 7 . 
(TJ. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Citrate de potasse, Pr. ; Citronsaures kali, G. 

Derivation. — Neutralize potassium carbonate with a solution of 
citric acid, and evaporate to dryness. 

3 K0CO3 + 2 H3C6H5O7 = 2 K3C6H5O7 + 3 H 2 + 3 C0 2 . 

Properties. — Transparent, prismatic crystals, or a white, gran- 
ular powder; odorless and having a cooling, saline taste. Deli- 
quescent on exposure to air. Soluble in 0.5 part of water; sparingly 
soluble in alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as bicarbonate. 



ACTION OF THEI CARBONATES AND VEGETABEEl SALTS. 

The carbonate is too irritating for internal use, while the bicai> 
bonate is more so than the similar-sodium salt. Therefore the latter 
is in more common use as an antacid. Antacids neutralize abnormal 
gastric acidity if given some time after eating in large doses. 

The vegetable salts (the acetate and citrate) are converted into 
the carbonate in the blood and are non-irritating. The bicarbonate is 
also absorbed into the blood as the carbonate. These salts, together 
with the hydrate, alkalize the blood and urine. It is thought by 
many authorities that they increase oxidation within the body, as it 
is known that they do so outside the body in contact with organic 
matter. As a result of all experiments with the hydrates and car- 
bonates, neither oxidation nor metabolism appear to be materially 
influenced. 

Uric acid elimination is not affected, but urea may be increased, 
replacing ammonia in the urine. The action of these salts is due 
wholly to the hydroxyl (OH) ion. The action of the carbonates is 
only less in degree and rapidity than the hydrates, since OH is freed 
in the body when carbonates combine with water. The carbonates 
are mainly useful as antacids; the citrate and acetate as diuretics. 

jj ses . — Potassium carbonate forms a useful addition to mixtures 
for application to the skin, as, through its strong alkalinity, it re- 
moves grease and sebaceous matter, permitting medicinal agents to 



122 INOEGAiSTIC AGENTS 

penetrate the skin. A mixture of potassium carbonate, 15.0 (§ss.) 5 
sublimed sulphur, 50.0 (§i. 3v.) ; and water, 12 litres (3 gallons), 
makes a serviceable application for the milder forms of mange and 
eczema. The animal should be well washed with the mixture in a tub 
every second day, and peruvian balsam, oil of cade or tar should be 
applied daily. Potassium bicarbonate in aqueous solution is service- 
able in relieving itching (gr. v.-oi.) While probably not so generally 
efficient as the corresponding sodium salt, it is of benefit when given 
an hour after feeding to horses subject to colic at that time. It is 
more useful than sodium bicarbonate in alkalizing an over-acid 
urine (dogs), and in dissolving and eliminating uric acid from the 
blood. Potassium citrate and acetate are indicated in irritation or 
inflammation of the kidneys and bladder and cause absorption of 
exudations (pleural effusions, for example), through their diuretic 
power. They are sometimes prescribed in fever on account of slight 
diaphoretic and powerful diuretic properties. 

Potassium acetate and citrate stimulate bronchial secretion and 
make it thinner, and are recommended accordingly in bronchitis. 
They are less efficient than potassium iodide for these purposes in 
this affection. 



Potassii ISTitras. Potassium Nitrate. KX0 3 (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — ISTitre, saltpetre, E. ; nitre prismatique, azotate 
(nitrate) de potasse, Fr. ; saltpetersaures kali, kalisalpeter, G. 

Derivation.- — Saltpetre is formed in the soil in certain regions 
and climates and is made artificially, by the putrefaction of animal 
or vegetable material, in the presence of heat, moisture, oxygen, and 
alkaline or earthy bases capable of fixing the nitric acid set free in 
this process, known as nitrification. The natural conditions for 
nitrification are present in some parts of India, and saltpetre is 
largely imported from Calcutta. Artificially, nitre beds are made 
of animal and vegetable matter, wood ashes, and calcareous earth 
or old plaster from houses. Sodium nitrate is imported extensively 
from Chili, where it occurs as a mineral product, and is used widely 
in this country in artificial fertilizers. Chili saltpetre may be con- 
verted into nitre by treatment with potash. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, six-sided, rhombic prisms, 
or a crystalline powder, odorless and having a cooling, saline and 
pungent taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in 3.6 parts of water ; 
very spariuglv soluble in alcohol. 

Dose.— -11. & C, I ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., % ss.-i. (2.-4.); 
D., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 



POTASSIUM NITRATE 123 

A ction External. — Refrigerant. 

Action Internal. — Stomach and Intestines. — Nitre causes, in 
lethal doses, violent gastro-enteritis, often nephritis, muscular weak- 
ness, coma, collapse and depression of the circulation. The pulse 
becomes both slow and weak. There is muscular weakness and 
paralysis. Potassium nitrate is one of the most irritating salts of 
this group, but its toxic effect depends upon the influence of the 
nitrate ion, and — when concentrated — upon its "salt action" (see p. 
) in withdrawing water from the tissues. 

Blood. — Toxic doses of nitre have a slight decomposing action 
(hemolysis) on the blood. 

Heart. — Nitre is said to be more depressing to the heart than 
the other potassium compounds. There is no basis for this belief. 

Lungs. — The respiration is slowed by considerable doses of po- 
tassium nitrate, and it exerts an antispasmodic action by depression 
of the unstriped fibres of the bronchi. 

Kidneys. — Diuresis is the predominant medicinal action of 
nitre. It may induce diuresis through its "salt action" (see p. 134) 
but in that case should escape unchanged in the urine. Apparently 
little or none is thus eliminated, except after large doses. In 
moderate doses the salt is changed in the body. It is conjectured 
that it is first converted into nitrates, then into ammonia, and finally 
escapes from the lungs as free nitrogen. 

The diuretic action is chiefly due to direct stimulation of the 
renal cells. 

Potassium nitrate is more frequently prescribed than any 
other potassium salt in veterinary practice, and is commonly con- 
sidered one of the best febrifuges. Its only service in fevers is as a 
diuretic. Its use as a febrifuge has therefore been long abandoned 
in human medicine. 

Administration. — Nitre is dissolved in a pail of drinking water 
and kept constantly at the larger animal's disposal. The salt is 
rendered harmless by dilution ; vascular tension and diuresis are in- 
creased by the water, and the solution is cooling and grateful to the 
taste in fever. Smaller doses (oss.) may be given on the food to 
horses. 

Uses. — Nitre, ammonium chloride, and common salt, each one 
part, are dissolved in three parts water, and sometimes used for their 
refrigerant effect on local inflammatory conditions. Ice poultices 
are more efficient. The value of nitre is over-estimated in veterinary 
practice. It is recommended in purpura and rheumatism as an 
alterative. Here again it is less serviceable than ergot in the former, 
or salicvlic acid and alkalies in the latter disease. Nitre is, however, 



124 INORGANIC AGENTS 

in common use in such febrile affections as pneumonia and influenza 
in horses. 

Powdered potassium nitrate— mixed with an equal amount of 
stramonium leaves — is sometimes employed in asthma and bron- 
chitis of dogs as an inhalation by burning the mixture. 



Potassii Chloras. Potassium Chlorate. KC10 3 . 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Kali oxymuriaticum, E. ; chlorate de potasse, Fr. ; 
chlorsaures kali, G. 

Derivation. — Pass chlorine into a mixture of potassium car- 
bonate and calcium hydrate ; dissolve the result in boiling water 
and recover the chlorate by crystallization. 

K2CO3 -f 6 Ca (OH) 2 + 12 CI = 2 KCIO3 + Ca C0 3 + 5 
Ca Cl 2 + 6 H 2 0. 

Properties. — Colorless, lustrous, monoclinic prisms or plates, 
or a white powder, odorless, and having a cooling, saline taste. 
Permanent in the air. Soluble in 16 parts of water. Insoluble in 
absolute alcohol, but slightly soluble in mixtures of alcohol and 
water. Explodes readily when rubbed with sugar, sulphur, charcoal, 
glycerin and many other substances. 

Dose.— H. & C., 3 ii.-vi. (8.-24.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; 
D., gr. v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 

Action Internal.- — Stomach and Bowels. — In concentrated form 
potassium chlorate is an irritant to mucous membranes — causing 
vomiting and purging in the alimentary tract — owing to its with- 
drawal of water from the tissues. Its "salt action" is also seen in 
its increasing tension in the renal glomeruli and thus causing diuresis 
(see p. 134, sodium chloride). Lethal doses occasion gastro-enteritis, 
diarrhea, cyanosis, depression of the heart, coma and death from 
asphyxia. Jaundice and dark-colored urine occur in sub-acute 
poisoning. 

The Blood. — The blood is unaffected by medicinal doses, but 
in poisoning the red corpuscles are broken down and crenated. The 
hemoglobin is converted into methemoglobin, which is probably a 
mixture of hematin and soluble albumin. Hemoglobin, methemo- 
globin and hematin and disintegrated corpuscles appear in the urine. 
The blood is chocolate-colored after death. The liver, spleen, kid- 
neys and intestines are softened and filled with disorganized blood. 
It was formerly thought that potassium chlorate parted with its 
oxygen in the blood, and it was prescribed in many disorders as an 



POTASSIUM BITARTRATE 125 

oxidizing agent. Potassium chlorate gives up very little oxygen to 
the body since almost all of the salt absorbed escapes unchanged from 
the organism. On the contrary, the important symptoms of poison- 
ing are due to lack of oxygen (asphyxia), methemoglobin not liber- 
ating its oxygen readily to the tissues. Death from fat embolism is 
not uncommon during convalescence from poisoning. 

Elimination. — Potassium chlorate is eliminated unchanged 
by all channels; mainly by the urine (90 to 96 per cent.), but also 
by the sweat, saliva, etc. Acting locally as a stimulant in the mouth, 
and then affecting the throat a second time by its elimination in the 
saliva, potassium chlorate is frequently prescribed in diseases of 
the mouth and pharynx as a topical stimulant. It is given in 
electuary, solution, or ball internally. 

Summary. — Sialogogue and diuretic. 

Uses. — Stomatitis is treated by chlorate of potassium in 
saturated solution applied on a swab. The salt is valuable in the 
treatment of pharyngitis in electuary. A favorite combination con- 
sists of nuidextract of belladonna, §i. ; potassium chlorate, §ii. ; 
powdered licorice root, §v., with sufficient molasses to make an 
electuary. One ounce is to be smeared on the teeth of a horse thrice 
daily. * An half ounce of a saturated solution of potassium chlorate, 
with a few drops of laudanum, forms a useful injection for hemor- 
rhoids in dogs. 



Potassii Bitartras. Potassium Bitartrate. KH 4 C 4 H0 6 . 

(TT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Potassii tartras acida, B.P. ; cream of tartar, cremor 
tartari, acid tartrate of potash, E. ; tartarus depuratus, P. G. ; pierre 
de vin, Fr., weinstein, G. 

Derivation. — Obtained from crude tartar (argol) deposited on 
the sides of wine casks during fermentation of grape juice, by puri- 
fication. 

Properties. — Colorless or slightly opaque, rhombic crystals, or 
a white, somewhat gritty powder; odorless and having a pleasant, 
acidulous taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in about 200 parts 
of water; very sparingly soluble in alcohol. Reaction acid. 



* Also in membranous croup (roup) of fowl (gr.x.), and in that of foals, 
calves and pigs (gr. xxx.), it is useful when given in solution with an equal dose 
of the tincture of chloride of iron. 



126 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Dose.— H. & C, 5ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., I ss. (15.) ; D.. 
oss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Action internal. — Intestines. — Potassium bitartrate is a non- 
irritating purgative in large doses. It is a hydragogue cathartic 
and has a strong affinity for water ; abstracting it from the blood 
vessels in the bowels, holding the same in solution, and thus flushing 
out the intestines. (See p. 131.) 

Blood. — Potassium bitartrate is in part decomposed, converted 
into the carbonate, and absorbed as such into the blood. The greater 
part is apparently excreted by the bowels unchanged. A portion of 
the latter, however, may have been absorbed and eliminated by the 
intestines. 

Kidneys. — Potassium bitartrate is an active diuretic and renders 
the urine more alkaline, but for some reason it is not ordinarily em- 
ployed in veterinary practice. Nevertheless, it is the best and safest 
diuretic which can be used by the veterinarian in the treatment of 
the horse and smaller animals. 

Summary. — Diuretic in small doses. Hydragogue cathartic in 
large doses. It should be given in solution and is useful in dropsies, 
more particularly of renal origin; also in catarrhal jaundice, and as 
a laxative for foals and calves. In cases where the urine of the horse 
is thick, stringy and high-colored, potassium bitartrate will cause it 
to regain its normal state. It may easily be administered in either 
food or drinking water, and its diuretic effect is enhanced when the 
salt is given with a large amount of water. 



Sodium. 

{The metal is not employed in medicine.) 
Sodii Hydroxid'UM. Sodium Hydroxide. NaOH. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Soda caustica, B.P. ; soda, sodium hydrate, caustic 
soda, natrum causticum, S. hydricum, E. ; sonde caustique, Fr. ; 
natron setznatron, G. 

Derivation. — It is made from liquor soda 1 by evaporation, and 
run in moulds. 

Properties. — Dry, white, translucent pencils, or fused masses, 
showing a crystalline fracture; odorless, and having an acrid and 
caustic taste. Exposed to the air it rapidly deliquesces, absorbs 
carbon dioxide, and becomes covered with a dry coating of carbon- 
ate. Soluble in 1 part of water ; very soluble in alcohol. 



SODIUM CARBONATE 



127 



Liquor Sodii Hydroxidi. Solution of Sodium Hydroxide. 
(U. S. &B. P.) 

An aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, containing about 5 
per cent, of hydroxide. 

Synonym. — Solution of sodium hydrate, E. ; natrum hydricum 
solutum, sonde eaustique liquide, Er. ; liquor natri caustici, P. G. ; 
setznatron lauge, G. 

Derivation. — An aqueous solution of sodium carbonate is 
boiled with calcium hydrate, and the supernatant liquid is siphoned 

off. 

Na 2 COs + Ca (OH) 2 = 2 JSFaOH + CaC0 3 . 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, odorless, having a very 
acrid and caustic taste, and a strongly alkaline reaction. 

Dose.—K. & C, I ss.-i. (15.-30.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); 
D., TTL v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 

Action and Uses. — Sodium hydroxide and its solution ^ re- 
semble compounds of potassium, but are used chiefly for chemical 
and pharmaceutical purposes. 

Liquor sodii hydroxidi should be given largely diluted with 
water. In poisoning by the caustic alkalies or soap lye, give vinegar, 
diluted acetic acid, lemon juice and demulcents. Inject subcutane- 
ously camphorated oil (H. & C, % ss.-i. ; L>., TTl xv.-xx.). 

Sodii Carbonas. Sodium Carbonate. Na 2 C0 3 10 H 2 0. 
(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Washing soda, sal soda, carbonas sodicus, E. ; 
natrum carhonicum crudum, P. G. ; carbonate de soude, Er. ; kohlen- 
saures natron, soda, G. 

Derivation. — Made by Leblanc's process. Three steps: 

1st. Salt and sulphuric acid heated together. 2 ]\ T a CI + H 2 
S0 4 = ^ T a 2 S0 4 + 2 HC1. 

2nd. Sodium sulphate is heated with carbon. Na 2 S0 4 + 
4 c = Na 2 S + 4 CO. 

3rd. Sodium sulphide heated with chalk. Na 2 S + Ca C0 3 — 
J\ T a 2 C0 3 + Ca S. 

Properties. — Colorless, monoclinic crystals, odorless and 
having a strongly alkaline taste. In dry air the salt effloresces, 
loses about half its water of crystallization and becomes a white 
powder. Soluble in 1.6 parts of water and in 1.02 parts of glycerin. 
Reaction alkaline. 



128 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Sodii Caebonas Monohydeatus. Monohydrated Sodium 

Carbonate. 

Na 2 C0 3 -4- HoO. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — ISTatrum carbonicum siccum, P. G. ; carbonate de 
sonde, Fr. ; getrocknete soda, G. 

Properties. — A white, crystalline, granular powder, odorless and 
having a strongly alkaline taste. When exposed to the air, under 
ordinary conditions, it absorbs only a slight percentage of moisture. 
Soluble in 2.9 parts of water; insoluble in alcohol and ether; soluble 
in 8 parts of glycerin. Reaction alkaline. Action of sodium car- 
bonate similar to the hydroxide, but infrequently employed in medi- 
cine. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3ii.-vi. (8.-24.); Sh. & Sw., gr.xx.-xl. 
(1.3-2.6) ; D., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3). Given in large amount of water. 



Sodii Bicaebonas. Sodium Bicarbonate. "N"a HCOo. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Soda, baking soda, sodium sesquicarbonate, natrum 
carbonicum acidulum, bicarbonas sodicus, sodium hydrocarbonate, 
bicarbonate of soda, E. ; natrum bicarbonicum, P. G. ; bicarbonate 
de sonde, sel digestive de vichy, Fr. ; doppelkohlensaures natron, G. 

Derivation. — Pass C0 2 through a solution of sodinm carbonate, 
Na 2 C0 3 + C0 2 + HoO = 2 Na H00 3 . 

Properties.- — A white, opaque powder, odorless, and having a 
cooling, mildly alkaline taste. Permanent in dry, but slowly decom- 
posed in moist air. Soluble in 12 parts of water, insoluble in alcohol 
and ether. Slight alkaline reaction. 

Incompatibles. — Decomposed by acid and acid salts, as bismuth 
subnitrate. 

Dose.—K., % ss.-ii. (15.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; D., 
gr.v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

GENEEAL ACTION OF SODIUM SALTS. 

Sodium and its salts are said to be less poisonous than the cor- 
responding salts of potassium because they are less depressing to 
the circulatory (see p. 117), muscular and nervous systems, but 
death has occurred after enormous doses. The salts possess a local 
paralyzing action on nerve and muscular tissue. They are ab- 
sorbed and eliminated more slowly than the corresponding potassium 



SODIUM BICARBONATE 129 

compounds. Sodium salts alkalize the blood and urine, but are only 
slightly diuretic. Sodium carbonate, phosphate, and sulphate dimin- 
ish the solids in the bile and, therefore, increase its fluidity. 



Sodium Bicarbonate. 

Action External. — Sodium bicarbonate lessens irritability of 
the skin in itching and burns. 

Action Internal. — When sodium bicarbonate is given inter- 
nally it counteracts gastric acidity, whether it be normal or excessive 
(hyperchlorhydria). Its constant administration weakens the diges- 
tive powers and creates anemia, general cachexia, and scorbutic 
symptoms. Sodium bicarbonate liberates carbonic dioxide in the 
stomach, which is a sedative and peristaltic stimulant, thus expelling 
gas and relieving pain in the viscus. The C0 2 thus set free 
slightly offsets the action of sodium bicarbonate in lessening acidity 
since C0 2 excites HC1 secretion during gastric digestion. Soda 
dissolves mucus and thins the biliary secretion. It is, therefore, 
useful in catarrh of the gastro-intestinal tract. 

Blood. — The blood is made more alkaline. 

Kidneys. — The urine is alkalized, but the salt is only feebly 
diuretic ("salt action," p. 134). 

Uses External. — In aqueous solution (1-50) sodium bicarbonate 
relieves itching in urticaria, prurigo and chronic eczema. It dis- 
solves mucus in leucorrhea and is often used in this strength as a 
vaginal injection. It also allays the pain of slight burns and of 
acute rheumatism. For this purpose cloths should be soaked in 
saturated solutions and placed upon the affected parts. Added to 
water (3i.-Oi.) in which instruments are to be boiled, it prevents 
rusting. 

Uses Internal. — Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most useful 
remedies in gastric or intestinal indigestion associated with abnormal 
acidity, or flatulence and distress. It does not always remove the 
cause of indigestion, however, and, therefore, should be combined 
with agents which do: e.g., cathartics, antiseptics, carminatives 
and stomachics. For this reason sodium bicarbonate is often 
prescribed to dogs with bismuth subcarbonate, salol or beta 
naphtol; to horses with gentian or nux vomica and ginger. Two 
drams of sodium bicarbonate with half a dram of bismuth sub- 
nitrate may be given thrice daily in indigestion and diarrhea of 
calves, especially when the trouble has arisen from feeding sour 
milk. 

Sodium bicarbonate is of value in alkalizing the blood in *icute 



130 INORGANIC AGENTS 

rheumatism. In threatened coma in diabetes mellitus large doses 
of the salt given in solution by the mouth or intravenously, neutralize 
diacetic acid in the blood and may avert a fatal ending. 

Sodium bicarbonate is of much worth in alkalizing the urine 
and in preventing the formation of calculi so often occurring in 
stall-fed cattle, rams and wethers and may be placed on the feed or 
in the drinking water. The salt is supposed to assist the action of 
calomel, with which it is often conjoined to stimulate the flow of 
bile and aid the alkaline intestinal juices in transforming the inactive 
chloride into the active oxide (see p. 204). Sodium bicarbonate 
is occasionally given in acute bronchitis, but it is distinctly inferior 
to the corresponding potassium salt in thinning and increasing bron- 
chial secretions. 

This salt is highly recommended in the treatment of hemo- 
globinemia (azoturia) in horses when given in quantities of 10-30 
ounces daily. Theoretically, sodium bicarbonate is of benefit in this 
disease, by neutralizing acid products of metabolism which lead to 
solution of the hemoglobin. Sodium bicarbonate relieves thirst in 
polyuria of horses, when placed in their drinking water. 

Administ?'ation. — Sodium bicarbonate may be given in solution, 
or on the tongue or food in the pure state. 



Sodii Sulphas. Sodium Sulphate. Na 2 S0 4 10ILO. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Glauber's salts, sulfas sodicus (natricus) sal 
mirabile Glauberi, sulphate of soda, E. ; sulfat de soude ; sel de 
Glauber, Fr. ; Glaubersalz, G. 

Derivation. — Neutralize the residue left in the manufacture of 
HC1 from salt, with sodium carbonate. 2 Xa HS0 4 -j- Ka 2 COo 
= 2 Na 2 S0 4 + C0 2 + H 2 0. 

Properties. — Large, colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, 
or granular crystals, odorless, and having a bitter, saline taste. 
The salt effloresces rapidly in the air, and finally loses all its water 
of crystallization. Soluble in 2.8 parts of water; insoluble in al- 
cohol ; soluble in glycerin. 

Dose.—C, fti'-ss. (500.-750.); H. (laxative), % ii.-iv. (60.- 
120.) ; Sh., g ii.-iv. (60.-120.).. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — The action of the saline 
cathartics depends upon the slow absorption of certain acid ions or 
anions (sulphates, phosphates, tartrates, and citrates) as compared 
with others (chlorides, bromides, and iodides). The latter, being 
readily absorbed into the blood, cause diuresis. The former salts 



SODIUM SULPHATE 131 

fail of absorption — to any considerable extent — in the bowel, and 
so their solutions increase the fluidity of the ingesta and aid in the 
expulsion of feces. Peristaltic action is also excited through in- 
crease of the mass of intestinal contents. 

Concentrated (hypertonic) solutions of the saline purgatives 
withdraw water from the blood-vessels of the bowels because the 
solution in the intestines has a greater osmotic pressure than the 
blood. When the solution in the bowel becomes sufficiently diluted 
to be isotonic with the blood some absorption and diuresis occurs 
("salt action," see p. 131). 

The blood and urine first become concentrated, and thirst if 
induced by the action of the saline purgatives in both withdrawing 
water from the blood and in preventing absorption of water from the 
digestive tract. 

Later diuresis may take place, especially when absorption of 
the saline occurs through failure of purgation. 

The basic ion, or kation, of some salts is less absorbable than 
that of others (as Mg), and when such a basic ion is combined with 
an acid ion of slow absorption (as in MgS0 4 ) the purgative effect 
is naturally at its maximum. 

Any cholagogue action, formerly attributed to the saline purga- 
tives, has been proved to be wanting. The saline cathartics are 
sometimes called hydragogues. 

Uses Internal. — Sodium sulphate is not used much in human 
practice on account of its nauseating taste and it is said to produce 
more griping. For the larger animals it is sometimes preferred to the 
magnesium salt in veterinary medicine, although Epsom salt is in 
more common use. Sodium sulphate is the principal ingredient of 
Carlsbad salts, which have recently come into vogue with veterina- 
rians, although long valued in human medicine. The formula for 
the artificial Carlsbad salts (Sal carolinum factitium), which is the 
preparation commonly used, is as follows: 

R Sodii sulphatis exsiccati 40.0 

Sodii bicarbonatis 35.0 

Sodii chloridi 15.0 

Potassii sulphatis 2.0 

M. et fiat pulvis. 

Sig. One to two heaping tablespoonful3 od the food two or 
three times daily for horses. 

Sodium sulphate is thus given as Carlsbad salts or alone in 
small doses as a laxative, but in constipation associated with indi- 
gestion and malnutrition, gentian, powdered rhubarb, iron and 



132 INORGANIC AGENTS 

other stomachics and tonics are often combined ; while, in fever, 
small doses of Glauber's salts are useful in promoting the activity 
of the skin and kidneys, and for this purpose may be given with 
spirit of nitrous ether, to which diluted sulphuric acid and the com- 
pound tincture of gentian may be added to improve appetite and 
digestion. Glauber's salts are useful in aiding the action of peris- 
taltic agents, as aloes. Small doses are given to horses in their 
drinking water while the aloes is acting. 

Sodium sulphate is of benefit in the treatment of diarrhea, 
dysentery and overloaded and impacted colon of horses when given 
in frequent and repeated doses in connection with linseed oil. 

An enema, consisting of one pound of Glauber's salts in a quart 
of water, to which two ounces of oil of turpentine and four ounces 
of glycerin may with advantage be added, should be injected high 
into the bowel to secure rapid purgation in horses suffering with 
colic. 

Glauber's and Epsom salts are the most common purgatives 
given to ruminants. It is therefore impossible to enumerate special 
indications for their employment in the case of these animals. To 
assist the action, one teaspoonful each of ginger and molasses are 
given with each ounce of Glauber's or Epsom salts, and often an 
equal weight of sodium chloride. When a speedy action is desired, 
Glauber's salts should be administered with a large amount of water 
and thirst should be encouraged by the addition of common salt. 
When, on the other hand, it is essential to remove fluid and morbid 
effusions from the body, the purgative salt should be exhibited in 
concentration and the pfetient should be deprived of water to a con- 
siderable extent. Glauber's and Epsom salts are not used so com- 
monly in canine practice as calomel and castor oil, but find more 
favor with German than English-speaking veterinarians. 

Sometimes salts are serviceable in irritable states of the bowels 
in dogs (piles, duodenitis and intestinal catarrh) in teaspoonful 
doses ; and when given every second day, as a laxative, in eczema. 
Vomiting, however, not uncommonly follows the ingestion of salts 
by dogs. 

Carlsbad salts form a good cathartic for cage birds. About 3 
grains are added to an ounce of their drinking water in the case of 
small birds. 

Sodii Chloridum. Sodium Chloride. ISTaCl. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Common or table salt, muriate of soda, sal com- 
mune or culinare, chloruretum sodicum, E. ; natrium chloratum 



SODIUM CHLORIDE 133 

purum, P. G. ; chlorure de sodium, sel commuu, sel de cuisine, Fr. ; 
chlorn atrium, koclisalz, G. 

Derivation. — Mined in a native state and obtained by evapora- 
tion of brine, spring or sea water. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, cubical crystals, or a 
white, crystalline powder, odorless, and having a purely saline taste. 
Permanent in dry air. Soluble in 2.8 parts of water; almost in- 
soluble in alcohol ; insoluble in ether or chloroform. Reaction 
neutral. 

Dose.— Cathartic, C, lbss.-i. (250.-500.) ; Sh., 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.). 

Action External. — Salt is a stimulant to the skin when applied 
in concentrated solution. 

Action Internal. — Salt is an essential constituent of food 
necessary to the composition of HC1 in the gastric juice, and of 
blood plasma, from which it is constantly eliminated in the urine. 
Herbivorous animals require sodium chloride in addition to that con- 
tained in their food; for blood is rich in common salt, while vegetables 
abound more especially in potassium salts. The potassium salts, 
according to Bunge, on entering the blood bring about a chemical re- 
action, whereby sodium chloride circulating in the plasma is split; 
the chlorine in sodium chloride combines with potassium, while the 
acid, set free from the potassium salt unites with sodium, and both 
products are swept away with the urine, thus removing sodium 
chloride from the blood. This is only replaced by that taken as 
food.* Animals deprived of salt suffer from anemia, general weak- 
ness and edema. 

Stomach and Intestines. — Salt has caused gastro-enteritis and 
death in enormous doses. Large doses occasion emesis in dogs. 
Irritation of the stomach is caused by withdrawal of water from the 
mucous membranes by strong (hypertonic) solutions (osmotic 
action). This is called "salt action" and is common to all salts of 
the alkalies. Salt in the food often improves digestion — probably 
by bettering the taste of the food and exciting the appetite and so, 
reflexly, stimulating the flow of gastric juice, on the same principle 
that the sight, taste, and smell of food are the chief factors in the 
first secretion of HC1. Salt acts in the bowels as a mild hydra- 
gogue purgative. It is unfit as a cathartic for horses or dogs; but 
is useful for cattle and sheep when combined with magnesium or 
sodium sulphate. Salt creates thirst and, therefore, promotes the 
ingestion of water. A large supply of water flushes the system 



* Some doubt is cast upon this hypothesis by Lapicque, who relates that 
African tribes, living wholly upon vegetables, use wood ashes (chiefly potassium) 
in place of table salt. 



134 INORGANIC AGENTS 

and removes deleterious and imperfectly oxidized matters. ^Neither 
salt nor any of the sodium salts are as diuretic as the potassium 
salts. 

Salines generally, on being absorbed into the blood, increase its 
concentration, which causes a flow of water into the blood and in- 
creases its volume. This leads to enhanced vascular tension and so 
to diuresis. 

In the case of sodium salts, however, elimination is so rapid 
from the blood that they do not have time to attract water and occa- 
sion diuresis as do potassium salts. When an electrolyte is intro- 
duced into the blood it may either act through its ions (p. 3) or, 
if these are inert, by "salt action." This is practically osmosis. 

If a salt is introduced into the blood, water will be drawn into 
the vessels from the surrounding tissues until the concentration of 
the salt in the blood is equal to that outside the vessels, or until the 
blood is isotonic with the surrounding fluid. 

Hence a normal salt solution for injection into the blood is also 
said to be isotonic or equal in concentration to that normally in the 
blood. 

Blood. — The red corpuscles are augmented by salt. 

Metabolism. — Salt solutions in the blood withdraw fluid lymph 
from the tissues by osmotic action. In this way they appear to 
stimulate tissue change, as there is an increased elimination of nitro- 
gen in the urine. Vascular tension is thus augmented and activity 
of the malpighian bodies, and therefore diuresis results. This is 
another example of "salt action" and is common to the other salts of 
the alkalies. 

Summary. — Emetic, cathartic, digestive, slight diuretic. 

Uses External. — A solution consisting of one ounce each of salt, 
nitre and sal ammoniac, in one quart of water, may be used on 
bruises and sprains as a stimulant and refrigerant lotion. Severe 
hemorrhage, collapse and surgical shock are treated most successfully 
by injections of hot normal salt solution into a vein, under the skin, 
or into the rectum. The solution maintains the proper salinity of 
the blood, replaces the mass of blood lost, and supplies heat. The 
solution is made by adding one heaping teaspoonful of salt to a 
quart of boiled water at a temperature of 100° to 105° F. (See 
p. 650.) Salt is an efficient antidote externally and internally to 
silver nitrate. 

Uses Internal. — Salt is a serviceable emetic for dogs, when zinc 
sulphate is not at hand, in emergencies and poisoning. One tea- 
spoonful may be stirred into a cup of lukewarm water with a table- 
spoonful of mustard. It is a useful addition to Epsom salts, since 
it increases thirst and the ingestion of water, and assists purgation 



SODIUM PHOSPHATE 135 

in overloaded conditions of the first and thiml stomachs of rumi- 
nants. One-half pound of salt is administered to cattle with one- 
half to one pound of Epsom salts, one-quarter pound of ginger and a 
pint of molasses in two quarts of water. The habitual ingestion of 
salt is prejudicial to ascarides and diminishes the secretion of mucus 
in which they live. It is even more efficacious in destroying 
oxyurides inhabiting the lower bowels. Enemata containing 1 to 2 
tablespoonfuls of salt to the pint of water are employed for this 
purpose. Salt should be constantly kept in the feed boxes of horses 
and cattle. 

Animals convalescing from acute diseases, and those with feeble 
digestion, need salt particularly. Horses are commonly given a 
bran mash once a week, with plenty of salt to enhance its laxative 
and hygienic action. Dogs usually procure sufficient salt in their 
ordinary food, but it should be added to their diet in the treatment 
of obesity. Salt increases edemas and dropsies and should be ex- 
cluded from the diet in chronic nephritis, in chronic heart disease 
with edema, in ascites, in pleuritic effusions and hydrothorax — not- 
withstanding that formerly it was taught that salt aided the ab- 
sorption of pleural effusions. 



Sodii Phosphas. Sodium Phosphate. JSTa 2 HP0 4 + 12 H 2 0. 
(IT. S. &. B. P.) 

Synonym. — Phosphas sodicus (atricus), sal mirabile, perlatum, 
phosphate of soda, E. ; natrum phosphoricum, P. G. ; phosphate de 
soude, Fr. ; phosphorsaures natrum, G. 

Derivation. — Digest bone ash with sulphuric acid. Ca 3 2P0 4 
-f 2 H 2 S0 4 = Ca H 4 2 P0 4 (acid calcium phosphate) +2 Ca 
S0 4 . Filter and add sodium carbonate to filtrate. 

Ca H 4 2 P0 4 + Na 2 C0 3 = Na 2 H P0 4 + H 2 + CO + Ca 
HP0 4 . Evaporate, and sodium phosphate crystallizes out. 

Properties. — Large, colorless, monoclinic prisms, odorless, and 
having a cooling, saline taste. The crystals effloresce in the dry air 
and gradually lose 5 molecules of their water of crystallization. 
Soluble in .5 parts of water; insoluble in alcohol; slightly alkaline 
reaction. 

Dose. — Same as sodium sulphate; D., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) as laxative. 

The phosphate resembles the sulphate, but is a milder purga- 
tive and is wrongly thought to be an hepatic stimulant. It is in- 
dicated in jaundice due to duodenitis, and as a laxative for foals 
and calves. It is occasionally prescribed in rickets as a source of 
phosphorus, but the calcium phosphate is more appropriate. 



136 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Sodii Sulphis. Sodium Sulphite. Na 9 S0 3 7 ELO. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Natrum sulfuriosum, sulfis sodicus (natricus), 
sulphite of soda, E. ; sulfite de sonde, Fr. ; schwefligsaures natron, G. 

Derivation. — Saturate a solution of sodium carbonate or hy- 
drate with sulphurous anhydride gas. JNTa 2 C0 3 -4- S0 2 = Na n SOo 
+ Co 2 . 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, nionoclinic prisms, odor- 
less, and having a cooling, saline, sulphurous taste. In air the salt 
effloresces, and is slowly oxidized to sulphate. Soluble in 2 parts of 
water ; sparingly soluble in alcohol ; neutral or feebly alkaline. 

Dose.— H. & C, gi. (30.); Sh. & Sw., 5ss.-i. (2.-4.); D., 
gr.v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 



Sodii Bisulphis. Sodium Bisulphite. JNTaHS0 3 . (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Obtained from sodium carbonate or bicarbonate 
and sulphurous anhydride gas. 

Properties. — Opaque, prismatic crystals, or a granular powder, 
exhaling an odor of sulphur dioxide and having a disagreeable, sul- 
phurous taste. Exposed to the air the salt loses sulphur dioxide and 
is gradually oxidized to sulphate. Soluble in 4 parts of water and 
in 72 parts of alcohol ; reaction acid. 

Dose. — Same as sodium sulphite. 



Sodii Thiosuxphas. Sodium Thiosulphate. Na 9 S 2 3 5 H.,0. 

(U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Sodium hyposulphite, hyposulphate of soda, E. ; 
natruni subsulfurosum (hyposulfurosum), P. G. ; hyposulphis 
sodicus, hyposulfite de soude, sulfite solfure de soude, Fr. ; unter 
schwes fligsaures natron, G. 

Derivation. — Dissolve sulphur in a boiling aqueous solution 
of sodium sulphite. 

Properties- — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, odor- 
less, and having cooling, afterwards bitter, taste- Permanent in air 
below 33° C (91.4° F.), but efflorescent in dry air above that tem- 
perature. Soluble in 0.35 part of water; insoluble in alcohol; 
slightly soluble in oil of turpentine ; reaction neutral. 

Dose. — Same as sodium sulphite. 



AMMONIA WATER 137 

Administration. — The sulphites are given i±i solution, or may be 
added in powder to the food of horses. 



ACTION OF THE SULPHITES, BISULPHITES AND' HYPOSULPHITES. 

Action External. — These salts are antiseptics, deodorizers 
and parasiticides externally and in the digestive tract. The anti- 
septic action is due to the destructive effect of the sulphites in with- 
drawing oxygen from organic matter to oxidize themselves into sul- 
phates. Given internally, 96 per cent, of sodium sulphite escapes in 
the urine as a sulphate, while but 3 per cent, is eliminated un- 
changed- It has been taught that the sulphites are converted into 
sulphur dioxide (S0 2 ) by the acids in the stomach, but this is very 
doubtful. 

Uses- — A 15 per cent, solution or ointment of the sulphites 
are used against pruritus and parasitic skin diseases. The salts are 
recommended in indigestion with fermentation, flatulence and foul- 
smelling feces and in general septic conditions, but have proved as 
useless as most other drugs in the latter states. Sternberg found 
that neither the sulphites nor hyposulphites exerted any germicidal 
action on bacteria in culture media. 

The other sodium salts are of no particular value in veterinary 
practice except sodium bromide. (See Bromine, p. 222.) 

Ammonium.* 

Ammonium is not employed in medicine. Ammonia . (]STH 3 ) 
exists in the free state as a gas, and is used in medicine in solution 
in water or alcohol. 

Aqua Ammonle. Ammonia Water. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Liquor ammonise, B. P. ; spirits of hartshorn, E. ; 
liquor ammonii caustici, P. G. ; spiritus salis ammoniaci causticus, 
ammonia aqua soluta, ammoniaque liquide, eau (solution, liqueur) 
d'ammoniaque, Fr. ; salmaikgeist, setzammoniak, ammoniakniissig- 
keit, G. An aqueous solution of ammonia (ISTHg), containing 10 per 
cent., by weight, of the gas. 

Properties. — A colorless, transparent liquid, having a very 

* The radical Ammonium (NH 4 ) of the Ammonium compounds is not a 
metal although it resembles so closely — in physical, chemical, and phys- 
iological properties — the other alkaline metals, that it is usually classed with 
them. 



138 INORGANIC AGENTS 

pungent odor, an acrid, alkaline taste, and a strongly alkaline re- 
action. Spec. gr. 0-960. 

Derivation. — Evolve ammonia gas by heating ammonium 
chloride with calcium hydrate, and pass it into water. 

2 NH 4 Cl+Ca(OH) 2 =2ira3+2 H 2 0+Ca Cl 2 . 

Dose.— H & C, 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.); Sh. & Sw., oi.-ii. (4.-8.); 
D., ulx.-xx. (.6-1.3). 

PREPARATION. 

Linimentum Ammonia?. Ammonia Liniment. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Ammonia water, 350; cottonseed oil, 570; alcohol, 50; oleic acid, 30. 

(U. S. P.) 



Aqua Ammonite Fortior. Stronger Ammonia Water. 
(U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Liquor ammonias fortis, stronger solution of 
ammonia, B. P. ; eau d'ammoniaque forte, Fr. ; starker salmiak- 
geist, G. 

An aqueous solution of ammonia (NH 3 ), containing 28 per 
cent, by weight of the gas. 

Derivation. — Same as aqua ammonias. 

Properties. — A colorless, transparent liquid, having an exces- 
sively pungent odor, a very acrid and alkaline taste, and a strongly 
alkaline reaction. Spec. gr. 0.897. 

Dose.— II. & C, 5 ii-vi. (8.-24.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i. (4.) ; D-, 
lUv.-x. (.3-.6). 



PREPARATION. 

Spiritus Ammonice. Spirit of Ammonia. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Spiritus ammoniaci caustici dyondii, ammoniated alcohol, E. ; 
liquor ammonia 3 caustici spirituosus, P. G. ; alcoole d'ammoniaque, liqueur 
d'ammoniaque vineuse, Fr. ; weingeistige ammoniakflussigkeit, G. 

An alcoholic solution of ammonia (NH 3 ), containing 10 per cent., by 
weight, of the gas. 

Properties. — A colorless liquid, having a strong odor of ammonia, and a 
spec. gr. of about 0.808. 

This preparation combines the stimulatiing properties of ammonia and 
alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ss.-i. (15.-30); Sh. & Sw., 5 i--ii. (4.-8.); D., Til x.-xx. 
(6.-1.3.) 



AMMONIA PREPARATIONS 139 



AMMONIA PREPARATIONS. 



Action External. — Ammonia is a powerful irritant in stronger 
solution, or gas. If it is applied for a sufficient time, hyperemia, 
vesication and sloughing ensue. 

Action Internal. — Stomach. — If swallowed in concentrated 
solution death may take place instantaneously from edema and spasm 
of the glottis. Otherwise, more or less extensive inflammation of the 
alimentary canal will follow, according to the amount ingested. 
Diluted vinegar and lemon juice, together with the white of egg, 
or sweet oil, should be given as antidotes. Tracheotomy may be in- 
dicated, if there is glottic obstruction. Ammonia, in passing through 
the mouth, throat, gullet and stomach, refiexly stimulates the heart 
and respiration before absorption can occur. 

Ammonia is an antacid in the stomach, but should not be em- 
ployed in gastric irritability. 

Respiratory Tract. — Inhalation of stronger ammonia through 
the nostrils causes reflex stimulation of the heart and respiration by 
irritation of the nasal branches of the fifth nerve. Care must be 
exercised to prevent inflammation of the air passages. Ammonia 
stimulates the respiratory centre when it is injected into the blood. 
Given under the skin in lethal doses, ammonia causes death by 
paralysis of the respiratory centres. 

Circulation. — It is probable that ammonia only acts refiexly to 
stimulate the heart through irritation of the stomach when it is in- 
gested. If given intravenously or subcutaneously, ammonia -stimu- 
lates directly the heart muscle, and probably the accelerator and 
vasomotor centres, making the cardiac pulsations stronger and 
quicker and increasing vascular tension. Rarely the vagus centre is 
stimulated and the heart's action slowed. Lethal doses paralyze the 
cardiac muscle. Ammonia differs from alcohol in being more evanes- 
cent as a stimulant, in not affecting the brain nor metabolism, and 
in not acting as a food. 

Blood. — The normal blood contains ammonia, which is supposed 
to aid in maintaining its fluidity. The action on the blood is un- 
known. Ammonia is thought to prevent coagulation of blood within 
the vessels in conditions favorable to thrombosis. 

Nervous System. — An intravenous injection of a lethal dose of 
ammonia occasions tetanic convulsions in animals, owing to stimula- 
tion of the reflex and motor functions of the cord. Medicinal doses 
excite the spinal reflex and motor centres- When ammonia is ap- 
plied directly to nerve tissue it excites in dilute solution, but para- 



140 INORGANIC AGENTS 

lyzes functional activity in concentration. The brain is unaffected 
by the therapeutic administration of ammonia. 

Elimination. — Ammonia combines with acid in the stomach and 
is absorbed into the blood. Ammonia and its carbonate are oxidized 
in the body and transformed into urea, in which form ammonia com- 
pounds escape in the urine. Urea being the most active diuretic 
there is some augmented flow. The urine is, however, not alkalized 
as by the salts of the other alkaline metals. 

Summary. — Heart and respiratory stimulant and antacid. Ex- 
ternally, rubefacient, vesicant, and escharotic 

Uses- — The indications for ammonia are closely in accord with 
its physiological actions. 

Externally. — It is frequently used in stimulating liniments. 
One part each of water of ammonia and oil of turpentine, may be 
combined to advantage with 4 to 6 parts of camphor liniment. Am- 
monia water is one of the best remedies to relieve pain and antago- 
nize the action of insect bites, as stings of bees and wasps. It should 
be applied directly to the poisoned part. 

Internally. — Ammonia is indicated when rapid stimulation of 
the heart and respiration is desirable. In emergencies it may be 
given intravenously (aq. ammon. fort. 1 ; water, 4 parts) ; or by 
inhalation. It is serviceable in the treatment of prussic acid and 
aconite poisoning, syncope, collapse and shock following surgical 
operations ; also in snake bites. The spirit of ammonia may be pre- 
scribed in fevers as a stimulant. Ammonia is inferior to ammonium 
carbonate or the aromatic spirit in the care of colic and tympanites. 



Ammonii Carbonas. Ammonium Carbonate. ISTH^HCOs 
NH 4 M 2 C0 2 . (IT. S. & B. P.). 

Synonym. — Volatile salt, sal volatile siccum, carbonas ammoni- 
cus, E. ; ammonium carbonicum, P. G. ; carbonate d'ammoniaque, 
alkali volatil concret, sel volatil d'Angleterre, Fr. ; fliichtige, 
laugensalz, reines hirchhornsalz, kohlensaures ammonium, G. 

Derivation. — A mixture of ammonium chloride or sulphate, and 
calcium carbonate, is sublimed and resublimed. Ammonium carbon- 
ate, so-called, is a mixture of ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate. 

4 NH 4 Cl+2 Ca Co 3 =KE 4 HC0 3 NH 4 NIL>C0 2 -|- 2 Ca 
C1 2 -J-NH 3 +H 2 0. 

Properties. — White, hard, translucent, striated masses, having a 
strongly ammoniacal odor without empyreuma, and a sharp saline 
taste. On exposure to the air the salt loses both ammonia and car- 
bonic dioxide, becoming opaque, and is finally converted into friable, 



AMMONIUM CAKBONATE 141 

porous lumps, or a white powder. Soluble iu about 4 parts of water. 
Alcohol only dissolves the carbonate (jSTH 4 ^±H 2 C0 2 ). 

Dose.— H., oii. (8) ; 0., oiii.-vi. (12.-24.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr. xv.- 
xl. (1.-2.6) ; D., gr.iii.-x (.2-.6) ; D., emetic, gr.xv. (1.). 



PREPARATION. 

Spiritus Ammonice Aroma ticus. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Sal volatile, alcoolat ammoniacal aromatique, Fr. ; aromatischer 
ammoniakgeist, G. 

Ammonium carbonate 34 

Ammonia water 90 

Oil of lemon 10 

Oil of lavender flowers 1 

Oil of nutmeg 1 

Alcohol 700 

Distilled water to make 1000 

Properties. — A nearly colorless liquid when freshly prepared, but gradually 
acquiring a somewhat darker tint. It has a pungent, ammoniacal odor and* 
taste. Spec. gr. 0.900. 

Dose.— H. & O, gi'.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ii.-iv. (8.15); D., 3 ss.-L 
(2.-4.), well diluted. 

The aromatic spirit of ammonia nearly resembles ammonium 
carbonate in action, but the alcohol and volatile oils add to the stimu- 
lant qualities of ammonia and ammonium carbonate. 

Action Internal. — Ammonium carbonate is decomposed by acid 
in the stomach and escapes in the urine as urea. It stimulates gastric- 
secretion, vascularity and motion, and also excites intestinal peristal- 
sis. It is, therefore, a stomachic and carminative. It is also an 
antacid, and, in large doses, an emetic to dogs. The action of am- 
monium carbonate is almost identical with that of ammonia water- 
in stimulating the heart and respiration, but it has more power in 
augmenting the bronchial secretions. 

Summary. — Cardiac and respiratory stimulant, expectorant,, 
stomachic and emetic. 

Administration. — Ammonium carbonate is given in ball, or in 
solution in cold water, to avoid irritating fumes ; also, with syrup or 
gruel. It is often prescribed with other stimulants and antispasmod- 
ics, as alcohol, capsicum, camphor and asafoetida. 

Uses. — The indications for the administration of ammonium? 



142 INORGANIC AGENTS 

carbonate are much the same as those for ammonia preparations. It 
is a more useful expectorant, however, and it and the aromatic spirit 
are more serviceable in the treatment of flatulence- For the latter 
condition in horses with colic a ball containing ammonium carbonate 
5 ii., and capsicum 5 i., with sufficient linseed meal and molasses to 
make the proper bulk and consistency, is often efficient. We may use 
ammonium carbonate alone in the case of acute or chronic bronchitis, 
or it may be combined with other stimulants, or expectorants, as 
ammonium chloride. In electric shock, so common an accident in the 
large cities from "live" wires, the administration of full doses of 
aromatic spirit diluted with half a pint of water will prove a most 
effective heart stimulant when the animal can swallow. 



Ammonii Chloeidum. Ammonium Chloride. NH 4 CI. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Sal ammoniac, ammonia muriatica or hydrochlora- 
tum, chloruretum ammonicum, sal ammonicum, ammonise hydro- 
chloras or murias, muriate or ammonia, E. ; chlorure d'ammoniuni, 
sel ammonise, muriate d'ammoniaque, Fr. ; salmiak, chlorammo- 
nium, G- 

Properties. — A white, crystalline powder without odor, having 
a cooling, saline taste, and permanent in the air. Soluble in two parts 
of water ; in 50 parts of alcohol. Reaction neutral. 

Dose.— H., 3 ii. (8.); 0., 3 iii.-vi. (12.-24.); Sh. & Sw., 
gr.xv.-xl. (1-2.6.) ; D., gr.iii.-x. (.2-.6). 

Action Internal. — When ingested, sal ammoniac is a feeble heart 
and respiratory stimulant, and is not comparable to the ammonia 
compounds or ammonium carbonate in this respect. It is eliminated 
in great part unchanged by the urine, but also by the other channels. 
In its excretion it stimulates the mucous membranes, increases their 
secretions generally, and is thought to improve their nutrition. 
Hence it has been termed an alterative. Ammonium chloride both 
excites the secretion of the bronchial mucous membrane and renders 
it less viscid in inflammatory conditions. It is mildly diaphoretic 
and diuretic. 

Summary. — Externally, refrigerant ; internally, expectorant, al- 
terative, feebly diaphoretic and diuretic. 

Uses.- — 'Four ounces each of nitre and sal ammoniac may be 
dissolved in two quarts of water as a refrigerant lotion. Sal am- 
moniac is indicated more especially in the second stage of acute 
bronchitis, in chronic bronchitis, and in chronic intestinal catarrh 
with diarrhea. Ammonium chloride may be given to dogs with 



SOLUTION OF AMMONIUM ACETATE 143 

glycerin and chloroform water as a cough mixture. If cough is 
excessive, codeine or morphine sulphate can be added to this prescrip- 
tion with advantage. 



Liquor Ammonii Acetatis. Solution of Ammonium Acetate. 

(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Spirit of Mindererus, spiritus Mindereri, acetas 
ammonicus liquidus, E. ; liquor ammonii acetici, P. G. ; acetate 
d'ammoniaque liquide, esprit de Mindererus, Pr. ; essigsaure ammo- 
nium-fliissigkeit, Gr. 

An aqueous solution of ammonium acetate (NH^CaHgCX) con- 
taining about 7 per cent, of the salt, together with small amounts of 
acetic acid and carbon dioxide. 

Derivation. — Ammonium carbonate is gradually added to cold, 
diluted acetic acid until the latter is neutralized. 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, free from empyreuma, of 
a mildly saline, acidulous taste, and an acid reaction. 

Incompatibles. — Acids and alkalies. 

Dose.— H. & C, % ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; D., 5 ii.-viii. (8.-30.). 

Action. — Spirit of Mindererus stimulates the secretory cells of 
the kidneys and sudoriparous glands. In the stomach it exerts a 
mild, antacid action. 

Summary. — Externally, refrigerant ; internally, diuretic, dia- 
phoretic and antacid. 

Uses. — Liquor ammonii acetatis is an exceedingly feeble 
medicine ("it is useful for the harm it has not done") and is often 
employed as a vehicle with more powerful agents of its class, e.g., 
spiritus etheris nitrosi. It is useful as a febrifuge. 

]$ Tine, aconiti 3 ii. 

Sodii bromidi 3 iv. 

Sp'r. aetheris nitrosi § ss. 

M. Lipuor. ammonii acetatis ad 3 iv. 

S. Teas, every hour. 

The foregoing prescription is a good palliative combination for 
dogs suffering with fever and restlessness. The solution of am- 
monium acetate is frequently conjoined with sweet spirit of nitre 
and ammonium chloride or potassium iodide, in the treatment of 
acute respiratory diseases of horses, e.g., influenza, bronchitis and 
pneumonia. It may be added to the drinking water without render- 
ing it unpalatable. 



144 INOEGANIC AGENTS 

Lithium. 

{The Metal is not Used in Medicine.) 

Lithii Care-onas. Lithium Carbonate. Li 2 Co 3 . 
(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Carbonas lithicus, carbonate of lithia, E. ; Lithium 
carbonicum, P. G. ; carbonate de lithine, carbonate lithique, Fr. ; 
kohlensaures lithion, G. 

Derivation. — Made by action of lithium chloride on acid am- 
monium carbonate. 

2 Li C1+NH 4 HC0 3 =Li 2 C0 3 +NH 4 Cl+HCl. Purified by 
washing with alcohol and drying. 

Properties. — A light, white powder, odorless, and having an 
alkaline taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in 75 parts of water ; 
insoluble in alcohol. Reaction alkaline. 

Dose. — D., gr.iii.-x. (.2-.6). 



Lithii Citeas. Lithium Citrate. Li 3 C 6 H 5 7 . 
(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Lithium citricum, citrate of lithia, E. ; citrate de 
lithine, Fr. ; citronsaures lithion, G. 

Derivation. — Made by action of citric acid on lithium car- 
bonate. 

2 H 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 3 Li 2 C0 3 =2 Li 3 C 6 H 5 7 +3 H 2 0+3 Co 2 . 
Recovered by evaporation and crystallization. 

Properties. — A white powder, odorless, and having a cooling, 
faintly alkaline taste ; deliquescent on exposure to air ; soluble in 2 
parts of water; almost insoluble in alcohol or ether. Reaction 
neutral. 

Dose. — J)., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 



ACTION OF LITHIUM SALTS. 

Lithium salts are said to form soluble compounds with uric 
acid in the blood, and so assist its elimination in the urine. As 
lithium combines more readily with acid sodium phosphate in the 
blood than with uric acid, it is doubtful whether it is a very efficient 



PREP ABED CHALK 145 

uric acid* solvent in the body. The lithium salts alkalize the urine 
and notably increase its secretion. 

Summary. — Lithium salts are diuretics, and uric acid solvents 
in some degree. The carbonate may be given in powder or pill ; the 
citrate in solution. 

Uses. — Lithium compounds are of little value in veterinary 
medicine. They are serviceable, however, in the treatment of dogs 
with a very acid urine of high specific gravity; with uric acid cal- 
culus, or those affected with chronic rheumatism. The salts will not 
dissolve calculi in the body, but prevent their formation. 

Water is extremely useful in such conditions. Lithium citrate 
may be placed in the drinking water. Thirst should be encouraged 
by the administration of salt on the food, and high rectal injections 
may be given to create absorption of water by this channel. Lithium 
salicylate is thought to be the better salt for rheumatism. It is 
juobable that treatment with salicyclic acid and lithium would be 
more satisfactory. 



SECTION III. 

Alkaline Earth Metals: Calcium, Barium and Magneisium. 

Calcium. 

(The Metal Calcium is not Employed in Medicine.) 

Creta Pr^parata. Prepared Chalk. Ca Co 3 . 
(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Drop chalk, E. ; craie preparee, Fr. ; praparirte 
kreide, G. 

Derivation.— Made from chalk by levigation, elutriation and 
dessication. 

Properties. — A white, amorphous powder, often moulded into 
conical drops ; odorless and tasteless ; permanent in the air. Almost 
insoluble in water ; insoluble in alcohol. 

Incompatibles. — Sulphates and acids. 

Dose.— H., % i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; C, § ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; D., gr.x.-5 i. (.6-4.). 



Uric acid can not exist as such in blood, which is an alkaline fluid. 



146 1 1ST ORGANIC AGENTS 



PREPARATIONS. 

Pulvis Cretce Compositus. Compound Chalk Powder. (U. S. P.) 
Chalk, 30; acacia, 20; sugar, 50. 
Dose.— D., gr.x.-3 i. (.6-4.). 

Mistura Cretce. Chalk Mixture. (U. S. P.) 
Compound chalk powder, 20; cinnamon water, 40; water to make 100. 
Dose.— D., 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.). 

Pulvis CretOB Aromaticus (B. P.) 
Dose.— D., gr. x.-3i. (.6-4.). 

Pulvis Cretce Aromaticus Cum Opio. (B. P.) 
(Contains 2% per cent, opium.) 
Dose. — D., gr.x.-xl. (6.-2.6). 



Calcii Carbonas Prjecipitatus. Precipitated Calcium Carbonate. 
CaC0 3 . (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Calcis carbonas prsecipitata, B. P. ; precipitated 
carbonate of lime, creta prsecipitata, carbonas calcicus prsecipitatus, 
E. ; calcaria carbonica prsecipitata, P. G. ; carbonate de chaux pre 
cipite, craie precipitee, Fr. ; prgecipitirten kohlensauren kalk, G. 

Derivation. — Obtained by precipitation of calcium chloride 
with sodium carbonate. 

CaCl 2 +N"a 2 C0 3 = CaC0 3 +2 NaCl. Dry the precipitate. 

Properties. — A fine, white powder, without odor or taste, and 
permanent in the air. Nearly insoluble in water ; insoluble in al- 
cohol. The solubility is increased by presence of carbon dioxide. 
Permanent in air. 

Dose.— H., 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; C, 5 ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; Sh. & Sw. r 
5 ii.-iv. (8.-15) ; D., gr.x.-5 i. (.6-4.). 

Calcium Carbonate. 

Action External. — Dessicant and slightly astringent powder; 
also protective. 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — Calcium carbonate is 
the slowest acting antacid, because of its comparative insolubility, 
and is of value when it can exert its long-continued influence through- 
out the digestive tract. It resembles bismuth in mechanically coating 
or protecting inflamed or irritable surface. It is not so astringent 
nor antiseptic as the bismuth salts, and these are generally preferable 
to chalk for the smaller animals. It is excreted unchanged in the 
feces. 



CALCIUM CARBONATE 147 

Administration. — Calcium Carbonate may be given to dogs in 
troches, pills or powder ; to other animals in powder, balls or elec- 
tuary. Chalk is commonly prescribed suspended in flour gruel, milk 
or mucilage to the larger animals. The official preparations are suit- 
able for dogs. 

Uses. — Chalk forms a dusting powder for moist eczema, slight 
burns and intertrigo, zinc oxide and starch (1 to 4) is, however, a 
better preparation. Chalk is the most useful antacid for diarrhea 
accompanied by fermentation of the intestinal contents, while its 
local astringent and protecting influence assist in overcoming the 
trouble. It is especially good for foals and calves given in flour 
gruel, and often combined with catechu, ginger and opium. The 
following prescription is appropriate for dogs with diarrhea : 

Tine, kino, tine, catechu co. and tine, opii camphor, aa § ss. ; 
mistura cretse to make 5 i y - S. Teaspoonful every three hours. A 
serviceable ball for horses with diarrhea contains : Creolin, chalk and 
ginger, aa § ss. ; powdered opium, 5 i. 

Calx. Lime. CaO. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Burned lime, quicklime, calcaria, calx viva, calx 
usta, oxydum calcicnm, E. ; calcaria usta, P. G. ; chaux, chaux vive, 
Fr. ; kalk, gebrannter kalk, G. 

Derivation. — Prepared by burning white marble, oyster shells, 
or the purest varieties of natural calcium carbonate, to expel carbon 
dioxide. 

Properties. — Hard, white, or grayish-white masses, which in 
contact with air gradually attract moisture and carbon dioxide and 
fall to a white powder ; odorless ; of a sharp, caustic taste. Reaction 
intensely alkaline. Soluble in about 7.60 parts of water; insoluble 
in alcohol. 

PEEPAEATIONS. 

Liquor Calcis. Solution of Lime. (U. S. & B. P.) 

A saturated, aqueous solution of calcium hydrate. 

Synonym. — Lime water, solution of calcium hydrate, aqua calcaria? usta?, 
aqua calcis, calcaria soluta, oxydum calcium, aqua solutum, E. ; aqua calcaria 1 , 
P. G. ; eua (liquor) de chaux, Fr.; kalkwasser, G. 

Derivation. — Dissolve in lime water. The percentage of calcium hydrate 
[Ca (OH) 2 ] varies with the temperature, being somewhat over 0.17 per cent, 
at 15° C. (59° F.), and diminishing as the temperature rises. 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid without odor, and having a saline 
and feebly caustic taste. It absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, so that a 



148 INORGANIC AGENTS 

pellicle of calcium carbonate forms on the surface of the liquid. Reaction 
strongly alkaline. 

Dose.— H. & C, I iv.-vi. (120.-180.); Calves, g ii. (60.); D., 3 i.-viii. 
(4.-30.) 

Syrupus Calcis. Syrup of Lime. (U. S. P.) 

Lime, 65; sugar, 350; water to make 1000. 

Dose. — Calves and dogs, 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). Well diluted with water or 
milk. 

Linimentum Calcis. Lime Liniment. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Carron oil. 

Solution of lime and linseed oil, of each one volume. 

Dose. — Foals and calves, 5 ii.-iv. (60.-120.). 

Calcii Hydras. Slaked Lime. (B. P.) 
Used as disinfectant in stables. 



ACTION OF LIME; AND SOLUTION OF LIME. 

External. — Lime is caustic, but less so than potassium or sodium 
hydrate. It is an irritant. The dust of quicklime will cause con- 
junctivitis. If inhaled, it will cause inflammation of the air pas- 
sages ; if swallowed, irritation of the digestive tract. The hydrate is 
a caustic also, but is not so active as lime. Solution of lime is a 
sedative and astringent. 

Internal. — Xeither lime nor slaked lime (calcium hydrate) 
are used internally, except in the official preparations. The action of 
lime and its solution is due, not to calcium, but to the hydroxyl ion — 
that is, to the alkalinity. As compared with the alkalies the action 
is much slower and less in degree, on account of the comparative in- 
solubility of calcium compounds. Solution of lime acts as a sedative, 
antacid and astringent in the stomach. It dissolves mucous secre- 
tions. Lime water is also a mild astringent in the bowels. 

Uses. — Lime is employed outside of the body to destroy putrefy- 
ing organic matter by combining with water and forming slaked lime, 
which absorbs many of the products of decomposition. Whitewash, 
a mixture of slaked lime and water, is not a disinfectant, although it 
covers sources of infection. It may be made so by combination 
with sufficient phenol to make a 2 per cent, solution. Lini- 
mentum calcis is one of the most satisfactory applications for super- 
ficial burns and acute eczema. Old clean cotton or linen cloths are 
soaked in it and spread over the burned .surface of the body. This 
preparation has been facetiously called "carrion" instead of carron 
oil, because it is not germicidal. Antiseptic applications are of 



PRECIPITATED CALCIUM PHOSPHATE 149 

course desirable in burns, giving rise to a raw surface, and the addi- 
tion of two per cent, of carbolic acid will not only render the prep- 
aration antiseptic, but more or less anesthetic as well. When the 
burn is extensive, boric acid with vaseline (1 to 8) will be safer. 
Orthoform (see p. 234) is the most comfortable application which 
can be made on burns, but is expensive. A mixture of slaked lime 
and charcoal, equal parts, makes a useful stimulant, absorbent, des- 
sicant, and antiseptic dressing powder for wounds and ulcers in 
horses. Lime water is serviceable in relieving itching in skin 
diseases, and dries up moist surfaces through its astringent prop- 
erties. With carbolic acid (1 to 50) lime water is most efficient in 
allaying pruritus. Lime water is inimical to apthous ulcerations and 
may be employed to swab out the Jiouth in this disease. Enemata of 
lime water destroy pin worms. Solution of lime is one of the best 
remedies in the treatment of vomiting dogs. It is a direct sedative 
to the stomach, and, mixed with milk, equal volumes, prevents the 
rapid coagulation of the casein, lessens the formation of large, tough 
curds in the stomach, and assists the retention and digestion of milk. 
Syrup of lime is twenty-four times stronger in calcium hydrate 
than lime water, and is more astringent. It may be given to foals 
and calves suffering from indigestion and diarrhea. It should be 
administered in a considerable quantity of milk. 

Lime water may be given as an antidote in poisoning by acids. 
Carron oil is a good, mild laxative and antacid for horses with 
"heaves." It is given on the food. Furthermore, it is an excellent 
purgative for foals and calves in the treatment of diarrhea and 
indigestion. 



Calcii Phosphas PeuECipitatus. Precipitated Calcium Phosphate. 
Ca 3 (PO,) 2 . (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Calcis phosphas prsecipitata, B. P. ; precipitated 
phosphate of lime, phosphas calcicus prsecipitatus, E. ; calcaria 
phosphorica, P. G. ; phosphate de chaux hydrate, Er. ; phosphaur- 
saure kalkerde, G. 

Derivation. — Obtained from bone ash (impure calcium phos- 
phate) by solution in hydrochloric acid and purified by precipitation 
with ammonia water and by washing with water. 

Properties. — A light, white, amorphous powder; odorless and 
tasteless and permanent in the air. Almost insoluble in cold water; 
insoluble in alcohol ; easily soluble in hydrochloric or nitric acids. 

Dose.— H., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; C., § ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
o i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 



150 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Sykupus Calcii Lactophosphatis. Syrup of Calcium Lacto- 
phosphate. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Precipitated calcium carbonate, 25 ; lactic acid, 60 ; phosphoric 
acid. 36; orange flower water, 50; sugar, 725; water, a sufficient 
quantity to make 1,000. 

Dose. — Foals and calves, § ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; D., 5 i.-iv. (4.-15.). 



Calcium Phosphate. 

Action and Uses.- — Calcium salts are most important con- 
stituents of the body, being essential for the contractibility of mus- 
cles, the activity of nerves, the coagulability of blood and, as calcium 
phosphate, forming 50 per cent, of bones. Calcium salts mostly pass 
unchanged through the bowels. A small amount is absorbed and 
eliminated by the large bowel and by the kidneys. The food or- 
dinarily contains an amount of lime in excess of the needs of the 
body. By withholding lime from the food animals may develop con- 
ditions similar to rickets. 

Pickets, however, is not usually due to lack of lime salts, but to 
an abnormal condition in which the lime ingested cannot be deposited 
in the bones, although abounding in the blood. Lime being deficient 
in the bones in rickets and osteomalacia, it has been given in these 
conditions and also in caries and fragilitas ossium. Unless the food 
has been deficient in calcium salts their use will probably be of little 
benefit. 

The same comment applies to the administration of calcium salts 
in delayed union in fractures and in anemia, malnutrition, and weak- 
ness of young animals. In the latter conditions the calcium salt 
should be given with iron. Calcium phosphate should be given on 
food with iron to improperly nourished pregnant animals and pre- 
vents loss of the young through marasmus and rickets. 

Administration. — Precipitated calcium phosphate may be given 
on the food, but is more readily absorbed if it is administered in the 
syrup of calcium lactophosphate. A glycerophosphate of lime has 
recently come into vogue and preparations are made containing the 
glycerophosphates of lime, potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium and 
quinine. They are used in anemia and malnutrition and conva- 
lescence. 

Dose, of the glycerophosphate of calcium and iron — H., 3 i.- 
ii. ; D., gr.v.-x. 



CALCIUM CHLORIDE 151 

Calcii Chlokldum. Calcium Chloride. CaCl 2 . 
(U. S. &B. P.) 

Derivation. — Neutralize hydrochloric acid with calcium car- 
bonate and evaporate: 2HC1 + CaC0 3 = CaCl 2 + C0 2 + H 2 0. 
Fusion at the lowest possible temperature renders the salt an- 
hydrous. 

Properties. — White, translucent, hard fragments ; odorless ; hav- 
ing a sharp, saline taste, and very deliquescent. Soluble in 1.3 
part of water, in 8 parts of alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; D., gr.5-20 (.3-1.3). 

Gelatinum. Purified Gelatin. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — The purified air-dried product of the hydrolysis of 
certain animal tissues, as skin, ligaments, and bones, by treatment 
with boiling water. 

Properties. — An amorphous, more or less transparent solid, usu- 
ally shredded or in thin sheets ; colorless or with a slight yellowish 
tint, inodorous, and having a slight, characteristic, almost insipid 
taste. Insoluble in cold water, but swells and softens when im- 
mersed in it, gradually absorbing 5 to 10 times its weight of water. 
Soluble in boiling water and glycerin, insoluble in alcohol, ether and 
chloroform, fixed and volatile oils. 

Actions and Uses. — Calcium chloride has been used of late ex- 
tensively both to prevent and arrest hemorrhage. Outside of the 
body, calcium chloride causes blood to coagulate more quickly and 
firmly than usual, and the same kind of action appears to obtain — 
i.e., rendering blood more coagulable — when the salt is given inter- 
nally. Calcium chloride is an efficient hemostatic in hematemesis, 
hemoptysis, purpura hemorrhagica and in all conditions giving rise 
to hemorrhage. When administered by the mouth several days 
before surgical operations in maximum doses it may lessen hemor- 
rhage in cases likely to be attended by much bleeding. Two per cent, 
solutions of gelatin in normal salt solution have been given by the 
mouth, rectum and subcutaneously for the same purposes, and it is 
thought that the gelatin owes its power in arresting hemorrhage to 
the calcium (0.6 per cent.) contained in it. Unless gelatin is steril- 
ized fractionally for half an hour on three to five successive days, 
tetanus may ensue when it is injected under the skin, and numerous 
cases have been reported following such use in human surgery. Merck 
sells a perfectly sterilized gelatin. The simplest manner of employ- 
ing gelatin to arrest hemorrhage internally is by injection per ree 



152 INORGANIC AGENTS 

turn ; l 1 /^ ounces for small animals and 10 ounces to a pint for 
larger animals of the following aqueous solution, given at body 
temperature after the bowel has received a cleansing enema of boiled 
water. The solution is made of gelatin to the amount of 6 per cent, 
and calcium chloride to the amount of 1 per cent., to which a little 
laudanum may be added to prevent expulsion. It should be re- 
peated every five hours as long as there is danger of hemorrhage. 
Experiments by H. C. Wood, Jr., appear to show that gelatin may 
be given ad libitum by the mouth and retain its hemostatic 
action; therefore gelatin should be given freely in this way as well. 
Aqueous solutions of gelatin 10 per cent, with calcium chloride 1 per 
cent., have been used locally to arrest bleeding in wounds and cavities 
of the body, but considering the danger of tetanus and the fact that 
adrenalin chloride is a better local hemostatic, such a use of gelatin 
is inadvisable. 



Calx Chlorata. (See Chlorine, p. 219.) 

Calcii Sulphas Exsiccatus. (U. S. P.) Dried Calcium Sul- 
phate, or Plaster of Paris, used for bandages. 

Barium. 

(Barium is not used in the metallic state.) 
Barii Chloridum. Barium Chloride. BaCl 2 - (ISTon-official.) 

Derivation. — Native barium sulphate is fused with charcoal. 
The resulting sulphide is treated with hydrochloric acid. BaS0 4 -f- 
2C=BaS+2 C0 2 . BaS+2 HCl=BaCl 2 +H 2 S. 

Properties. — Occurs in colorless, glistening, rhombic plates; 
taste bitter and disagreeable; permanent in dry air; soluble in 2.5 
parts of cold water ; reaction neutral. 

Dose. — H., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; intravenously, gr. xv.-xxx. (1.-2.). 

Action Internal. — Barium chloride is an intense irritant if 
swallowed in considerable amount and in insufficient dilution. Large 
medicinal doses stimulate the muscular coat of the bowels and cause 
increased peristalsis and purging. Evacuations from the bowels 
follow in horses one-half to one hour after the salt is given in drench ; 
in one to two hours after administration to these animals in ball; in 
a few minutes after intravenous injection. Subcutaneous injection 
will occasion abscess. The drug resembles physostigmine in its 
action on the intestines. 



BARIUM 153 

Heart and Blood Vessels. — Barium chloride makes the ventricu- 
lar contractions of the heart stronger and slower. The salt acts en- 
tirely on the heart muscle and does not influence the vagi. Lethal 
doses are followed by slower and slower ventricular contractions, 
succeeded by peristalsis of the cardiac muscle, and, finally, by stop- 
page of the heart in systole. 

Barium chloride also directly excites the muscular walls of the 
capillaries, and, like physostigmine, increases vascular tension in 
small doses. 

Muscles. — Barium chloride stimulates muscular contraction 
when it is applied locally. The potassium salts antagonize the action 
of barium chloride on the circulation and muscles. Toxic doses, 
given intravenously, cause convulsions owing to stimulation of the 
spinal cord and medulla. This is succeeded by paralysis of the cen- 
tral nervous system. 

Summary. — Circulatory stimulant, and purgative in large 
medicinal doses. 

Uses. — Many practitioners are afraid to use barium chloride, 
but repeated use of the drug has convinced us that it is absolutely 
safe when given in the dose of 1 gram or 15 grains, intravenously, 
or 8 to 15 grams (2 to 4 drachms) by the mouth in solution for the 
horse. The intravenous dose of 1 gram, or the dose per orem of 8 
grams, may be repeated with safety in one hour if necessary. 
Barium chloride is of the greatest value in colic and obstinate con- 
stipation of horses. It may for the time cause some increase of 
pain but not nearly as much as follows the use of eserine or arecoline, 
and it quickly passes off when the bowels are moved. Great care 
should be exercised to avoid introduction of the barium solution into 
the connective tissue while injecting it into the vein. The needle of 
the hypodermic syringe should be introduced into the jugular about 
midway of the neck, and after some drops of blood have exuded from 
the vein, the syringe is attached and slowly emptied, when the plunger 
is withdrawn until some blood enters the syringe. Then the needle 
may be removed with safety. It is rarely necessary to repeat the 
dose of barium chloride, and small doses of fluidextract of cannabis 
indica may be given to lessen colic while barium is acting, when it is 
given by the mouth. 

Extensive experiments of Muir* with barium chloride lead him 
to conclude that the salt may be administered intravenously in the 
amount of 1.0 to 2.0 gm. (15 to 30 gr.) in 1 to 2 drachms of sterile 
water; that 2 gm. is a safe dose by the intra jugular method for a 
horse of ordinary weight and fair condition ; that the drug acts 



Jour, of Comp. Med. and Vet. Archives, Jan. and Feb. 1899. 



154 INORGANIC AGENTS 

promptly when given in this way, catharsis being produced within 
one to nine minutes, and that even volvulus may be relieved ; that 
there are no unpleasant symptoms following the smaller dose (1 
gm.), and that even after the 2 gm. dose there are only slight signs 
of pain and sweating; that while the passages from the bowels are 
few in number the total amount of feces is large; finally, that the 
drug has the advantage of being cheap. 

That the toxic line is closely approached in giving barium 
chloride in the dose of 2 gm. intravenously, is shown by experiment 
31," in which a gelding weighing 900 pounds received two 2 gm. 
doses intraj ugularly at about 2% hours apart, when death occurred 
from heart failure in nine minutes after the second dose. Barium 
chloride is also useful in relieving tympanites of cattle. 

Four to five drams are given to cattle and one and one-quarter 
drams to calves in drench. 



Magnesium. 

(The metal is not used in medicine.) 

Magnesii Sulphas. Magnesium Sulphate. MgS0 4 -4- 7 HoO. 

(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Epsom salts, sal amarum, sal Epsomense, sal 
anglicum, sulfas magnesicus, etc., E. ; magnesia sulfuria, P.G. ; 
sulfate de magnesie, sel d'Epsom, sel de seidlitz, sel amer, Fr. ; bitter- 
salz, schwefelsaure magnesia, G. 

Derivation. — It is obtained from native dolomite, a double 
carbonate of magnesium and calcium, or magnesite (MgC0 3 ). 
MgC0 3 + H 2 S0 4 = MgS0 4 + H 2 + C0 2 . 

Properties. — Small, colorless, rhombic prisms, or acicular 
crystals, without color, and having a cooling, saline and bitter taste ; 
slowly efflorescent in dry air; soluble in .85 part of water; insoluble 
in alcohol ; reaction neutral. 

Incompatibles. — Lime water, alkaline carbonates, phosphoric 
acid, phosphates, silver nitrate and lead acetate. 

Dose. — H., laxative, § ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; C, purgative, lbi.-ii. 
(500.-1,000.); laxative, % iii.-iv. (90.-120.); Calves, 3 ii.-iii. 
(60.-90.) ; Sh., § iv.-vi. (120.-180.) ; D., 5 i.-iv. (4. 15.). 

Action Internal. — Epsom and Glauber's salts are the best pur- 
gatives for general purposes in the treatment of cattle and sheep. 
The mode of action of Epsom salts is similar to that described under 

* Jour, of Comp. Med. and Vet. Archives, Jan. and Feb. 1899. 



MAGNESIUM SULPHATE 155 

sodium sulphate. Briefly, magnesium sulphate causes purgation by 
increasing intestinal secretion, retarding absorption of fluid from the 
bowels, and probably by stimulating peristalsis. The salt moves the 
bowels, in the case of the larger animals, usually within twelve or 
fifteen hours. 

Epsom salt is absorbed to some extent, and is eliminated by the 
kidneys and sweat glands, increasing the secretions of these organs, 
especially when the dose is small. 

Summary. — Hydragogue cathartic. Feeble diuretic and 
diaphoretic. 

Uses. — For uses the reader is referred to Sodium Sulphate 
(p. 131), as they are almost identical. Epsom salt is useful in 
febrile diseases of horses, as in influenza and pneumonia, given in 
solution, in doses of two to four ounces daily. Solutions of mag- 
nesium sulphate produce local anesthesia when injected under the 
skin or intra spinally. 

Tucker has shown that magnesium sulphate is useful in acute 
sprains and rheumatism, dermatitis, erysipelas, neuralgia and orchitis 
applied to the affected parts in saturated solution on gauze 
compresses wrung out in the fluid and covered by a waterproof ma- 
terial. Its beneficial action is partly to be ascribed to its local anes- 
thetic influence. 

The intravenous injection of magnesium sulphate causes gen- 
eral anesthesia and death by paralysis of the respiratory centre. It 
acts locally and intradurally much like cocaine as a local anesthetic. 
Ice. of a 25 per cent, solution for each 25 lbs. body weight is in- 
jected intradurally to cause spinal anesthesia. Loss of sensation and 
motion may last for 14 hours. 

Recently several deaths have been reported in humans by Boos 
owing to swallowing" concentrated solutions of an ounce or more with 
absorption. He warns against using solutions containing more than 
6 per cent, to avoid absorption and poisoning. 

Therefore there may be some danger in using concentrated solu- 
tions of Epsom salts, which are often used to withdraw water from the 
blood in dropsies. 40 c.c. of a saturated solution of magnesium 
sulphate have proved remedial in tetanus of horses when injected 
subcutaneously (20 c.c. in two places) twice daily. Ten drams 
of a 25 per cent, solution have been injected intraspinally with 
good effect in equine tetanus, but such treatment is not without 
danger. 



156 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Magnesii Cabbonas, Magnesium Carbonate. 
(MgCo 3 ) 4 Mg(OH) 2 + 5H 2 0. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Magnesii carbonas ponderosa, or magnesii carbonas 
levis, B. P. ; magnesia alba, magnesia hydricocarbonica, carbonas 
magnesicus, carbonate of magnesia, E. ; magnesia carbonica, P.G. ; 
carbonate de magnesie, magnesie blanche, Fr. ; weisse magnesia, G. 

Derivation. — Mix concentrated, boiling, aqueous solutions of 
magnesium sulphate and sodium carbonate, and evaporate. 

5MgS0 4 + 5Na 2 C0 3 + H 2 = (MgC0 3 ) 4 Mg 4 (OH) 2 + 5 
!STA 2 S0 4 -f- C0 2 . Purified by digestion with water, filtration and 
drying. 

Properties. — Slight, white, friable masses (heavy magnesium), 
or a bulky, white powder (light magnesium), without odor, and 
having a slightly earthy taste ; permanent in the air ; almost in- 
soluble in water, to which, however, it imparts a slightly alkaline 
reaction ; insoluble in alcohol. 

Dose. — Foals and calves, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., gr.v.-5 i. (.3-4.). 



Magnesii Oxidum. Magnesium Oxide or Magnesia. MgO. 

(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Magnesia levis, light magnesia, B. P. ; calcined mag- 
nesia, magnesia calcinata, E. ; magnesia usta, P. G. ; magnesie 
calcinee, Fr. ; gebrannte magnesia, G. 

Derivation. — Heat magnesium carborate. 4 (MgC0 3 ) 
Mg (OH) 2 + 5 H 2 0=5 MgO +6 H 2 0+4C0 2 . Water and carbon 
dioxide are driven off and magnesia (MgO) is left. 

Properties. — A white, very bulky, very fine powder, without 
odor, and having an earthy, but not a saline taste. On exposure to 
the air it absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide ; almost insoluble in 
water; insoluble in alcohol. 

Dose. — Foals and calves, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., gr.v.-5i. (.3-4.). 

Magnesii Oxidum Pondebosum. Heavy Magnesium Oxide, or 
Heavy Magnesia. MgO. (IT. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Made from light magnesia by trituration with 
alcohol, drying and pulverizing. 

Properties. — A white, dense, very fine powder. Only differs 
in tests from light magnesia in that it does not readily unite with 
water to form a gelatinous hydroxide. 



ALUMINUM 157 

Dose. — Foals and calves, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., gr.v.-3 i. (.3-4). 

ACTION" OF MAGNESIUM CARBONATES AND OXIDES. 

Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — These salts are antacid and 
counteract abnormal acidity when exhibited after a meal. The car- 
bonate also exerts a sedative action in liberating carbon dioxide in the 
stomach, and both the carbonate and oxide unite with the gastric juice 
to form chlorides, lactates and bicarbonates. These compounds are 
mild, saline purgatives. 

Blood and Urine. — The oxide an dcarbonate of magnesium 
alkalize the blood and urine, and are slight diuretics. They resemble 
potassium and sodium bicarbonates, as antacids, but are milder be- 
cause feebly absorbed. 

Uses.- — Phillip's milk of magnesia is a good laxative and ant- 
acid preparation for puppies. One or more teaspoonfuls may be 
added to milk, which will be taken voluntarily. Magnesia is a use- 
ful remedy for foals and calves affected with intestinal indigestion,, 
tympanites and acid diarrhea. It may be given to advantage in 
powder : magnesia and rhubarb, 2 drachms each ; with ginger, one 
drachm. This dose should be administered in milk or flour gruel. 
Magnesia may give rise to intestinal concretions if its use is persisted 
in for a considerable period. 

Magnesium carbonate and oxide are antidotes to mineral acids,, 
oxalic acid, salts of mercury, arsenic and copper, and alkaloids, by 
alkalizing the gastric contents and rendering these bodies insoluble. 
Arsenic antidote is kept on hand at drug stores and is made by add- 
ing solution of ferric sulphate to an aqueous mixture of magnesia 
(see Ferri Oxidum Hydratnm cum Magnesia, p. 186). 



Heavy Metals : Including Aluminum, Cerium, Plumbum, Ar- 

GENTUM, ZlNCUM, CUPRUM, BlSMUTHUM, FeRRUM, 

Manganum and Hydrargyrum. 

Aluminum. 

(The metal is not used as medicine.) 

Alumen. Alum. Alk (S0 4 ) 2 + 12 H 2 (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Potassium alum, aluminum and potassium sul- 
phate, sulphate of aluminum and potassium, E. ; alun, sulphate 
d'alumine et de potasse, Fr. ; alaun, kalialaun, G. 



158 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Derivation. — From alum slate, clay, shale, or schist, a native 
mixture of aluminum silicate and iron sulphide. This is roasted 
and exposed to the air, when the sulphur is oxidized into sulphuric 
acid and combines in part with aluminum and iron to form sul- 
phates. The mass is lixiviated with water, and aluminum and iron 
sulphates together with sulphuric acid are recovered in solution. 
The solution is concentrated and to it is added potassium chloride. 
The double sulphate of potassium and aluminum (alum) is formed, 
which crystallizes out on cooling, while potassium sulphate and ferric 
chloride remain as bye-products. Alum is purified by recrystalliza- 
tion. 

Properties. — Large, colorless, octohedral crystals, sometimes 
modified by cubes, or crystalline fragments ; without odor, but having 
a sweetish and strongly astringent taste. On exposure to the air 
the crystals are liable to absorb ammonia and acquire a whitish coat- 
ing. Soluble in 9 parts of water. It is also soluble in warm 
glycerin ; insoluble in alcohol ; reaction acid. 

Incompatibles. — Iron, lead and mercury salts, alkalies, lime, 
tartrates and tannic acid. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.xx.-o i (1.3-4.) ; 
D., gr.v.-x. (.3-.6) ; emetic, D., 3 i. (4.). 



Alumen Exsiccatum. Dried Alum. A1K. (S0 4 ) 2 (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Alumen ustum, B. P. ; burnt alum, E. ; alum calcine 
(desseche brule), Fr. ; gebrannter alaum, G. 

Derivation. — Heat 100 gm. of alum moderately until aqueous 
vapor ceases to be disengaged, and the product is reduced to 55 gm. 



Altjmini Hydroxidum. Aluminum Hydroxide. Al 2 (OH) 6 

(U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Aluminum hydrate, hydrated alumina, E. ; alumine, 
Fr. ; thonerdehydrat, reine thonerde, G. 

Derivation. — Alum, 100 gm. ; monohydrated sodium carbonate, 
43 gm. ; water, a sufficient quantity. Mix hot, boiling solutions of 
alum and sodium carbonate. Precipitate strained, washed and 
dried. 

Properties. — A white, light, amorphous powder; odorless and 
tasteless ; permanent in dry air ; insoluble in water or alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as alum. 



ALUMINUM SULPHATE 159 



Alumini Sulphas. Aluminum Sulphate. A1 2 (S0 4 ) 3 + 16 H 2 0. 

Synonym. — Sulphate of aluminum, E. ; sulphate d'alumine, 
Er. ; schwefelsaure thonerde, G. 

Derivation. — Aluminum hydroxide [Al (0H) 6 ] is dissolved 
in diluted sulphuric acid, and the solution is filtered and evaporated 
to dryness. 

Properties. — A white, crystalline powder, without odor, having 
a sweetish and afterwards astringent taste; permanent in the air; 
soluble in one part of water ; insoluble in alcohol ; reaction acid. 

Dose. — Same as alum. 



Aluminum Salts. 

Action External. — Dried alum is a superficial caustic, in con- 
tact with raw surfaces, on account of its affinity for water. It is only 
used externally. Alum has no action on unbroken skin, but applied 
to mucous membranes or denuded parts it is antiseptic and astrin- 
gent; coagulates albumin of discharges; precipitates or coagulates 
albumin of the tissues ; squeezes blood out of the vessels ; reduces in- 
flammation and makes the part whiter, tougher and denser. Alum 
is an hemostatic, stopping bleeding by compression of the structures 
surrounding the vessels, and by causing blood to clot. Alum coagu- 
lates casein and gelatine in the presence of an alkali. 

Action Internal. — Stomach and Intestines. — Enormous doses of 
alum produce gastro-enteritis, while large doses cause vomiting in 
carnivora. All the secretions are diminished in the alimentary canal, 
and constipation ensues, unless the dose is excessive. Traces of alum 
are said to appear in the urine, but little is absorbed from the diges- 
tive tract and systemic poisoning is not caused by the ingestion of 
alum. Intravenous injection of salts of aluminum produce vomiting, 
weakness, tremors, convulsions, paraplegia, diarrhea, and nephritis. 
Aluminum induces degeneration of the brain and cord, and inflam- 
mation of the bowel and kidneys in its elimination by these parts — 
like the other heavy metals. Alum does not, therefore, occasion any 
astringent action in the body outside of the digestive tract, and is ex- 
creted by the bowels. 

Uses External. — Alum is employed mainly for local surgical 
purposes. Tn arresting slight hemorrhages it may be applied in 
saturated solution on absorbent cotton pledgets, or in the form of 
burnt alum dusted upon the bleeding surface. Epistaxis may be 
controlled by the injection of a strong solution into the nostrils, or 



160 INORGANIC AGENTS 

by insufflation of burnt alum. Alum is sometimes used on granulat- 
ing surfaces of indolent ulcers, or wounds, as a slight caustic, stimu- 
lant and antiseptic. It can be employed alone, or as a dusting pow- 
der, containing : alum, 1 part ; charcoal, 4 parts ; and salicylic acid, 2 
parts. Alumen exsiccatum will often prevent the escape of synovia 
from small punctured wounds when applied to their apertures. So- 
lutions (gr.iii.-v. to 5 i-) are occasionally instilled into the eye in 
conjunctivitis, but alum is not generally so satisfactory as boric acid, 
zinc sulphate, or silver nitrate, in this disease. Alum crystals may 
be applied with profit to granular lids. Alum is used more fre- 
quently in the treatment of stomatitis, or apthous sore mouth. It 
is also beneficial in ptyalism. A 5 per cent, solution may be utilized 
to touch the inflamed oral parts by means of a swab. A spray of 
the same strength is serviceable for the cure of laryngitis and bron- 
chitis in dogs. 

A 2 per cent, solution is appropriate as an injection for otor- 
rhea, or canker of the ear, attacking dogs. A similar solution will 
relieve leucorrhea, pruritus vulva?, and prolapsus ani. The following 
combination, containing dried alum, forms an excellent preparation 
for application to dead tissue. It causes sloughing of the necrotic 
mass and is indicated when the use of the knife is inadmissible. 



3 

Alumenis exsiccati 25.0 

Acidi arsenosi 15.0 

Acidi carbolici 10.0 

Cerati 25.0 

M. et fiat unguentum. 



Uses Internal. — Alum is a prompt, safe and non-depressing 
emetic for dogs. It is suitable in poisoning, or when the secretions 
are excessive in laryngitis or bronchitis. Teaspoonful doses should 
be given in solution in syrup every 15 minutes in these latter diseases, 
until vomiting occurs. Alum in the proportion of 1 dram to the 
pint of warm water makes an excellent enema for emptying the 
bowels. Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid and astringent. It 
combines with acid in the stomach (antacid) and goes into a soluble 
form when it acts as an astringent in the bowels. It is, therefore, 
more applicable for internal use in the treatment of diarrhea and 
dysentery. Other astringents, such as tannic acid in some form, 
lead acetate, or copper sulphate, are, however, usually more valuable 
in diarrheal disorders. Aluminum sulphate may be used inter- 
changeably with alum, externally or internally. 



CEKIUM OXALATE 161 

Cerium. 

(Cerium is not employed medicinally .) 

Cekii Oxalas. Cerium Oxalate. Ce 2 (C 2 4 ) 3 -j- 9 LLO. 
(U. S. &. B. P.) 

Synonym. — Cerous oxalate. 

Derivation. — Precipitate a solution of ammonium oxalate with 
a soluble salt of cerium. 

Properties. — A white, granular powder, without odor or taste, 
and permanent in the air; insoluble in water, alcohol or ether. 

Dose.— D., gr.iii.-v. (.18-.3). 

Action and Uses. — The physiological details concerning the 
action of cerium are unknown. It is useful in relieving vomiting of 
a reflex or nervous character, and is often combined with bismuth 
salts. Cerium is absorbed with difficulty from the digestive tract. 
Given intravenously, it produces poisoning resembling that of bis- 
muth. 



SECTION IV. 

Plumbum, Aeoentum, Zincum, Cuprum and Bismuthum. 

Plumbum. 

(Lead is not used in the metallic state in veterinary medicine, except 

as a last resort.) 

Plumbi Oxidum. Lead Oxide. PbO. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Litharge, E. ; lithargyrum, P.G. ; bleiglatte, G. 

Derivation. — Made by roasting lead in the air. 

Properties. — A heavy, yellowish or reddish-yellow powder, or 
minute scales, without odor or taste. On exposure to the air it slowly 
absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide. Almost insoluble in water; 
insoluble in alcohol. Reaction faintly alkaline. Lead oxide is only 
valuable for its preparations. 



162 INORGANIC AGENTS 

PREPARATION. 

Emplastrum Plumbi. Lead Plaster. (U. S. & B. P.) 

(Diachylon Plaster.) 
Lead acetate, 60; soap, 150; water, a sufficient quantity. Basis of other 
preparations. 

Plumbi Acetas. Lead acetate. Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 + 3 H 2 0. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Sugar of lead, E. ; sel (sucre) de saturne, Pr. ; 
essigsaures bleioxyd, bleizucker, G. 

Derivation. — Heat lead oxide in acetic acid and water, 

PbO + 2 HC 2 H 3 2 + H 2 = Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 + 3 H 2 0. 
Lead acetate crystallizes on cooling. 

Properties. — Colorless, shining, transparent, monoclinic prisms 
or plates, or heavy, white crystalline masses, or granular crystals, 
having a faintly acetous odor and a sweetish, astringent, afterwards 
metallic taste. Efflorescent and absorbing carbon dioxide on exposure 
to the air. Soluble in 2 parts of water and in 30 parts of alcohol. 
Reaction slightly acid. 

Incompatibles.— Sard water, alkalies, mineral acids and salts, 
potassium iodide, opium, vegetable astringents and albuminous 
liquids. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3i.(4.); Sh. & Sw., gr.xv.-xx. (1.-1.3) ; D., 
gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Made from lead acetate in which lead exists as the subacetate. Ph,0 
(CH 3 COO) 2 . 

Liquor Plumbi Subaeetatis. Solution of Lead Subacetate. (U. S. P.) 
Liquor Plumbi Subaeetatis Fortis. (B. P.) 

Synonym. — Goulard's extract, acetum plumbi; cum aeetum saturni, plumbum 
hydrico-aceticum solutum, subacetas plumbicus liquidus, E.; liquor plumbici 
subacetici, P. G.; sous-acetate de plomb liquide, extract de Goulard de vinaigre, 
plomb, Fr. ; bleiessig, G. 

Composition. — An aqueous liquid, containing in solution about 25 per 
cent, of lead subacetate (approximately), Pb,0 (CH 3 COO) 2 . 



LEAD CARBONATE 163 

Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus. Diluted Solution of Lead Subacetate. 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Lead Water. Lead subacetate, 40: water to make 1000. 

Ceratum Plumbi Subacetate. Cerate of Lead Subacetate. (U. S. P.) 

Solution of lead subacetate, 20; camphor, 2; wool fat, 20; paraffin, 20; 
white petrolatum, 38. 



Plumbi Carbonas. Lead Carbonate. (PbC0 3 ) 2 Pb(OH) 2 . 

(Non-official.) 

Synonym. — White lead, E. ; ceruse, Fr. ; bleiweiss, G. 

Derivation. — Expose lead to the action of acetic acid vapor and 
air with carbonic dioxide. 

4 Pb + 2 HCoHoO, + 2 O, + 2 CC = (PbCo,)2 Pb (OH) 2 
+ Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 . 

Properties. — A heavy, white, opaque powder, or a pulverulent 
mass, without odor or taste. Permanent in air. Insoluble in water 
or alcohol. Used only externally. 



Plumbi Ultras. Lead Nitrate. Pb (N0 3 ) 2 . (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Salpetersaures bleioxyd, bleisalpeter, G. 

Derivation. — Dissolve lead in nitric acid. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, octohedral crystals, or 
white, nearly opaque crystals; without odor, and having a sweetish, 
astringent, and afterwards metallic taste ; permanent in the air ; 
reaction acid; soluble in 1.85 parts of water; almost insoluble in 
alcohol. Only used externally in 1 per cent, solution as an astringent 
and deodorant in gangrenous surfaces, etc. 



Plumbi Iodldum. Lead Iodide. Pb I 2 . (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Treat solution of lead nitrate with that of potas- 
sium iodide: 

Pb (N0 3 ) 2 + 2 KI = Pbl 2 + 2 KN0 3 . Dry the precipitate. 

Properties. — A heavy, bright, yellow powder, without odor or 
taste; permanent in the air; soluble in about 1,300 parts of water; 
very slightly soluble in alcohol; used only externally. 



164 INOKGANIC AGENTS 



PREPARATION. 



Vnguentum Plumbi Iodidi. Ointment of Lead Iodide. (B. P.) 
Employed externally to absorb glandular swellings. 



ACTION OF LEAD' SALTS. 

External. — Soluble lead salts differ somewhat from salts of the 
other heavy metals in being more astringent and less irritant. This 
happens because they form a denser precipitate with albumin of the 
tissues and of secretions. The acetate which is generally used is 
dissociated slowly in solution in contact with the tissues. The 
metallic ion coagulates albumin by forming a lead albuminate, so 
producing a protective pellicle over raw surfaces ; while the acid 
constituent has little effect (lack of irritation). The acetate thus 
makes the tissues drier, denser and harder — and contracts vessels — 
but has no action on the unbroken skin. 

Internal. — Soluble salts of lead in concentrated solution — and 
at times insoluble salts — cause gastro-enteritis in large doses. Lead 
salts are absorbed in medicinal doses whether taken in a soluble or 
insoluble state. The chemical form of the lead compound at the time 
of absorption is unknown. Lead is deposited in the tissues, es- 
pecially in the liver and kidney, and is very slowly eliminated in 
the urine and intestinal mucus, bile, milk and saliva. Lead salts 
have a marked astringent action on the entire digestive canal and 
diminish secretions accordingly. After absorption lead salts have 
no remote astringent action. 

Toxicology. — Poisoning not infrequently occurs in animals at 
pasture, from eating paint, sheet lead, or products of lead or smelt- 
ing works. The drinking water may be contaminated with lead, 
especially from new pipes, or lead receptacles in which water has 
been standing. Hard water is not affected by lead pipes, since an 
insoluble crust of lead phosphate and sulphate is deposited upon the 
interior of the pipes. There is an acute and chronic form of poison- 
ing. The first is caused by single large doses of soluble lead salts, 
and is characterized by gastro-enteritis and colic; rarely there are 
symptoms of absorption, as convulsions, coma, paralysis and death. 
The feces are sometimes colored black with lead sulphide; the 
vomitus is white from lead chloride. Three groups of symptoms 
may be briefly tabulated, which occur to a greater or less degree in 
chronic lead poisoning: 



ACTION OF LEAD SALTS 105 



DIGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 

Lead line on gums. Thirst. 

Colic. Abdomen retracted, or "tucked 

Constipation. up." 

Anorexia. 

NERVOUS SYMPTOMS. 

Paralysis of tendons — extensors — Anesthesia, 

of extremities. Arthralgia. 

Animals stand on knees before. Dizziness. 

Animals stand on toes behind. Tremors. 

Convulsions. Delirium. 

General paralysis. Coma. 

Wasting of muscles. Amblyopia. 

The nervous symptoms are due to peripheral neuritis and to influence on 
the brain and cord. 

GENERAL SYMPTOMS. 

Dyspnea. Edema. 

Pulse accelerated. General debility. 

Emaciation. Interstitial nephritis. 

Anemia. 

Animals die in chronic poisoning from paralysis of the respira- 
tory muscles, or in convulsions. The lead line (gray or black dotted 
appearance) on the margin of the gums, at their junction with the 
teeth on the lower jaw, is due to sulphuretted hydrogen in the 
mouth, acting upon the lead deposited in the gums, and forming 
lead sulphide. The treatment consists in removing the cause, 
relieving the symptoms and in hastening elimination. Potassium 
iodide eliminates lead in a soluble form into the bowels and kidneys. 
Magnesium sulphate converts lead into an insoluble sulphate in the 
intestines and then sweeps out the salt. The stomach pump or 
emetics should be employed in acute poisoning. Alum is the best 
emetic. This treatment should be followed by the administration 
of opium and Epsom salts. 

Administration. — Lead acetate is given to the larger animals in 
solution or ball ; to the smaller patients in pill ; to young animals in 
solution in milk. 

Uses External. — Lead acetate is useful in the treatment of skin 
diseases, as weeping eczema and erythema, and in excoriations, 



166 INORGANIC AGENTS 

blistered surfaces, bruises, strains, and burns. An efficient lotion 
having an astringent and sedative action in such conditions, con- 
tains : laudanum, 1 part ; Goulard's extract, 4 parts ; and oil, 
glycerin or water, 16 parts. The "white lotion" of veterinary 
medicine is made by adding 3 drachms each of lead acetate and zinc 
sulphate to a pint of water. It is a favorite astringent, sedative and 
antiseptic application for strains, bruises, scratches, bursitis and 
tenosynovitis in horses. Compresses soaked in it are bandaged to 
the part. Also it is of value as an injection in urethritis, and ex- 
ternally in balanitis of dogs. The stronger solution of lead subacetate 
should not be employed extensively on raw surfaces or mucous mem- 
branes undiluted. The diluted solution of lead subacetate may be 
used as an injection for leucorrhea. Lead acetate should be diluted 
with 20 to 40 parts of vinegar or water. Lead acetate is not suitable 
for collyria, if there is any ulceration of the cornea, because a perma- 
nent film may be deposited and obscure the sight. Lead iodide, in 
10 to 20 per cent, ointment with petrolatum, has proven of service in 
aiding resolution of induration or caked condition of the udder in 
acute mammitis, if applied twice daily with thorough massage, before 
suppuration has set in. 

Uses Internal.— Lend acetate is serviceable in the treatment of 
diarrhea, dysentery, and hemorrhage from the stomach and bowels. 
It is frequently prescribed in these diseases with opium, but should 
not be used over a long period. 



Argentum. 

Aegenti Niteas. Silver Nitrate. AgN"o 3 . (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Dissolve silver in nitric acid with heat. 

3 Ag 2 + 6 HN0 3 = 6 AgN0 3 + 3 H 2 . Evaporate and crys- 
tallize. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, tabular, rhombic crystals, 
becoming gray, or grayish-black on exposure to light in the presence 
of organic matter; without odor, but having a bitter, caustic and 
strongly metallic taste; reaction neutral; soluble in 0.54 part of 
water and 24 parts of alcohol. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and their carbonates, acids except 
(nitric and acetic), chlorides, potassium iodide, astringent infusions 
and solutions of arsenic. 

Dose.— H. & C, gr.v.-x. (.3-.6) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; 
D., gr. H (.008-.03). 



MITIGATED SILVER NIT KATE 167 



Akgenti Nitkas Mitigatus. Mitigated Silver Nitrate. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Argent i et potassi nitras, B. P. ; mitigated caustic, 
E. ; argentum nitricum crystallizatnm, P. G. ; azotas (nitras) argen- 
ticus, azotate d' argent, nitre lunaire, Fr. ; salpetersaures silveroxyd, 
silbersalpeter, G. 

Derivation. — Melt silver nitrate, 30, with potassium nitrate, 
60, in a crucible at as low a temperature as possible. Mix and cast 
into suitable moulds. 

Properties. — A white, hard solid, generally in the form of pen- 
cils or cones of a finely granular fracture ; becoming gray or grayish- 
black on exposure to light in presence of organic matter; odorless, 
having a caustic, metallic taste, and neutral reaction. Each of its 
constituents soluble in water and alcohol to the extent mentioned 
under Argenti Nitras and Potassii Nitras. Used only externally. 

Argenti Nitras Fusus. Moulded Silver Nitrate. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Lunar caustic, lapis infernalis, azotas (nitras) 
argenticus fusus E. ; argentum nitricum fusum, P. G. ; azotate d' ar- 
gent fondu pierre infernale, F. ; hollenstein, geschmolzenes salpeter- 
saures silberoxyd, G. 

Derivation. — Melt silver nitrate, 100, with hydrochloric acid, 
4, at as low a temperature as possible. Mix and pour into suitable 
moulds. 

Properties. — Practically same as above. Used only externally. 
Silver oxide, cyanide, and iodide are official, but unimportant in 
veterinary medicine. 



ACTION OF SILVEK NITKATE. 

External. — Silver nitrate is more caustic in action than any of 
the lead, copper or zinc salts (except zinc chloride). When applied 
externally in the pure state to a mucous membrane, or a raw surface, 
it forms a white coating of coagulated protein, or silver albuminate. 
This coating limits the further action of the salt, so that lunar 
caustic is always superficial and localized in its effect. Silver 
nitrate is the caustic in most common use, since it produces a more 
healthy condition in a granulating wound after its application and 
separation of the eschar. Silver compounds are powerfully anti- 
septic because silver itself is actively antiseptic and because the 
nitrate destroys germs in coagulating their proteid protoplasm. In 



168 INORGANIC AGENTS 

dilution, silver nitrate is stimulant, astringent, antiseptic and caus- 
tic, according to its strength. 

Internal. — Silver nitrate is probably precipitated to a con- 
siderable extent by the hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice, as the 
chloride. Some of it is possibly converted into the albuminate, and 
absorbed as such. When ingested for a long period silver is 
deposited in the tissues in the form of the oxide, causing dark stain- 
ing of the skin in man. These stains, occurring when silver nitrate 
comes in direct contact with the skin, can be removed by a solution 
containing potassium cyanide, 2*a> drachms; iodine, 15 grains; and 
water, 3 ounces. Large doses of silver nitrate cause gastro-enteritis 
with nervous symptoms- — paralysis and convulsions — and death 
from depression of the respiratory centres. Common salt is the 
antidote, both externally and internally, forming the insoluble 
chloride. In addition to salt, opium and demulcents should be ex- 
hibited in acute poisoning. Silver nitrate in medicinal doses has 
probably a local stimulating, astringent and alterative action on the 
mucous membrane of the stomach ; to a less degree on the bowels. 
Elimination may not take place at all — inert organic compounds 
being deposited in various parts of the body — or may occur slightly 
from the epithelium of the digestive tract. A chronic form of 
poisoning by silver nitrate (argyrism) is seen in man, following its 
continued use, and is accompanied by pigmentation of the skin, 
marasmus, chronic indigestion, with wasting of the testes and mam- 
mary glands. A similar condition has been produced in animals, 
associated with anorexia, weakness, anemia and emaciation. 

Uses External. An aqueous solution (gr.iii. to ,3 i.) is most 
valuable in treatment of catarrhal conjunctivitis, while a stronger 
preparation (gr.x. to ^ i.) is employed for purulent conjunctivitis, 
as a stimulant, astringent and antiseptic collyrium. When strong 
solutions, like the latter, are used, the eye should immediately be 
flooded with a solution of common salt and water to precipitate 
the excess of silver nitrate as the insoluble chloride and thus prevent 
further irritation. Lunar caustic is applied in pencil form to 
ulcerated surfaces. When these surfaces are touched lightly the 
caustic stimulates sluggish granulations ; when more heavily, it 
destroys exuberant granulations. In 2 to 4 per cent, solution, silver 
nitrate is caustic to mucous membranes; in l/> per cent, solution it 
is stimulant and astringent to mucous membranes. 

Boils may be aborted by painting them with a saturated solu- 
tion of silver nitrate. Pruritus ani, or vulva?, is relieved by paint- 
ing the parts several times daily with a 4 per cent, solution. A 
solution (gr.iii. to § i.) may be used in the form of spray in the 
treatment of pharyngitis and laryngitis in the dog. In catarrh of 



PROTARGOL 169 

the external ear, so common in dogs, the canal should be swabbed 
with a 5 per cent, watery solution of silver nitrate after thorough 
cleansing with ether, or alcohol and naphtha, to remove dirt and 
sebaceous matter. In 2 to 6 .per cent, solutions silver nitrate is 
curative in moist patches of eczema in dogs. 

Fissures in the skin occurring in sore teats of cows are cured by 
the application of fused silver nitrate. 

Uses Internal. — The crystals should only be employed inter- 
nally, to insure purity. Silver nitrate is not of much value for in- 
ternal use except in the digestive tract. Pills containing the silver 
salt are sometimes given to dogs with diarrhea and ulcer of the 
stomach. Dysentery may be treated by enemata containing 12 
grains of silver nitrate to the ounce of water. If this treatment is 
followed by much irritation, injections of salt and water should be 
used afterwards. 



Protargol, (Non-official.) 

Protargol was first introduced into medicine by Prof. IsTeisser, 
in 1897, as a local remedy for gonorrhea in man. It is a fine, 
yellowish-brown, soluble powder, a combination of a protein sub- 
stance with silver ; odorless, and possessing a strong metallic taste. 

Protargol has recently superseded silver nitrate (which con- 
tains 61 per cent, of silver) to a considerable extent in medicine 
because, containing less silver (8.3 per cent.), protargol is decidedly 
less irritating, is not precipitated by albumin or solutions of sodium 
chloride, does not discolor the skin and more than equals silver nitrate 
in certainty and efficiency of action. 

Protargol is particularly applicable in veterinary medicine as 
a bland but powerfully penetrating antiseptic and mild astringent 
in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the conjunctival 
membranes. The drug does not cause the pain, redness, swelling 
and lachrymation which follow the use of silver nitrate ; nor does 
it lead to the formation of fibrinous coagula and the production of 
false membranes and opacities of the cornea seen after the applica- 
tion of silver nitrate. 

A 10-per-cent. solution of protargol induces less flushing of the 
eye and discomfort than a 1-per-cent solution of silver nitrate, and 
the irritation of a 2 or 1 per cent, solution is not, as a rule, more 
than would be produced by one-half grain to the ounce solution of 
zinc sulphate (Cheney). 

Protargol is indicated in acute catarrhal and purulent con- 
junctivitis in from one-half to 10 per cent, aqueous solutions; 



170 INORGANIC AGENTS 

usually in one-half per cent, solution in the catarrhal form, two or 
three times daily, applied with a camel's hair brush or by instilla- 
tion ; and in the purulent variety, in 2 or 4 per cent, solution with a 
pledget of absorbent cotton on a probe, or with a camel's hair brush, 
in conjunction with frequent boric acid irrigations. This new 
silver combination has also been used with reported success (and the 
use might apply to canine practice) in human medicine as a non- 
irritating astringent and antiseptic agent internally in .5 gm. doses, 
twice or thrice daily, in pills, for the relief of hemorrhages and ulcer- 
ations of the alimentary canal, in diarrhea and in purulent inflam- 
mation of the genito-urinary tract. Kingston reports favorable 
results in purpura hemorrhagica in horses from the intravenous in- 
jection of one ounce of a 5 per cent, solution of protargol twice 
dailv. 



Ak.gye.ol. 

Argyrol represents one of the latest of the numerous organic 
silver compounds, this preparation containing as much as 20 to 25 per 
cent, of the metal combined with a proteid substance obtained from 
wheat. It occurs as a brownish powder, soluble in less than its own 
weight of water, forming dark-brown solutions which stain clothing 
black, but the stains may be removed by solutions of corrosive 
sublimate. Like protargol, it is not precipitated by the salts of the 
tissues, nor does it coagulate albumin, so that its action is not neu- 
tralized by the tissues — as is the case with silver nitrate; and thus, 
unlike the latter, it possesses a penetrating power when applied 
locally. Argyrol is used in from 5 to 50 per cent, aqueous solution 
for the same purposes to which protargol is adapted. Solutions of 
argyrol should be freshly made. Argyrol is the most valuable silver 
substitute we have and so far from being irritating is actually seda- 
tive in 10 per cent, solution. In inflammatory diseases of the 
mucous membranes of the eye, urethra and bladder it has no equal. 

Soluble Silvek. 

Soluble silver, known also as Colloidal Silver, or more com- 
monly as Collargol, is an allotropic form of metallic silver (87 per 
cent, silver) wholly soluble in water, and discovered by Lea about 
1890. It may be used intravenously, subcutaneously, by inunction 
(as Crede's ointment, see below), and by the month, if first dissolved 
in the proportion of five parts of collargol with one part of white of 
egg in one hundred parts of water; or it may be given in pill with 



SOLUBLE SILVEiE 171 

sugar of milk.* When given intravenously — which is the most 
effective mode of administration — one injection may suffice, but if 
it does not cause immediate improvement in the symptoms, several 
doses may thus be given at six-hour intervals. Soluble silver has 
recently proven successful in many cases of general infection, where 
it appears to either kill or inhibit the growth of staphylococci and 
streptococci. It is certainly worthy of trial in veterinary medicine 
in this field, where it has accomplished noteworthy results. f 

Puerperal septicemia, mastitis, extensive cellulitis, fetid 
bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, endo and pericarditis, deep sup- 
purations, phlebitis, suppurating nasal sinusitis, empyema and other 
bacterial infections have yielded to the systemic and local influence 
of soluble silver in human medicine. Its expense is the only ob- 
jection to its free employment in animal practice, and this applies 
to all the new organic silver compounds. A rigor often occurs from 
one to four hours after the injection of collargol, but no other ill 
effects have been noted. When the silver can be used locally (in 
local infections) it is also effective and may or may not be at the 
same time given intravenously, its desirability by the latter mode 
depending on the degree of general infection. The dose intra- 
venously is 31/2-1 (2--4.) for horses; dogs, gr. 1-2 (.06-0.12), given 
in 2 to 5 per cent, aqueous solution. It is injected into the tissues 
as in abscess, in 1 per cent, solutions. It is soluble in 20 parts of 
water, which should be distilled or boiled, and solutions in water 
may be kept for months in brown bottles. Solutions, from having 
a clear, brown color, become gray and turbid when decomposed. 
1-3000 aqueous solutions are appropriate for use on mucous mem- 
branes or cavities of the body. 

Crecles Ointment, made by incorporating collargol with lard 
and wax to the extent of 15 per cent., has given good results when 
rubbed for thirty minutes into the skin (which has previously been 
scrubbed with soap, water and alcohol) in the treatment of local 
and even general infections. It often arrests the formation of boils, 
threatened suppuration of glands, lymphangitis, phlebitis, cellulitis 
and mastitis. The close by inunction is l/o to 1 ounce for horses, 
1/2 to 1 drachm for dogs. Collargol appears to be non-toxic when 
given intravenously or by inunction, if used with reasonable care. 

* Collargol has been also given with benefit by the rectum (H., 3 i.-ii., in 
Oi. water; D., gr. ii.-iv. in § ii.-iii. water). 

f Since writing the above collargol has been gaining headway in veter- 
inary practice. Dieckerhoff recommends it as a daily intravenous injection 
of 25 cc. of a 2 per cent, solution in purpura in the horse, and Wyman of 
Ohio speaks very favorably of its action in catarrhal diseases of the upper 
air passages and in septic cellulitis and lymphangitis in the horse. Collargol 
has also been used with reported success in strangles and septic omphalo-phlebitis 
in foals and calves. 



172 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Zincum. 

(Zinc is not used in Medicine in the metallic state.) 
Zinci Chxoridum. Zinc Chloride. ZnCl 2 . (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Dissolve zinc in hydrochloric acid by boiling. 
The solution contains the zinc chloride with chlorides of iron and 
lead as impurities. These are precipitated by adding first nitric 
acid then zinc carbonate. Filter and finally evaporate. Zm -f- 
4 HC1 = 2 Zn CI, + 2H 2 . 

Properties. — A white, granular powder, or porcelain-like 
masses, irregular or moulded into pencils ; odorless ; of such in- 
tensely caustic properties as to make tasting dangerous unless the 
salt be dissolved in much water, when it has an astringent, metallic 
taste ; very deliquescent ; reaction acid ; soluble in about 0.4 part 
of water; very soluble in alcohol. 

Liquor Zinci Chloridi. Solution of Zinc Chloride. 
(IT. S. &B. P.) 

Derivation, — Made as above with the addition of water. It 
contains about 50 per cent., by weight, of zinc chloride. 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, odorless, having a very 
astringent, metallic taste and an acid reaction. Spec. gr. about 
1,548 at 25° C. (71° F.). 

Toxicology. — Zinc chloride is a powerful irritant if swallowed 
in any degree of concentration, and will, therefore, produce gastro- 
enteritis. Emetics or the stomach tube should be used, followed 
by demulcents and sodium bicarbonate. 

Uses. — Zinc chloride is employed in a paste made into small 
pieces with flour; or on lint soaked in a saturated solution, dried, 
and introduced under the skin about the base of tumors to cause 
their destruction by sloughing. It is employed in the form of pen- 
cils on unhealthy, granulating surfaces, as in "foot rot," and in- 
jected in strong solution into fistulous tracts to destroy their walls. 
It is not used internally. 

ZiNcr Suxpiias. Zinc Sulphate. ZnSo 4 -f- 7 H.,0. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Prepared by dissolving zinc in sulphuric acid. 
Zn 2 + 2 H 2 S0 4 = 2 ZnS0 4 + 2 H 2 . 



PRECIPITATED ZINC CARBONATE 173 

Iron and tin exist as impurities, and are removed by chlorine 
solution and zinc carbonate. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, rhombic crystals, without 
odor, and having an astringent, metallic taste. Efflorescent in dry 
air; reaction acid; soluble in 0.53 part of water, in 3 parts of 
glycerin ; insoluble in alcohol. 

Incompatibles. — Lead acetate, silver nitrate, lime water, al- 
kalies and carbonates, vegetable decoctions or infusions, and inilk. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.x.-xx. (.6-1.3) ; 
D., gr.ii.-iii. (.12-.2) ; Emetic — D., gr.x.-xv. (.6-1.). 



Zinci Carbonas PitiEciPiTATus. Precipitated Zinc Carbonate. 

(U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Zinci carbonas, B. P. ; precipitated zinc carbonate, 
kohlensaures zinkoxyd, G. 

Derivation, — Solutions of nearly equal weight of sodium car- 
bonate and zinc sulphate are boiled together; dry precipitate. 
8 ZnS0 4 + 8 Na 2 C0 3 + 2 H 2 = 2 (ZnC0 3 ) s Zn (OH) 2 ? (hy- 
drated basic zinc carbonate) -j- 8 ]STa 2 S0 4 + 2 C0 2 . This salt is in 
reality a mixture of zinc carbonate and oxide, in varying propor- 
tions, with water of crystallization. 

Properties. — An impalpable white powder, of somewhat vari- 
able chemical composition, without odor or taste; insoluble in water 
or alcohol. 



Zinci Oxidum. Zinc Oxide. Zn O. (TJ. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Heat the carbonate to redness. 

2 (Zn C0 3 ) 3 Zn(OH) 2 = 8 ZnO + 2 H 2 + 6 C0 2 . 

Properties. — An amorphous, white powder, without odor or 
taste. It gradually absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. Insoluble 
in water or alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., gr.v.-x. (.3.6). 



PEEPAEATION. 

Unguentum Zinci Oxidi. Ointment of Zinc Oxide. (U. S. P.) 
Zinc oxide, 200; benzoinated lard, 800. (U. S. P.) 

Unguentum Zinci. 15 per cent, of zinc ointment. (B. P.) 



174 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Zinci Acetas. Zinc Acetate. Zn (C 2 ILOo) 2 + 2 H.,0. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) * 

Derivation. — Dissolve zinc oxide in diluted acetic acid and 
boil. 

ZnO + 2 HC 2 H 3 2 = Zn(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 + H 2 0. Evaporate and 
crystallize. 

Properties. — Soft, white, six-sided monoclinic plates, of a 
pearly lustre, having a faintly acetous odor, and an astringent metal- 
lic taste. Exposed to the air the salt gradually effloresces and loses 
some of its acid; reaction acid; soluble in 2.5 parts of water and in 
36 parts of alcohol. 

Incompatibles. — Same as sulphate. 

Dose. — Same as sulphate. 



ACTION of the zinc salts. 

External. — The salts of zinc (except the chloride) have an 
astringent action on raw surfaces and mucous membranes in pre- 
cipitating solutions of proteids, as zinc albuminate, notably the sul- 
phate and acetate. Absorption is not followed by poisoning, as most 
of the zinc is stored in the liver. They resemble other astringents, 
especially copper salts, and are more irritating than lead acetate or 
subacetate. 

Internal. — In the alimentary tract very large closes of the sul- 
phate or acetate may induce gastro-enteritis, which is to be treated 
with demulcents and alkaline carbonates in order to form insoluble 
compounds. Vomiting will relieve carnivora ; otherwise the stomach 
tube must be resorted to. 

Zinc salts apparently produce no remote effects upon the body 
when ingested. Given intravenously (double salts) to mammals, 
zinc causes vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness and paralysis. 
It is eliminated chiefly by the alimentary tract and slightly in the bile 
and urine. In therapeutic doses the zinc suits are astringent, dimin- 
ishing secretion in the digestive tract. 



uses of zinc salts. 

External. — Zinc sulphate is in common use as an astringent 
collyrium for subacute conjunctivitis (gr.ss.-ii. to § i.). It is also 
employed in the treatment of canker of the ear in dogs (gr.x to § i.), 
or as "white lotion" (see Plumbi Acetas), in this affection. 



USES OF ZINC SALTS 175 

In diseases of the feet, as in canker of the horse, equal parts of 
zinc, copper and iron sulphates with 5 per cent, carbolic acid and 
vaseline q. s. to make a paste, are of value. 

The salt is likewise serviceable as a stimulant and astringent 
solution (gr.ii.-v. to % i.) in moist eczema, ulcers, atonic inflamma- 
tions of mucous membranes, balanitis and urethritis in dogs, and 
leucorrbea. 

Zinc carbonate is a much milder astringent than zinc sulphate 
or acetate. The impure carbonate (calamine) is an ingredient of 
the popular astringent and antiseptic "pink ointment" of veterinary 
medicine used for the cure of "scratches" in horses. 

Zinci carbonatis (impure) o ii- 

Alumenis 5 iss. 

Calcii carb. preecip % x. 

Creosoti 

Cera flavi aa § iss. 

Adipis , § xv. 

M. 

S. External use. 

The lard and wax are first melted together and then the other 
ingredients are stirred in. Calamine in the form of a lotion is a 
more cleanly application for house dogs and pets than ointment 
or paste. The following is useful in dermatitis, erythema and 
moist eczema attended with itching. The carbolic acid may be 
omitted when the lotion is applied over a large surface to avoid pois- 
oning by absorption or from the acid being licked off by the patient. 

B 

Acidi carbolici 1.0 gr.xv. 

Zinci oxidi 15.0 § ss. 

Calaminse 5.3 gr. 80 

Glycerini 30.0 § i- 

Liquoris calcis ad 240.0 I viii. 

M. et fiat lotio (sbake). 

Sig. External use. 

Zinc ointment is used externally in the form of a dusting pow- 
der, ointment or paste. In eczema, erythema and scratches, the zinc 
oxide ointment is valuable and can be combined with carbolic acid 
(gr.x to § i.) or creolin (5 per cent.) to great advantage, when itch- 
ing is a prominent symptom. Still better than zinc ointment is a 
paste containing zinc oxide. 2 parts; starch and vaseline, each 3 



176 INOKGANIC AGENTS 

parts. Zinc acetate can be used in all cases as a substitute for zinc 
sulphate. 

Internal. — Zinc sulphate is the best and most prompt emetic 
for dogs in many conditions, as poisoning. It should be given in 
tepid water. Zinc oxide is occasionally prescribed in diarrhea, and 
empirically as a tonic and antispasmodic in chorea and epilepsy. 
Zinc oxide may be given in powder, pill, or dissolved in alkaline 
solutions. 



Zinc Valerate. See p. 478. 
Zinc Phosphide. See p. 219. 

Cuprum. 

(Copper is not used in the metallic state in Medicine.) 

Cupei Sulphas. Copper Sulphate. Cu So 4 4- 5 PLO. 
(IT. S. & E. P.) 

Synonym,. — Cupric sulphate, blue vitriol, blue stone, sulfas 
cupricus, suprum vitriolatum, E. ; cuprum sulfuricum purum, P. Gr. ; 
vitriol bleu, sulfate de Cuivre, Fr. ; kupfervitriol, blauer-vitriol, 
schwefelsaures kupfer (kupferoxyd), G. 

Derivation. — Boil metallic copper and sulphuric acid together. 
2 Cu + 2 PI 2 S0 4 =2 CuS0 4 + 2 H 2 . Dissolve product in hot 
water and crystallize. 

Properties. — Large, transparent, deep blue, triclinic crystals; 
odorless, of a nauseous, metallic taste ; slowly efflorescent in dry air ; 
soluble in 2.2 parts of water; almost insoluble in alcohol; reaction 
acid. 

Incompatibles. — Mineral salts (except sulphates), alkalies and 
their carbonates, iodides, lime water and vegetable astringents. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.xx.-xl. (1.3-2.6) ; 
D., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; Emetic— D., gr.vi.-xx. (.36-1.3). 

ACTION OF COPPER SULPHATE. 

External. — Copper sulphate precipitates protein in solution and 
is stimulant, astringent or caustic to mucous membranes or raw 
surfaces, according to the strength applied. 

Internal. — In poisonous doses copper sulphate causes salivation, 
vomiting, gastro-enteritis, and nervous symptoms (convulsions, 



ACTION OF COPPER SULPHATE 177 

paralysis and delirium), and finally death from collapse. "When in- 
jected intravenously copper salts lead to destruction of the blood, and 
fatty degeneration of the liver, kidneys and heart. Rarely does 
absorption from the digestive tract cause poisoning, since the salt is 
either vomited, or absorbed too slowly, or stored in the liver. The 
treatment consists in emptying the stomach in animals which cannot, 
or do not, vomit, and the use of magnesia, tannin or yellow prussiate 
of potash, as antidotes; and demulcents, as milk and white of egg, 
together with opium. Large doses are emetic to the dog, but should 
not be used except in phosphorus poisoning. Smaller doses are 
astringent in the digestive tract. The copper absorbed from the ali- 
mentary tract lodges in the liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland. It is 
eliminated slowly in the urine, bile, intestinal secretions, saliva and 
milk. Copper is a normal constituent of the tissues and has a strong 
affinity for hemoglobin attaching itself, on absorption, to the corpus- 
cles as cuprohemol. 

Uses External. — Copper sulphate is employed in the solid, crys- 
talline form in granular conjunctivitis, by rubbing the stick over the 
affected surfaces of the lids. 

A solution (gr.-ii. to % i.) is dropped into the eye for simple 
conjunctivitis. Copper sulphate is similar in action to zinc sulphate, 
but more powerful. On ulcerated and granular surfaces it is used as a 
stimulant and astringent, as in the following mixture, a combination 
of cupric sulphate and zinc sulphate, of each 2 1 /o drachms (10gm.,), 
with solution of lead subacetate, 5 drachms (20gm.), which is of 
value in thrush and canker of the feet in horses, and as an application 
for chronic sores and unhealthy indolent granulating surfaces. It 
may also be applied locally with an equal part of dried alum in the 
form of powder for the treatment of thrush. The disappearance 
of the moisture and foul odor will soon herald recovery. In foot root 
of sheep one part each of copper sulphate and lard, with two of 
tar, may be prepared by melting and then mixing the ingredients. 

Two ounces each of zinc and copper sulphate in one pint of 
vinegar are curative when injected into sinuses. 

Uses Internal. — Copper sulphate is prescribed for its local effect 
with opium in diarrhea, and injected into the bowel in 2 per cent, 
solution in ulcerated conditions of the rectum. The sulphate of 
copper in small doses is believed to be a tonic remedy in anemia and 
nervous conditions, although without sufficient experimental proof. 
It is thought to resemble arsenic and to increase the number of cor- 
puscles, firmness of flesh and amount of fat. Copper sulphate is 
often used as a vermicide in the treatment of lumbricoid worms and 
ozena, combined with iron. Copper sulphate in 1 drachm doses 
(4.0 gm.), with powdered charcoal and fenugreek, of each 1-1% 



178 INOBGANIC AGENTS 

drachms (6. gm.), given. to the horse night and morning for eight 
to ten days and followed by a brisk cathartic of aloes and linseed oil, 
will cause the expulsion of ascarides. It is recommended in purpura, 
and is given to dogs in the form of arsenite of copper for chorea and 
epilepsy. Copper sulphate, added to reservoirs of drinking water 
in the proportion of 1 part to 5 to 50 millions of water, destroys algae 
but is innocuous to animals. Copper sulphate forms an inert com- 
pound with phosphorus. Hydrogen dioxide or potassium perman- 
ganate are safer and more effective antidotes in phosphorus poisoning, 
as too large doses of copper sulphate are required for this purpose. 

Cupri AcETAS. Copper Acetate. (JSTon-official.) 

Synonyms. — Verdigris, cupric subacetate, E. ; acetate de cuivre, 
vert-de-gris, E. ; grunspau, G. 

Derivation. — Exposure of copper plates to pomace or residue 
resulting from expression of juice from grapes in wine making, or to 
immersion in pyroligneous acid. 

Properties. — Pale-green masses of minute, acicular crystals, 
sometimes of bright blue hue. Verdigris is the impure article ; the 
pure salt is known as Crystals of Venus. The taste is coppery and 
odor vinegar-like. Soluble in water. 

Dose.— H. & C, gr.15-30 (1.-2.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.5-10 (.3-.6). 

Action External. — It is astringent, stimulant and escharotic 
according to the strength whether applied to the unbroken skin or 
to mucous membranes or raw surfaces. 

Action Internal. — This salt is an efficient vermifuge for the 
expulsion of ascarides from the horse. It should be given in doses 
of gr.15-30 (1.-2. gm.) twice daily with powdered gentian and char- 
coal, 1 drachm of each (4.0 gm.), for a week and then be followed by 
a cathartic dose of aloes. It is a poison in large doses, causing gastro- 
enteritis, convulsions and death. The antidotes are milk, raw eggs 
and soap. 

Bismuthum. 

{Bismuth is not employed medicinally in the metallic state.) 

Bismuthi Subcarbonas. Bismuth Subcarbouate. (BiO) 2 C0 3 -f- 

ELO? (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Bismuthi carbonas, B. P. 

Derivation. — Made by dissolving pure metallic bismuth in 



BISMUTH SUBNITKATE 179 

diluted nitric acid, precipitating with ammonia water, and redissolv- 
ing in nitric acid. This solution is treated with ammonium carbon- 
ate, or a solution of sodium carbonate. 

2Bi (N0 3 ) 3 + 3 N"a 2 C0 3 + H 2 = (BiO) 2 CO : , + H 2 + 
2 C0 2 -\- 6 JSTalSTOo. The precipitated bismuth subearbonate is fil- 
tered and washed. 

Properties. — A white, or pale yellowish-white powder, of some- 
what varying chemical composition ; odorless and tasteless, and per- 
manent in the air. Insoluble in water or alcohol, but completely 
soluble in nitric or hydrochloric acid, with copious efflorescence. 

Dose.— H., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; D., gr.x.xxx. (.6-2.). 

Bismtjthi Subnitkas. Bismuth Subnitrate. BiO N0 3 -f- H 2 ? 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Bismuthum subnitricum, P.G. ; bismuthum hydri- 
conitricum, magisterium bismuthi, subazotas (s. subnitras) bismuthi- 
cus, sous-azotate de bismuth, Fr. ; basisches salpetersaures bismuth- 
oxyd. G. 

Derivation. — Dissolve pure metallic bismuth in diluted nitric 
acid. First reaction— Bio + 6 H^0 3 = 2 Bi (N0 3 ) 3 + 3 H,. 
Final reaction— Bi (M) 3 ) 3 + H 2 = BiON0 3 + 2 H1\ T 3 . 
Evaporate; add water; wash and dry precipitated bismuth subni- 
trate. 

Properties. — A heavy, white powder of somewhat varying 
chemical composition ; odorless and almost tasteless, and permanent 
in the air. Almost insoluble in water and insoluble in alcohol, but 
readily soluble in nitric or hydrochloric acid. 

Dose. — Same as subearbonate. 

Bismuthi Subsalicylas. Bismuth Subsalicylate. (IT. S. P.) 
Dose.— D., gr.iv (0.24). 

Bismuthi Subgallas. Bismuth Subgallate. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Dermatol. 

Properties. — A fine, amorphous, yellow powder; permanent in 
the air and odorless ; insoluble in water, ether, alcohol or chloroform ; 
soluble in acids ; used externally as a substitute for iodoform ; it is 
antiseptic and astringent ; occasionally given internally. 

Dose. — D., gr. v.-x. (.3-.6). 



180 INORGANIC AGENTS 



ACTION OF BISMUTH SUBNITEATE AND SUBCARBONATE. 

External. — The insoluble salts of bismuth have a protecting, 
sedative, astringent and antiseptic action on raw surfaces. If applied 
over very extensive areas for a considerable length of time, they may 
cause absorption and poisoning. Bismuth has no action on the un- 
broken skin. 

Internal. — The salts of bismuth are absorbed and eliminated to 
some extent. When administered continuously in enormous doses, or 
when absorbed from the skin or given intravenously, bismuth has 
caused stomatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, convulsions, black- 
ness of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, and death. 
Probably, as ordinarily used, all the bismuth absorbed from the ali- 
mentary canal is stored in the liver. In poisoning, however, it irri- 
tates the parts which eliminate it— i.e., the kidneys, mouth and the 
bowels (chiefly the caecum). An odor of garlic appears in the breath 
after the continuous exhibition of bismuth, owing to traces of tellu- 
rium contained in the bismuth. Recently several ounces of bismuth 
subnitrate have been given at one dose to the human to secure a 
skiagram of the digestive organs and also have been injected as 
Beck's paste to cure suppurating cavities. Poisoning has sometimes 
occurred following the use of such enormous doses due to the bismuth 
and also to the transformation of the nitrate into a nitrite. Nausea, 
vomiting, cyanosis, rapid pulse and respiration, and prostration have 
been observed in such cases. It is safer to use the subcarbonate or 
oxychloride when massive doses are given. Two ounces of either 
may be given internally to man with perfect safety. 

As ordinarily used, the salts of bismuth are absolutely harmless, 
although formerly poisoning was not infrequent from their contam- 
ination with arsenic. The tongue and feces are stained black by 
bismuth salts, which are transformed into the sulphide. Bismuth, 
locally and mechanically, by reason of its weight and insolubility, 
protects and coats the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, and 
thus exerts a sedative, astringent and antiseptic action throughout 
the canal. Bismuth must, therefore, be given, to be effective, in large 
and frequent doses, and when the stomach is empty. Por this reason 
the drug is not of much value in the treatment of the horse and 
ruminant, as a sufficient quantity cannot be used economically. 



USES OF BISMUTH SUBNITEATE AND SUBCAEBONATE 181 



USES OF BISMUTH SUBNITEATE AND SUBCAEBONATE. 

External. — Bismuth subnitrate is a very good dusting powder 
on sores, and for moist skin diseases and ulcerated surfaces. It may 
be combined with zinc oxide and salol, or used in the form of an 
ointment in the proportion of 1 to 4. The following is an effective 
combination to apply to superficial wounds and raw surfaces at- 
tended with much secretion: 



Bismuthi subnitratis 


50.0 


Si 
3 
3 
5 


. 3v. 


Acidi tannici . . 
Carbo ligni .... 




25.0 

15.0 

100.0 


vi. 
iv. 
iii. 3 ii. 


M. et fiat pulvis 
Sig. Dust on sui 


•face. 







It may be employed to advantage in coryza and ozena, by insuffla- 
tion into the nostrils. A paste made by boiling vaseline in an 
enameled jar and stirring in bismuth subnitrate, in the strength of 
33 per cent., is of great value for curing fistulas and chronic sup- 
purating cavities when injected warm so as to completely fill them. 
If one injection does not cure, repeat in a week and then every 4 
days for a month. The paste, while warm, is drawn up into a metal 
or glass syringe. In small fistulse, as about the rectum, long flexible 
tips may be used to insert in the sinus. More than 100 grams 
should not be retained in the body (in the human) lest poisoning 
occur. 

In old or thick-walled sinuses or abscesses there is little danger 
of absorption. In thin-walled and recent abscesses a ten per cent, 
ointment may be used. When there is indigestion and diarrhea with 
a marked, blue line about the gums, following injection of a large 
amount of bismuth, poisoning may occur. 

This is stopped by injecting warm oil into the cavity and aspi- 
rating the contents some 12 hours later. 

This new method of Beck's has completely revolutionized the 
treatment of sinuses, especially those connected with bone. 

Various other suppurating cavities are cured by bismuth injec- 
tions. Thus empyema, cold and tuberculous abscesses, and sinuses 
following operations. 

The paste should cause a suppurating sinus to discharge a 
serous fluid. 

Causes of failure are due to the presence of a foreign body or 



182 INORGANIC AGENTS 

sequestrum of bone. Or the paste has not been soft enough to enter 
all pockets. When large amounts of the paste are required substi- 
tute chalk for bismuth. Dermatol (bismuth subgallate) is even 
more efficient than the subnitrate alone as an antiseptic and as- 
tringent dusting powder. 

Internal. — Bismuth is one of the best agents to relieve vomiting 
in dogs, owing to the soothing and sedative effect upon inflamed 
mucous membranes. It may be given alone or in combination with 
oxalate of cerium upon the tongue or in the food. It is also a very 
efficient agent in diarrhea in the dog, being astringent, sedative and 
antiseptic. Its use should be preceded by the administration of oil 
or calomel, in diarrhea. Bismuth is given for diarrhea in powder 
with salol; or in suspension with gum arabic and water, with one 
drop of carbolic acid to each dose of bismuth ; or better, in capsules, 
dispensing one grain of carbolic acid and five grains of bismuth. 
The sedative effect upon the stomach is increased by giving the sub- 
carbonate of bismuth with bicarbonate of sodium, while the sedative 
effect upon the bowels is enhanced by combining morphine with bis- 
muth subnitrate. It is generally immaterial whether the subnitrate 
or subcarbonate of bismuth be selected in any given case. Bismuth 
salicylate is more powerful as an antiseptic than the other salts. It 
is useful in diarrhea, intestinal fermentation and indigestion of dogs. 
The drug should be given in capsules. 



SECTION V. 
Ferrum. 

Metallic iron is official in the form of fine, bright and non-elastic 
wire, from which are made iron preparations and reduced iron. 

Ferrum Reihicttjm. Reduced Iron. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Ferrum redactum, B. P. ; iron by hydrogen, 
Quevenne's iron, ferrum hydrogenio reductum, ferrum ope hydro- 
genii paratum, E. ; ferrum redactum, P. G. ; fer reduit par l'hydro- 
gene, Er. ; reducirtes eisen, G. 

Derivation. — Hydrogen gas is passed over freshly made and 
carefully washed ferric oxide in a hot and closed tube. Fe-.0 3 + 3 
H 2 = Fe 2 + 3 H 2 0. 

Properties. — A very fine grayish-black, lustreless powder, with- 
out odor or taste; permanent in dry air; insoluble in water or 
alcohol. 



FEEKOUS SULPHATE 183 

Dose.— II., 5 i.-ii. (4.8.) ; C., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
gr.xx.-xxx. (1.3-2.) ; D.. gr.i.-v. (.06-.3). 

Feeei Sulphas. Ferrous Sulphate. Fe So 4 -j- 1 HoO. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Copperas, green vitriol, vitriolum martis purum, 
sulfas ferrosus, ferrum vitriolatum purum, E. ; ferrum sulpliuricum 
purum, P. G. ; sulfate de fer, sulfate ferreux, Fr. ; scliwefelsaures 
eisenoxydul, G. 

Derivation. — Iron wire is dissolved by boiling in diluted sul- 
phuric acid. Fe 2 + 2 H 2 S0 4 = 2 Fe S0 4 + 2 H 2 . 

Properties. — Large, pale, bluish-green, monoclinic prisms, with- 
out odor, and having a saline styptic taste ; efflorescent in dry air. 
On exposure to moist air the crystals rapidly absorb oxygen and be- 
come coated with brownish-yellow, basic ferric sulphate ; soluble in 
0.9 part of water; insoluble in alcohol. 

Dose.— II., 5 i.-ii. (1.-8); C., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); Sh. & Sw., 
gr.xx.-xxx. (1.3-2.) ; D., gr.i.-v. (.06-.3). 

Feeei Sulphas Exsiccatus, Exsiccated or Dried Ferrous Sulphate. 
Fe 2 So 4 + 3 HoO. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Ferrum sulfuricum siccum, P. G. ; sulfate de fer 
desseche, Fr. ; entwasserte scliwefelsaures eisenoxydul, G. 

Derivation. — Allow ferrous sulphate, 100, to effloresce at a 
temperature of 101° F. Then heat on a water bath till the product 
weighs 65. 

Properties. — A grayish-white powder, soluble in water. 

Dose. — Same as sulphate. 

Feeei Sulphas GExiNULATus. Granulated Ferrous Sulphate. 
Fe 2 S0 4 + 7 H 2 0. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Dissolve ferrous sulphate, 100, in distilled water, 
100, and add sulphuric acid, 5. Evaporate till the product weighs 
150. Pour alcohol, 25, upon it and dry. 

Properties. — Pale, bluish-green, crystalline powder. 

Dose.- — Same as sulphate. 

Feeei Carjbonas Sacchaeatus. Saccharatecl Ferrous Carbon- 
ate. (IT. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Ferrum carbonicum saccharatum, P. G. ; carbonas 



184 INORGANIC AGENTS 

ferrosus saccharatus, saccharure de proto-carbonate de fer, Fr. ; 
ziickerbaltiges kohlensaures eisen, G. 

Derivation. — Ferrous sulphate, 50; sodium bicarbonate, 35; 
sugar and distilled water. Made by solution, precipitation and 
washing. 

Properties. — Greenish-brown powder, without odor ; sweetish 
taste; becomes oxidized on exposure to the air. 

Dose. — Twice that of iron sulphate. 

Massa Feeei Carbonatis. Mass of Ferrous Carbonate. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — D., gr.i.-v. (.06-.3) in pill. 

Syettpus Feeei Iodidi. Syrup of Ferrous Iodide. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Contains 5 per cent., by weight, of ferrous iodide (Fel 2 ). 
Properties. — Transparent, pale green liquid ; sweet, ferruginous 
taste. 

Dose.— H., % ss.-i. (15.-30. cc.) ; D., 11\ v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

Feeei Cheobiditm. Ferric Chloride. Fe 2 Cl 6 + H 2 0. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Ferrum sesquichloratum, P. G. ; ferrum muriatum 
oxydatum, chloridum sen chloruretum ferricum, ferri perchloridum, 
sesquichloride (perchloride) of iron, E. ; perchlorure de fer, chlorure 
ferrique, Fr. ; eisenchlorid, G. 

Derivation. — Solution of ferric chloride, 100 Gm., evaporate 
to 40 Gm. on water bath. Set aside to crystallize; break into 
pieces and keep in glass-stoppered bottles in dark. 

Properties. — Orange yellow, crystalline pieces, odorless, or hav- 
ing a faint odor of hydrochloric acid, and a strong styptic taste; 
deliquescent; soluble in water and alcohol; reaction acid; not used 
internally. 

LiQiroE Feeei Chi.oeidi. Solution of Ferric Chloride. 

(II. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Liq. ferri perchloridi, B. P. An aqueous solution 
of ferric chloride (Fe 2 Cl 6 ) containing not less than 29 per cent, of 
the anhydrous salt, or about 10 1 per cent, of metallic iron. 

Derivation. — Dissolve iron wire, 125, in hydrochloric acid, 680, 
nitric acid and water to make 1,000. (IT. S. P.) 



SOLUTION OF FERRIC SUBSULPHATE 185 

First reaction.— Fe., + 4 HOI = 2 Fe 01 2 -f 2H 2 . 

Second reaction.— 6 FeCl 2 + 6 HOI + 2 HN"0 3 = 3 Fe 2 Cl 6 
-f 2 NO + 4 H 2 0. 

Properties. — A reddish-brown liquid, having a faint odor of 
hydrochloric acid; an acid, strongly styptic taste and an acid re- 
action. 

Dose.— H. & 0., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., HI x.-xx. (6.-1.3) ; 
D., TTL ii.-x. (.12-.6). 



PEEPAEATIONS. 

Tinctura Ferri Chloridi. Tincture of Ferric Chloride. (U. S. P.) 

Solution of ferric chloride, 350; alcohol to make 1,000. 

Dose.— H. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., T11.xx.-xxx. (1.3-2.) ; D., m.v.3i. 
(.3-4.) 

Contains 13.28 per cent, of the anhydrous salt, or 4.58 per cent, of metallic 
iron. 

Tinctura Ferri Perchloridi. Tincture of Iron Perchloride. (B. P.) 
Dose. — Same as Tinctura Ferri Chloridi (U. S. P.) 

Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis. Solution of Ferric Subsulphate. 

(TL S. P.) 

Synonym. — Solution of basic ferric sulphate FeO (S0 4 ) 5 , 
Monsel's solution, solution of persulphate of iron, E. ; liquor hemos- 
tatique de Monsel, Fr. ; basischschewefelsaures eisenoxydlosung, 
Monsel's eisenlosung, G. Contains about 13.6 per cent, of metallic 
iron. 

Derivation. — Ferrous sulphate, 675 ; Sulphuric acid, 65 ; nitric 
acid and distilled water, of each a. sufficient quantity to make 1,000. 

Properties. — A dark reddish-brown liquid, odorless or nearly 
so; of an acid, strongly styptic taste and an acid reaction; miscible 
with water and alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, % ss. (15.) ; Sh. & Sw., 1U x.-xx. (.6-1.3) ; 
D., Hi ii.-x. (.12-.6). 

It has no value for internal use. 



186 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Ferri Hydroxidum Cum Magxesii Oxido. Ferric Hydroxide 
with Magnesium Oxide. (U. S. P.) 

(Arsenic Antidote.) 

Solution of ferric sulphate, 40 cc. ; water, 125cc. Magnesium 
oxide, 10 gm. ; water, q.s. Keep solutions separate till ready for 
use; then mix. 

Uses. — This preparation is used as a chemical antidote to 
arsenic, whereby the arsenic mass is mechanically enwrapped and 
converted into the insoluble arsenite. The administration of the 
arsenic antidote should be followed by emetics, or the stomach tube. 

Dose. — Large quantities should be repeated frequently ad 
libitum. 

Ferri et Potassii Tartras. Iron and Potassium Tartrate. 

(TT. S. P.) 

(Potassio-Ferric Tartrate. ) 

Synonym. — Perrum tartaratum, B. P. ; tartarus ferratus, 
P. G. ; ferri potassio-tartras, ferrum tartarizatum, tartras ferrico- 
kalicus, etc., E. ; tartrate de fer et de potasse, tartre martial, Ft. ; 
weinsaures eisenoxyd-kali, eisenweinstein, G. 

Properties. — Thin, transparent scales, varying in color from 
garnet-red to reddish-brown ; without odor, and having a sweetish, 
slightly ferruginous taste ; slightly deliquescent in the air ; very 
soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol. Iron and potassium tartrate 
contains 15 per cent, of metallic iron. 

Dose— T)., gr.v.-x. (.3-. 6). 

Ferri et Ammonii Citras. Iron and Ammonium Citrate. 
(TT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Ferrum citricum ammoniatum, P. G. ; ferri am- 
monio-citras, ferro-ammonium citricum, ammonio citrate of iron, 
E. ; citrate de fer et d'ammoniaque (de fer ammoniacal), Fr. ; citron- 
ensaures eisenoxyd-ammonium (ammoniak), G. 

Properties. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red scales, without 
odor, and having a saline, mildly ferruginous taste ; deliquescent in 
moist air; soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol. Iron and 
ammonium citrate contains 16 per cent, of metallic iron. 

Dose.— D., gr.v.-x. (.3-.6). 



IRON AND QUININE CITRATE 187 



Ferii et Quinin.e Citras. Iron and Quinine Citrate. 
(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Chininum ferro-citricnm, P. G. ; citras ferrico- 
quinicus, citrate de fer et de quinine, Fr. ; citronensaures eisen 
ehinin, G. 

Properties. — Thin, transparent scales, of a reddish-brown 
color, without odor, and having a bitter, mildly ferruginous taste; 
slowly deliquescent in damp air; slowly but completely soluble in 
cold water and but partially soluble in alcohol. Iron and quinine 
citrate contains 11.5 per cent, of quinine and 13.5 per cent, of 
metallic iron. 

Dose. — As below. 

Ferri et Quinine Citras Solubilis. Soluble Iron and Quinine 
Citrate. (U. S. P.) 

Occurs in thin, greenish-yellow, transparent scales. Very 
rapidly and completely soluble in cold water. Soluble quinine and 
iron contains 11.5 per cent, of quinine and 13.5 per cent, of metallic 
iron. 

Dose.— D., gr.v.x. (.3-. 6.) 

GENERAL ACTION OF IRON AND ITS SALTS. 

External. — The local action of iron salts — like those of the other 
heavy metals — depends upon coagulation of the proteids of the tis- 
sues through the formation of albuminate compounds with the metal 
and the setting free of the acid ions of the salt. Certain salts 
of iron, depending upon their acid constituent, are strongly astringent 
and more or less irritant — as the chloride, perchloride, sulphate, 
persulphate, and nitrate. They contract tissue by coagulating 
albumin, when applied to raw surfaces or mucous membranes, and 
through this means, by compressing the blood-vessels from without 
and plugging them from within with clotted blood, arrest hemorrhage. 
The astringent salts may also induce some contraction of the vessels 
besides. Iron — in the form of liquor ferri chloridi^or liquor ferri 
subsulphatis — is the most powerful of the metallic hemostatic agents 
we possess. 

Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — Iron is a food rather than a 
medicine. It exists as a natural constituent of vegetable foods and of 
the body, and is found particularly in the hemoglobin of the blood — 
to the extent of about half an ounce in that of the horse. There is a 



188 INORGANIC AGENTS 

sufficient quantity in the food to support healthy animals. If iron 
is ingested by a normal animal in ordinary doses, it has little effect 
unless continued for a long time in considerable quantity, when it 
may produce indigestion and constipation. Large doses of irritant 
and astringent salts, as the perchloride, may induce gastroenteritis 
by local irritation. 

Internally in the stomach the iron salts behave as they do ex- 
ternally. Acid ions are set free from the iron salt and the metal 
combines with albumin. The liberation of the acid ion leads to an 
astringent action and, if large doses are ingested, actual irritation. 
The degree of astringency is due to the preparation also. Thus ferric 
chloride is especially astringent because of the ease of dissociation 
and corrosive action of the HC1 ion. Ferrous sulphate is only a 
little less so; while reduced iron, the oxide, carbonate, double salts 
and salts of the vegetable acids (citrates, acetates and tartrates), and 
albuminates, are very slightly or not at all astringent. In the case 
of the salts of the organic acids and double salts the acid ions are 
but slowly dissociated, and in that of the albuminate there is no 
acid to be freed. Acid salts, as the sulphate, are more suitable for 
the horse than the dog. Iron may blacken the tongue from formation 
of the sulphide. In the stomach all forms of iron are converted into 
chlorides, by the HC1 of the gastric juice, and then probably into 
albuminates. 

Iron is naturally absorbed from the organic compounds of the 
metal existing in the nucleoalbumins of food, and, either existing 
in this form or when given in medicine in the inorganic state, it is 
probably absorbed chiefly from the duodenum as the albuminate. 
But in any event the greater portion escapes from the bowel un- 
absorbed. The route which iron follows, after absorption, has been 
quite accurately ascertained by many experiments. It is taken up 
from the duodenum by the epithelial cells and leucocytes and carried 
by the blood into the spleen, in which it is first deposited. From 
thence, through the blood, it is conveyed to the liver and bone 
marrow. If it is needed for blood-making it is transformed by many 
steps into hemoglobin in the liver. But if it is not so needed it is 
eliminated by the large intestine and escapes from the bowel in the 
form of the sulphide and albuminate — the feces turning dark on 
exposure to air. 

Constitutional Action. — This is not observed unless iron is 
given intravenously. A salt which will not coagulate blood and 
which will free its iron ion must be employed — as the tartrate of 
iron and sodium. Large doses thus given cause vomiting, purging, 
convulsions, dyspnea and failure of respiration. Albumin and casts 
may appear in the urine. In other words, gastrointestinal and renal 



GENERAL ACTION OF IEON AND ITS SALTS 189 

irritation succeeded by stimulation and final depression of the central 
nervous system. 

The numerous compounds of iron now manufactured by phar- 
maceutical concerns under the name of albuminates and peptonates, 
and supposed to imitate the natural organic forms of iron found in 
the blood and liver, are not superior to the inorganic salts in many 
cases and are worthless in others. Some — as ferratin and carniferrin 
— are more readily absorbed and less irritating than many of the 
inorganic preparations and might be of some value in canine practice. 

Blood. — In anemia iron is mainly of worth by furnishing build- 
ing material for blood. It may also stimulate the blood-making 
organs and in this way perhaps increase the number of red corpus- 
cles. The leucocytes are also somewhat augmented. Iron increases 
the power of the red corpuscles to hold- and carry oxygen from the 
lungs to the tissues, and to transform it into ozone. Iron is then 
indirectly an oxidizing agent, stimulating tissue change and vital 
activity. 

Elimination. — Iron is chiefly excreted by the intestinal mucous 
membrane, however administered, yet it is also found in minute 
amounts in the urine, bile, saliva, sweat and tears. 

Summary. — Iron is essentially a blood tonic and restorative, 
increasing the number of red blood corpuscles^ the amount of hemo- 
globin, and aiding nutrition. Externally it is an astringent, styptic 
and stimulant. 

Uses External. — Liquor ferri chloridi and liquor ferri subsul- 
phatis are sometimes used to stop bleeding from wounds or natural 
cavities of the body. They may be injected, applied by swab, or on 
absorbent material, which is packed into the wound or cavity. As a 
local application in pharyngitis, we use 1 part of the solution of ferric 
chloride with 4 parts of glycerin. In the same strength, diluted with 
water, the chloride may be injected into the uterus to stop hemorrhage. 
Again, a solution, in the strength of 2 drachms to the pint of water, 
is employed as an enema to destroy ascarides. The objection to these 
solutions of iron is that they form heavy, nasty, tenacious clots, when 
employed to arrest hemorrhage, and the clots are apt to decompose 
and favor sepsis. Therefore they should not be used if other means, 
as ligature, pressure, heat or cold, or adrenalin chloride can be 
utilized. 

Internal. — Reduced iron is one of the best preparations for dogs. 
It is commonly administered in pill, and often with other tonics, as 
strychnine, quinine, and arsenic. Eeduced iron is non-irritating, 
non-astringent, and non-constipating. It may be placed on the tongue 
in the form of powder. 

Ferrous sulphate is one of the two most valuable forms of iron 



190 INORGANIC AGENTS 

which can be prescribed to the larger animals. The other form is 
the tincture of ferric chloride. The sulphate is more astringent and 
irritating than some of the other iron salts, but does not usually cause 
constipation in the horse. Indeed, when constipation is due to loss 
of tone in the lower bowel, small doses, by their local stimulant ac- 
tion, may actually assist peristalsis. The dried ferrous sulphate is 
prescribed to horses in anemia, and is the most common constituent 
of tonic powders. It is frequently combined with powdered gentian, 
nux vomica, arsenic, and bicarbonate of sodium. Sodium bicarbonate 
is useful in indigestion and lessens the astringent action of sulphate 
of iron in neutralizing the acid set free from the salt. E"ux vomica 
relieves constipation. A common and useful preparation for the 
horse is as follows : 

R 

Sodii bicarbonatis. 

Pulv. nucis vomicae aa 5 ii. 

Ferri sulphatis exsicc 5 i. 

M. et f. pulv. 1. Dispense pulv. tales no. xxx. 
S. Give one powder on the feed three times daily. 

Ferrous sulphate is given in anemia secondary to chronic indi- 
gestion, intestinal parasites, leucorrhea, ozena, albuminuria, and in 
convalescence from acute diseases. Ferrous sulphate is in itself an 
anthelmintic, but, to get its full effect when used for this purpose in 
the treatment of round worms in the horse (asearides), it should be 
given twice daily on the food for ten days, and then a pint of linseed 
oil containing three ounces' of oil of turpentine is to be administered 
to complete the cure. In convalescence, iron may well be preceded 
by alcohol and bitters. Large doses of iron sulphate are indicated in 
hemorrhage from the bowels, if unassociatecl with acute inflam- 
mation, as in purpura. In the latter disease, sulphuric acid is a 
synergistic remedy. 

The saccharated ferrous carbonate may be given horses if they 
will not voluntarily take the sulphate of iron on their food. It is 
a useful, mild, non-astringent preparation for dogs, and may be given 
in powder, or the mass may be dispensed in pills. 

The iodide of iron is thought to be of benefit in man in scrofu- 
lous conditions, but as these states do not commonly occur in horses 
and dogs, the drug is chiefly of value, in the form of the syrup, in 
rickets, and acts almost as a specific in that form of polyuria afflicting 
horses during hot weather, and also in mild cases of anasarca and 
dropsy. The syrup should be prescribed undiluted and water should 
be added just before administering the preparation. If prescribed 



GENERAL ACTION OF IRON AND ITS SALTS 191 

with water, the syrup will undergo decomposition if allowed to stand 
for any length of time. The syrup must be a fresh preparation, 
else free iodine is formed in it, which will blacken the buccal mucous 
membrane. When the action of iodine and iron is desirable, it is 
often better to prescribe them separately. 

The tincture of ferric chloride is a very powerful preparation. 
It contains free hydrochloric acid. Alcohol constitutes three-quarters 
of its bulk, and there are also some traces of ether. It was formerly 
thought to be hydrochloric ether, arising from the action of the con- 
tained muriatic acid on the alcohol of the preparation; but Weir 
Mitchell has shown it to be nitrous ether. Ferric chloride is of itself 
diuretic, apart from any action of nitrous ether in the tincture. The 
free acid aids digestion in the stomach. The tincture of ferric 
chloride is locally stimulant and astringent, and generally aids 
digestion ; is diuretic, and in large doses, owing to the alcohol which 
it contains, is somewhat stimulating. The tincture is, accordingly, 
particularly valuable in anemia, dependent upon chronic indigestion 
in horses and cattle, and in that occurring in convalescence from acute 
diseases. In such conditions, the preparation stimulates appetite, 
digestion and renal activity. When given by the mouth, the tincture 
of the chloride of iron is of local benefit in pharyngitis, combined 
with chlorate of potash, glycerin and water. Also in membranous 
croup of fowl (roup) in 10 m. doses ; and of foals, calves and 
pigs (3 ss.), with an equal amount of potassium chlorate. It is 
prescribed in intestinal hemorrhage (dried ferric subsulphate or 
Monsel's salt given in 1 to 2 drachm doses in gelatine capsules is more 
effective for this purpose in the larger animals), but there is no 
remote astringent or styptic effect exerted upon the vessels or tissues. 
Small doses of the tincture of ferric chloride may be safely dropped, 
undiluted, upon the tongue of horses or cattle from a small bottle 
used as a measure. It is frequently conjoined with alcohol and 
mineral acids. The fluidextract of quassia or calumba are often 
combined with the tincture of ferric chloride without incom- 
patibility. 

Iron and ammonium citrate and iron and potassium tartrate 
are mild, non-astringent preparations, suitable for dogs and given in 
pill. The soluble citrate of iron is sometimes given subcutaneously 
every other day: H., 5 ss. ; D., gr.i. in aqueous solution. 

Iron and quinine citrate is a useful combination for dogs, 
dispensed in pill. It is often employed in canine distemper and 
chorea. No drug is given more indiscriminately than iron. Pallor 
is a poor indication. Blood examination is the only safe guide. 



192 TNOKGANIC AGENTS 

Manganum. 

(Manganese is not used in Medicine in the metallic state.) 

Potassii Pekmanganas. Potassium Permanganate. KMn0 4 

(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Kali hyperinanganicum crystallisatum, P. G. ; 
hypermanganas potassicus S. kalicus, permanganate of potash, E. ; 
permanganate de potasse, Fr. ; uebermangansaures kali, G. 

Derivation. — Caustic potash, chlorate of potassium and black 
oxide of manganese are fused together. 6 KHO + KC10 3 + Mn0 2 
= 3 Iv 2 Mn0 4 -j- KC1 + 3 H 2 0. The manganate of potassium is 
boiled with water till the color changes to purple and the perman- 
ganate is formed. 3 K 2 Mn0 4 + 2 H 2 =2 KMn0 4 + 4KHO + 
Mn0 2 . The liquid is neutralized with carbonic dioxide gas and 
evaporated. 

Properties. — Slender, monoclinic prisms, of a dark purple 
color, odorless, and having a taste at first sweet, but afterwards 
disagreeable and astringent; permanent in dry air; soluble in 15 
parts of water; undergoes decomposition with alcohol; reaction 
neutral. 

Incompatibles. — It is very readily deoxidized in the presence 
of organic matter. 

Dose. — H., gr.xv.-xx. (1.-1.3) in one pint of water; D., gr.i.-ii. 
(.06-. 12) ; in pill, or tablet, with kaolin. 

ACTION OF POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE. 

External. — Potassium permanganate, like hydrogen dioxide, 
is a powerful oxidizing agent. It quickly parts with its oxygen in 
contact with organic matter, largely in the form of ozone, and is 
broken up into black oxide of manganese and potassa. Solutions, 
which are of a purple hue, change into a dark brown color when this 
transformation occurs, and are no longer of any medicinal value. 
This action is exceedingly rapid and transient, and its effects cor- 
respondingly so on the tissues. Por this reason, and because bacteria 
are so combined with organic matter in the tissues, its action is 
largely exerted on the latter, and potassium permanganate is, there- 
fore, a better antiseptic than disinfectant. The antiseptic action of 
potassium permanganate is, moreover, quite superficial, since it 
parts with its oxygen so soon as it comes in contact with the albumin 



POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE 193 

of the tissues. Outside of the body, permanganate of potash is a 
disinfectant, but it is too expensive for general purposes. In powder 
it is slightly caustic, owing to the potassa set free in its decomposi- 
tion; and in solution is stimulant to the tissues. A solution of per- 
manganate of potash is a deodorizer when in contact with putrid and 
decomposing matter, but is not of the slightest value as a deodorizer 
and disinfectant to premises when simply standing in vessels, as 
frequently advised. There is no danger from absorption of potas- 
sium permanganate when applied to the body. 

Uses Internal. — Potassium permanganate is occasionally used 
in human medicine in dyspepsia and flatulence, for its antiseptic 
action, and in obesity. It is supposed to resemble iron in its effects, 
and has been used in ammenorrhea associated with anemia. Moor, 
of New York, has shown that potassium permanganate is the best 
chemical antidote for morphine or opium, chemically destroying 
them by oxidation; 10 to 15 grains may be given to dogs in 8 ounces 
of water immediately after poisoning. Horses may be given 2 
drachms of permanganate of potash in 5 pints of water. In case 
morphine has been swallowed, solutions of potassium permanganate 
should be acidulated with vinegar, or diluted sulphuric acid, in 
order to form soluble compounds in the digestive tract. After mor- 
phine or opium have been absorbed into the blood, it is said that 
potassium permanganate is also antidotal when injected subcutane- 
ously. It is difficult to see, theoretically, how this can be the case, 
and practically has been proven not to be so. 

Uses External. — Potassium permanganate is a valuable anti- 
septic and deodorizer in solutions varying in strength from one- 
tenth of 1 per cent, to 4 per cent., and is used in the treatment of 
sores, wounds, ulcers, abscess, caries, gangrene, fetid ozena, otor- 
rhea, and leucorrhea. In the stronger solution it is stimulant, as 
well as antiseptic. It is a useful agent in stomatitis and sore throat, 
when applied locally by means of a swab. The powder is employed 
as a caustic upon ulcers. Potassium permanganate is one of the best 
agents with which to sterilize the hands before operating. A satu- 
rated solution is to be recommended for this purpose, and the stains 
may be removed from the hands by washing them in a saturated 
solution of oxalic acid, or in a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid. 

Potassium permanganate is a test for impure water in changing 
color in the presence of organic matter. Two ounces of a 1 per cent, 
solution will clarify and deodorize 100 gallons of stale and putres- 
cent rain water. 



191 INORGANIC AGENTS 



SECTION VI. 
Hydrargyrum. 

Mercury. Quicksilver. 

Synonym. — Mercurius vivas, argentum vivum, E. ; mercure, 
vif-argent, Fr. ; quecksilber, G. 

Derivation. — Cinnabar, the native sulphate, is roasted or dis- 
stilled with lime, and condensed. 

Properties. — A shining, silver-white metal, without odor or 
taste; liquid at ordinary temperatures, and divisible into spherical 
globules; insoluble in the ordinary solvents; boils at 675° F., and is 
completely volatilized ;. spec, gr., 13.5584. When cooled to 38.88° 
F., it forms a ductile, malleable mass. 

PREPARATIONS CONTAINING METALLIC MERCURY. 

7. — Hydrargyrum cum Greta. Mercury with Chalk. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Gray powder. 

Mercury, 38 gm. ; honey, 10 gm. ; prepared chalk, 57 gm. ; water, sufficient 
quantity to make 100 gm. (U. S. P.) 

Mercuric oxide becomes developed by keeping, making the powder more 
active. 

Properties. — A light gray, rather damp powder, free from grittiness, without 
odor, and having a slightly sweetish taste. Contains mercury in fine division 
by shaking the ingredients together. 

Dose. — Foals and calves, gr.x.-xv. (.6-1.); D., gr.i.-x. (.06-.6). 

77. — Massa Hydrargyri. Mass of Mercury. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Pilula hydrargyri, B. P.; blue mass, blue pill, pilulse eceruleae, 
E. ; pilule de mercure, Fr,; mercurial pillen, G. 

Mercury, 33 gm. ; glycyrrhiza, 10 gm. ; althaea, 15 gm.; glycerin, 9 gm.; 
honey of roses, 33 gm. Contains 33 per cent, of mercury in a state of fine- 
division. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— D., gr.i.-x. (.06-.6). 

277. — Unguentum Hydrargyri. Mercurial Ointment. (U. S. & B. P.) 
(Blue Ointment.) 

Synonym. — Pommade mercurielle, pommade Napolitaine, Fr. ; graue queck- 
silbersalbe, G. 



RED MERCURIC OXIDE 195 

Mercury, 500 gm. ; lard, 250 gm. ; suet, 230 gm. ; oleate of mercury, 20 gm. 
Contains 50 per cent, of mercury. (U. S. P.) 

Hydrargyri Oxidum Eubrum. Red Mercuric Oxide. HgO. 

(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Hydrargyrum oxydatum rubrum, P. G. ; hydrar- 
gyri-nitrico-oxydum, mercurius corrosivus (prrecipitatus) ruber, 
oxydum hydrargyricum, peroxide of mercury, red precipitate, mer- 
curic oxide, E. ; deuto-oxyde (peroxyde) de mercure, oxyde mer- 
curique, precipite rouge, poudre de Jean de Vigo, Pr. ; rothes queck- 
silberoxyde, rother pracipitat (quecksilber-pracipitat), G. 

3 Hg 2 -f 16 KN"0 3 = 6 Hg (NO s ) 2 . (Mercuric nitrate) + 
4 ¥0 + 8 H 2 0. 

Rub mercuric nitrate with metallic mercury and beat. 

2 Hg (M) 3 ) 2 + Hg 2 = 4 HgO + 2 N 2 4 . 

Derivation. — Dissolve mercury in diluted nitric acid. 

Properties. — Heavy, orange-red, crystalline scales, or a crys- 
talline powder ; odorless, and having a somewhat metallic taste ; 
permanent in the air; almost insoluble in water; insoluble in 
alcohol. 

PBEPABATION. 

Vnguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Bubri. Ointment of Red Mercuric Oxide. 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Eed precipitate ointment. Red murcuric oxide, 10; water, 10; 
hydrous wool-fat, 40; petrolatum, 40. (U. S. P.) 

Hydrargyri Oxidum Plavum. Yellow Mercuric Oxide. HgO 

(XT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Hydrargyrum oxydatum via humida paratum, 
P. G. ; hydrargyrum oxydatum prsecipitatum (vel flavum) precipi- 
tated oxide of mercury, E. ; oxyde de mercure jaune (precipite), 
Fr. ; pracipitirtes (Gelbes) quecksilberoxyde, G. 

Derivation. — Precipitate an aqueous solution of mercuric 
chloride, 100, with caustic soda, 40 : HgCl, + 2 ^"aOH = HgO 
+ 2 NaCl + H 2 0. 

Properties. — A light orange yellow, amorphous, heavy, im- 
palpable powder; odorless, and having a somewhat metallic taste; 
permanent in the air, but turning darker on exposure to the light; 
almost insoluble in water; insoluble in alcohol. 



196 INORGANIC AGENTS 



PREPARATIONS. 



Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Flavi. Ointment of Yellow Mercuric Oxide. 
(U. S. P.) B. P. 2 per cent. 
Yellow mercuric oxide, 10; water, 10; hydrous wool-fat, 40; petrolatum, 
40. 



Oleatum Hydrargyri. Oleate of Mercury. (U. S. P.) 
Hydrargyri Oleas. (B. P.) 

Yellow mercuric oxide, 25; water, 25; oleic acid to make 100. (U. S. P.) 

Hydrargyri Chxoridum Corrosivtjm. Corrosive Mercuric 
Chloride. Hg Cl 2 . (IT. S. P.) 

(Corrosive Chloride of Mercury, Corrosive Sublimate.) 

Synonym. — Hydrargyri perchloridum, B. P. ; hydrargyrum 
bichloratum corrosivum, P. G. ; hydrargyrum muriaticum corro- 
sivum, hydrargyri bichloridum, sublimatus corrosivus, sublimatum 
corrosivum, mercurius sublimatus corrosivus, chloruretum (chlore- 
tum) hydrargyricum, perchloride of mercury, bichloride of mercury, 
E. ; Deutochlorure de mercure, sublime corrosif, chlorure mercu- 
rique, Fr. ; aetzendes quecksilberchlorid, setzender quecksilbersub- 
limat, G. 

Derivation, — Heat a mixture of mercuric sulphate, 20 ; sodium 
chloride, 16; manganese dioxide, 1. Hg S0 4 -f- 2 TSTaCl + Mu0 2 
= HgCl 2 -f- jSTa 2 S0 4 -\- Mn0 2 . The bichloride sublimes and is con- 
densed. 

Properties. — Heavy, colorless, rhombic crystals, or crystalline 
masses ; odorless, and having an acrid and persistent metallic taste ; 
permanent in the air; soluble in 13 parts of water and in 3 parts of 
alcohol. 

Incompatibles. — It is incompatible with most substances. 

Dose.— H. & C, gr.v.-vii. (.3-.5) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.ii. (.12) ; D., 
gr.Mo-i (.002-.008). 

Hydeargyei Chloridum Mite. Mild Mercurous Chloride. HgCl. 

(IT. S. P.) 

(Calomel, Mild Chloride of Mercury.) 

Synonym. — Hydrargyri subchloridum, B. P. ; hydrargyrum 
chloratum mite, P. G. ; hydrargyri chloridum, hydrargyrum 



RED MERCURIC IODIDE 197 

chlora.tu.rn mite, P. G. ; hydrargyri chloridum, hydrargyrum 
chloratum (muriaticum) dulce, mercurius dulcis, calomelas chloru- 
retum (chloretum) hydrargyrosum, subchloride (protochloride) of 
mercury, E. ; protochlorure (sous-muriate) cle mercure, calomele, 
Fr. ; quecksilberchloriir, calomel, G. 

Derivation. — Heat mercurous sulphate and sodium chloride. 
Calomel sublimes. Hg 2 S0 4 + 2 Na CI = 2 HgCl + Na 2 S0 4 . 

Properties. — A white, impalpable powder; odorless and taste- 
less; permanent in the air; insoluble in water or alcohol. When 
strongly heated it is wholly volatilized without melting. 

Dose.— Ii., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4:.); C, 5 v.-vi. (20.-24.); D., gr.ss. 
(.03), in divided doses; D., gr.iii.-v. (.2-.3) in single doses. 



PREPARATION. 

Pilules Catkarticce Composite. Compound Cathartic Pills. (U. S. P.) 

Compound extract of colocynth, 80; calomel, 60; resin of jalap, 20; gamboge, 
15; diluted alcohol, Q. S. to make 1,000 pills. 
Dose.— D., pill 1 to 3. 



Hydrargyki Iodidum Eubrum. Red Mercuric Iodide. Hglo. 

(U. S. &B. P.) 

(Biniodide of Mercury, Red Iodide of Mercury.) 
Synonym. — Hydrargyri biiodatum rubrum, P. G. ; deutoio- 
duretum (biniodidum) hydrargyri, mercurius iodatus ruber, idure- 
tum hydrargyricum, E. ; deut-iodure (bi-iodure) de mercure, 
iodure mercurique, Er. ; rothes jodquecksilber, quecksilberjolid, G. 
Derivation. — Mix aqueous solutions of corrosive mercuric 
chloride, 40gm., and potassium iodide, 50gm. The red iodide is 
precipitated. Eilter, wash and drv. HgCl 9 -J- 2 KI = Hglo + 2 
K CI. 

Properties. — A scarlet-red, amorphous powder; odorless and 
tasteless ; permanent in the air ; almost insoluble in water ; soluble 
in 116 parts of alcohol. 



TJwgueintum Hydrargyri !N"itratis. Ointment of Mercuric 
Mtrate (Citrine Ointment). (U. S. & B. P.) 

Mercury, 70 gm. ; nitric acid, 175 gm. ; lard, 760 gm. (U. S.) 
Properties. — A lemon-yellow ointment. 



198 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum. Ammoniated Mercury. HgNE^CL 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

(White Precipitate, Mercuric Ammonium Chloride.) 

Synonym. — Hydrargyrum prsecipitatum album, P. G. ; hy- 
drargyrum amidato-bichloratum (ammoniato-muriaticum), hydrar- 
gyri ammonio-chloridum, mercurius prsecipitatus albus, E. ; oxy- 
chlorure ammoniacal de mercure, mercure precipite blanc, Fr. ; 
weisse quecksilber-pracipat, quecksilberchloridamidid, G. 

Derivation. — Mix an aqueous solution (1 to 20) of corrosive 
mercuric chloride, 2000, with ammonia water, 150. 

Properties. — White, pulverent pieces, or a white, amorphous 
powder, without odor, and having an earthy, afterwards styptic and 
metallic taste; permanent in the air; almost insoluble in water or 
in alcohol. 

PREPARATION. 

Unguentum Eydrargyri Ammoniati. Ointment of Ammoniated Mercury. 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — White precipitate ointment. Ammoniated mercury, 10; White 
petrolatum, 50; hydrous wool-fat, 40. (U. S. P.) 



GENERAL ACTION OF MERCURY AND ITS SALTS. 

External. — The salts of mercury are antiseptic, germicidal, 
irritant and — in the case of the soluble salts — caustic, when applied 
to raw surfaces or mucous membranes. Corrosive sublimate is one 
of the slowest acting, most powerful and frequently used anti- 
septics. The germicidal action of mercury salts is due to their habit 
of combining with albumin wherever it exists and forming the albu- 
minate of mercury. Thus they act on bacteria and in so doing 
destroy germ life. The caustic action of the soluble salts of mercury 
may be explained by the fact that when the salts are dissociated by 
contact with the tissues the metallic and acid ions are corrosive. 
Moreover, like the other salts of the heavy metals, they precipitate 
the proteids of the tissues with which they come in contact, but, un- 
like them, the mercury albuminate thus formed is soluble to some 
extent in the fluids of the body and therefore does not protect the 
surface from the further action of the salt. The antiseptic effect of 
corrosive sublimate is lessened by this action since the salt is decom- 



GENERAL ACTION OF MERCURY AND ITS SALTS 199 

posed in contact with albumin and the coagulated proteid prevents 
it from reaching germs. By the addition of salt, hydrochloric or 
tartaric acid to solutions of corrosive sublimate the union of mercury 
with albumin is materially prevented and such combination (with 
tartaric acid) is provided in the tablets sold for surgical purposes. 

Corrosive sublimate is more irritant to the tissues than carbolic 
acid, creolin or lysol, and cannot penetrate raw surfaces so well to 
reach germs (on account of its coagulating proteids), and cannot be 
used in contact with metallic instruments since mercury is deposited 
upon them through decomposition of this salt. The salts of mercury 
kill the lower forms of animal as well as vegetable life, and are 
valuable in the treatment of parasitic skin diseases. As a rule, anti- 
septics relieve itching, and the mercury salts are often used to combat 
this condition. Mercury and its salts are absorbed when rubbed 
into the unbroken skin, particularly when in combination with oil 
or grease. 

Metallic mercury and its salts (notably the iodide), when rubbed 
well into the skin with fat, are thought to aid the absorption of in- 
flammatory exudates in underlying parts. 

Internal. — The irritant salts of mercury, as the bichloride, 
iodide, nitrate, and. some of the oxides, in large doses, produce gastro- 
enteritis, vomiting, colic, bloody diarrhea, anuria, or urine holding 
albumin and casts, collapse and death. The white of egg is an anti- 
dote to corrosive sublimate, forming an insoluble albuminate. 
Emetics, or the stomach tube, should be used in case vomiting is not 
spontaneous. 

The use of mercury, or any of its compounds, if continued for 
any considerable time, either internally or externally, in such a way 
as to lead to absorption, may cause a chronic form of poisoning or 
mercurialism. This condition is characterized by fetor of the breath 
and soreness of the gums, making mastication painful. The gums 
are swollen and bleed easily ; the tongue swells and salivation ensues. 
The teeth become loosened, the salivary and parotid glands enlarge, 
the temperature is elevated, and if the condition continues, there 
are: ulceration of the mouth (due to irritation produced by mercury 
eliminated in the saliva), necrosis of the jaw, general weakness, a 
watery condition of the blood, edema, anemia and cachexia, prostra- 
tion and death. Local poisoning, as exhibited by paralysis of the 
hand and forearm, has occurred in a man who applied the ointment 
of red iodide of mercury to cattle. There is a tendency for mercury 
to accumulate in the liver and kidneys, chiefly, and also in the tissues 
generally, when given in large doses, or in smaller doses when con- 
tinued for a considerable period. 

The prevailing fashion of administering calomel in small and 



200 INORGANIC AGENTS 

repeated doses may lead to mercurialism if purgation does not occur. 

Stomach and Intestines. — Calomel and preparations of metallic 
mercury are most commonly used for their action on the digestive 
tract. Exactly what chemical changes they undergo is uncertain. 
Calomel was thought to be converted into mercuric chloride in the 
stomach, but this appears to be improbable. It is also surmised that 
the alkaline juices in the duodenum convert calomel into the gray ox- 
ide. Sufficient evidence of this is lacking. It is more probable that 
these insoluble preparations do not remain long enough in the stomach 
to be irritating (though vomiting is occasionally caused by calomel), 
but exert an irritating and therefore purgative effect in the bowels 
owing to some of the mercury combining with proteids of the intes- 
tinal mucous membrane. Some of the preparation is thus absorbed, 
as an albuminate of mercury, while the larger portion is swept out 
with the feces. Calomel and mercuric chloride are also intestinal 
antiseptics. 

The mercurial purges have always enjoyed a great reputation 
in the treatment of so-called biliousness and torpid liver, the sup- 
position being that they stimulated the liver and flow of bile. But 
experiments on man and animals show that they exert no apparent 
effect on the liver or biliary secretion. Their indubitable efficacy is 
due to their cathartic and intestinal antiseptic action, as such con- 
ditions (biliousness, etc.) are not owing to liver disorder but to in- 
digestion. 

The purgative action of calomel and mercury is assisted by 
salines, which increase the amount of fluid in the bowels, and aid in 
the expulsion and prevent the absorption of mercury. The saline 
should be given four hours after the administration of calomel to 
cattle. 

Blood and Metabolism. — It is stated that calomel may be ab- 
sorbed unchanged from the intestines by leucocytes to some extent. 
It is probable, however, that mercury preparations are chiefly ab- 
sorbed as albuminates and even metallic mercury is oxidized, when 
in contact with the tissues, and absorbed. Small doses of mercury 
apparently increase the nutrition and weight of healthy animals and 
also the hemoglobin and red corpuscles. Mercury is sometimes called 
an antiphlogistic, as it has been supposed to combat the effect of 
inflammations. A part of this result may be attributed to the anti- 
septic action of the salts of mercury in the intestines by preventing 
fermentation and absorption of toxic material. For want of a better 
term to explain the beneficial actions of mercury on the tissues, that 
vague term "alterative" is frequently applied.. Mercury (and 
calomel in particular) is diuretic, stimulating the secreting cells of 
the kidneys, and increasing the amount of urine. 



SUMMARY OF ACTIONS OF MERCURY AND ITS SALTS 201 

Elimination. — Mercury is eliminated very slowly, mainly by 
the cecum and colon (after its absorption), but also by the kidneys, 
liver, salivary glands, and, in fact, by every conceivable channel. 
In thus stimulating the eliminative activities of the various glands, 
mercury has been termed a deobstruent. It has been surmised that 
its alterative effect depends, in part, upon this action in stimulating 
— to use the old term — the emunctories. 



SUMMARY OF ACTIONS OF MERCURY AND ITS SALTS. 

External. — Antiseptic, germicide, irritant, caustic, parasiticide, 
antipruitic and sorbefacient. 

Internal. — Antiseptic, purgative, antiphlogistic, alterative and 
diuretic ( calomel) . 



USES OF MERCURY AND ITS SALTS. 

Hydrargyrum cum creta is similar to calomel in its effects, 
but very much milder, unless it contains the black oxide of mercury, 
when its action is much intensified. The same may be said of massa 
hydrargyri. Either preparation may be given dogs as a laxative in 
indigestion with vomiting and diarrhea; or to foals and calves (in 
milk or gruel) with intestinal indigestion and diarrhea, particularly 
if accompanied with jaundice. The oleatum or unguentum hydrar- 
gyri are rubbed into the skin to cause resolution of chronic inflam- 
matory swellings, and also to kill animal and vegetable parasites. 
As the former action is due to absorption, large quantities will lead 
to poisoning when applied over an extensive surface. We can use 
other and safer remedies, as creolin, tar or sulphur ointment, for 
parasiticides. One should not employ an amount of blue ointment 
greater than 1 ounce for the larger animals ; 3 drams for sheep ; and 
20 to 40 grains for dogs. Blue ointment is commonly diluted with 
3 or 4 parts of lard. It is to be remembered in this connection that 
grease alone will kill lice and other parasites on the skin. On 
account of their sorbefacient properties, the oleate and blue ointment 
of mercury are applied over chronically enlarged glands, swollen 
joints, and thickened tendons. In view of their parasitic action, 
these preparations are employed to kill the fungus of favus and 
ringworm, and to destroy lice and the acari of mange, when in- 
habiting circumscribed areas. Itching in skin diseases, as chronic 
eczema and psoriasis, is relieved by either blue ointment or the 
oleate of mercury. 



202 INORGANIC AGENTS 



HYDRAEGYEI OXIOUM EUBEXJM E;T FLAVUM. 

The official ointments of the red and yellow mercuric oxides 
are prescribed, as stimulant and antiseptic preparations, in chronic 
conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers (gr. i.-ii. of the yellow oxide to § i. of 
vaseline), granular lids and scaly skin diseases. They are also em- 
ployed on indolent ulcers, swollen glands and old granulating sur- 
faces. When used on mucous membranes, or raw surfaces, the offi- 
cial ointments should be diluted with equal parts of lard. 



HYDRARGYRI CHI.ORIDUM CORROSIVUM. 

External. — Corrosive sublimate is of value mainly as an anti- 
septic on the unbroken skin. It is germicide in solutions containing 
1 part to 500, or 1000, of water. Applied to mucous membranes, 
or raw surfaces, it is antiseptic in solutions varving in strength from 
1-10,000 to 1-1,000. 

In the larger cavities of the body, as the vagina, solutions should 
not be used in strength greater than 1-5000 or 1-3000. Experi- 
ments by Harrington and Walker go to show that corrosive sub- 
limate is much less active than commonly believed. A 1-1000 solu- 
tion requires more than ten minutes' contact to kill common forms of 
pus cocci, so that dipping the hands for a few seconds in such solu- 
tions does more harm than good in inducing a false security which 
does not exist. They conclude by saying that, as the result of their 
experiments, "corrosive sublimate in any of the strengths commonly 
employed is a much overrated disinfectant, and under the best of 
conditions is so uncertain in its action that it would be of advantage 
to abandon its use altogether in surgery." Post &• ISTicoll wholly 
endorse this result. They find tine, iodine, alcohol (over 50 per 
cent.), tine, green soap, and 5 per cent, carbolic acid kill all bacteria 
in less than 1 minute. 1.5 per cent. sol. of lysol kills most germs 
within one minute, while 1-500 corrosive requires more than 10 min- 
utes to kill almost any pathogenic microorganisms. These men are 
known to be careful and trustworthy investigators and their findings 
agree with the results obtained by many great surgeons. In view of 
the ease with which corrosive sublimate combines with albumin, it is 
best not to rely upon this agent for wound disinfection, but to 
employ normal salt solution for cleansing, followed by the hydro- 
gen dioxide. It is only fair to state, however, that corrosive subli- 
mate is still regarded as the antiseptic sheet anchor by many good 
surgeons for the irrigation of infected wounds and cavities, and 
for skin disinfection. 



HYDRARGYRI CHLORIBTJM CORROSIVUM 203 

For hand and skin disinfection Harrington's solution * of corro- 
sive sublimate is perhaps the most effective of any in existence. 

Mercuric bichloride, even in the weaker solution, is too damag- 
ing to the serous membrane of the peritoneal cavity, and there is too 
much danger of absorption to warrant us in using it in intra-abdom- 
inal operations. As a caustic, saturated solutions are injected into 
fistulous tracts : e.g., fistulse of the withers, "quittor" and "poll evil," 
to destroy their so-called pyogenic membranes, and hasten repair. 
There is not much danger of absorption when used in this way. 

Corrosive sublimate is very useful as a parasiticide, in destroy- 
ing lice, ringworm and the fungus of favus, in solution (1-500 on the 
unbroken skin). It also relieves itching in pruritus, prurigo and ur- 
ticaria, but is generally inferior to carbolic acid in this respect. 
Apart from the body, corrosive sublimate in solution 1-500 or 1-1000 
is one of the cheapest and most effective disinfectants for premises 
infected with the contagion of glanders, anthrax, etc. The walls and 
floors of stables (after thorough cleansing and washing with soft 
soap and boiling water), clothing and all paraphernalia, not metallic, 
can be disinfected by washing or soaking in solutions of bichloride. 
Before operations, the operative field should be sterilized by scrub- 
bing with green soap and then with Harrington's solution, after the 
hair has been shaved from the part. During an operation, irriga- 
tion with corrosive (1-3000) solution or boiled normal solution 
is commonly practised. In epizootic abortion, in addition to quar- 
antining the diseased animals, their discharges and the premises 
should be disinfected, and both the well and sick female animals 
should be washed twice daily about the genital regions with a solu- 
tion of corrosive sublimate. Yellow wash, made by the addition of 
30 gr. of mercuric bichloride to 1 pint of lime water, is sometimes 
employed as a stimulant application in chronic eczema, and to re- 
lieve itching. It contains the yellow oxide of mercury. In puru- 
lent conjunctivitis, frequent irrigation with a 1-1000 solution of 
corrosive sublimate is of the greatest service. 

Internal. — Corrosive sublimate is of value in minute doses as 
a blood tonic, and is recommended as an antiphlogistic agent in in- 
flammatory diseases of serous membranes, as pleuritis, meningitis, 
and arthritis. It is probably inferior to calomel for this purpose. 
We at least know that the calomel is an efficient cathartic in inflam- 
matory diseases. 



* Harrington's solution consists of : Commercial alcohol ( 94 per cent. ) , 
640 c.c. ; commercial hydrochloric acid, 60 c.c. ; corrosive sublimate, 0.8 gm. 
It is the most powerful preparation for skin disinfection known (except tine, 
of iodine), rendering the skin sterile in most cases after application for two 
minutes. 



204: INORGANIC AGENTS 

Mercuric bichloride is employed as an intestinal antiseptic in 
the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea with mucous or vile smelling 
discharges. In these conditions, irrigation of the rectum with a 
1-5000 solution is of advantage. This solution should be drained 
off through the rectal tube and followed by an injection of plain 
boiled water. 

Administration. — Corrosive sublimate is given in the form of 
a pill or ball. If exhibited in solution to the large animals, it must 
be diluted with 2 quarts of water. 



HYDRAKGYRI CHXORIDUM MITE. 

External. — Calomel is of use in chronic eczema when applied 
over small patches in its pure state, or as "black wash." The latter 
consists of one drachm of calomel in one pint of lime water, forming 
the black oxide of mercury, and is a very efficient preparation to 
relieve itching and promote recovery in chronic eczema, by mild 
stimulation. Calomel is of benefit when blown into the eye once 
or twice a week, stimulating and hastening absorption of opacities 
of the cornea following keratitis. It is a good agent to arrest thrush 
when worked up into the commisure of the hoof, between the frog 
and the bars, and retained in place by oakum packing. 

Internal. — Calomel is a purgative, intestinal antiseptic, diu- 
retic and alterative. It is also used for its remote antiphlogistic 
effects. It is particularly adapted to dogs, and is given in a single 
dose, or often, to better advantage, in half-grain doses, repeated 
every two hours till purgation occurs. For diarrhea or vomiting in 
dogs, calomel is useful in removing the source of irritation, in being 
antiseptic and easily borne by an irritable stomach. In accordance 
with the theory that calomel is transformed by the alkaline intes- 
tinal secretions into the grey mercurous oxide it has been the custom 
to combine sodium bicarbonate with it in order to facilitate this 
transformation. Sufficient evidence to substantiate the occurrence 
of the transformation is wanting and the clinical value of the combi- 
nation is doubtful. The administration of calomel should be fol- 
lowed by oil, salines or other cathartics, if purgation does not occur 
within twenty-four hours after its ingestion, otherwise mercurialism 
may occur. 

In jaundice, with light-colored feces, gastro-duodenitis or con- 
stipation, calomel is a valuable remedy for dogs. In the jaundice 
occurring as a form of influenza in horses, nitro-muriatic acid is 
more effective. Calomel is one of the best remedies for the treat- 
ment of dysentery unless there is great weakness. It should be 



HYDRARGYRI IODIDTJM ETJBEUM 205 

continued in repeated small doses till the character of the discharge 
changes. Foals and calves, with indigestion and diarrhea, may be 
given calomel to advantage to remove the source of irritation in the 
digestive tract. Calomel must be combined with a small dose of 
aloes, or with linseed oil, to form an effective cathartic for the horse. 
As aloes acts on the large, and calomel on the small intestines, the 
above combination secures a general purgative influence. 

Cattle are given calomel, followed by the administration of 
salines, to produce free catharsis. As a remedy for round worms, 
14 to V2 grain each of santonin and calomel, with 5 grains of sugar 
of milk, are administered to dogs four times, at half hour intervals, 
and followed by castor oil. Lumbricoid worms in the horse may be 
treated by conjoining 2 drachms of santonin with 1 drachm of 
calomel, given to the fasting animal, and followed by a pint of lin- 
seed oil. One dram each of calomel, extract of male fern and aloes 
with one half ounce of ginger make a good anthelmintic ball for the 
horse. Calomel was formerly very frequently used, and is occa- 
sionally prescribed to this day in the treatment of enteritis, pleuritis, 
meningitis, peritonitis, pericarditis, and iritis, for its antiphlo- 
gistic and alterative action in supposedly diminishing inflammatory 
exudations. 

At the present time these actions are very much questioned, 
and any beneficial effects accruing from the use of calomel in 
inflammatory diseases are now ascribed to its action as a purgative 
and intestinal antiseptic in destroying and eliminating toxins from 
the bowels. 

Calomel is of value in inflammatory diseases when given at the 
onset of the attack. In dropsy (ascites of dogs), calomel sometimes 
acts as a useful diuretic, when combined with digitalis and squill 
(gr.i. each) in pill form. 

Administration. — Calomel is given to cattle on the tongue or 
in gruel; to horses in ball, on the food, or on the tongue; to dogs 
in pill, tablet or on the tongue; to fowl on the food (gr.i.). The 
compound cathartic pill is a good purgative preparation for occasional 
use. Two or three pills for large dogs ; one to two pills for small 
animals. 

HYDRARGYRI IODIDTJM RUE-RUM. 

The red mercuric iodide is a favorite remedy in veterinary 
practice. It causes absorption of morbid exudations through its 
counter-irritant, local absorbent and alterative effect, in combining 
the action of iodine and mercury. It is employed with 8 to 10 or 12 
parts of lard or vaseline, and is of value in the treatment of peri- 



206 INORGANIC AGENTS 

ostitis with osseous deposits, especially for splints. Spavin and 
ringbone are treated with red iodide of mercury alone, but are gen- 
erally cured more effectively by rest, firing, and blistering. The 
red iodide of mercury ointment is also of use for enlarged glands, 
chronic swelling about tendons, joints or bursa? ; and applied about 
the throat in chronic laryngitis and "roaring.'' The ointment is 
rubbed on splints every third day, or until vesication is produced, 
and the hair begins to drop out, when its use is stopped for a time. 
It is useful in chronic rheumatic, joints and in induration of the 
udder in bovines. Like other mercury preparations, the red iodide 
must not be employed in large quantities over an extensive surface. 
It is much more irritant locally than blue ointment. 

UNGUENT UM HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS. 

Citrine ointment is similar to unguentum hydrargyri ammoni- 
ati (white precipitate ointment), but more powerful, and should be 
diluted with equal parts of lard. These preparations are used for 
their stimulant action in granular lids, chronic eczema, pityriasis, 
and for their anti-parasitic effect in ring- worm. 



SECTION VII. 
Arsenum. 

Arsenic is not used in the metallic state as medicine. 
Arseni Trioxidum. Arsenic Trioxide. (U. S. P.) 

Acidum Arsenosum. Arsenous Acid. As 2 3 . (II. S. P., 1890.) 

Synonym, — Acidum arseniosum, B. P. ; acidum arsenicosum, 
P. G. ; arsenic trioxide, white arsenic, arsenicum album, arsenic, 
arsenious anhyrid, E. .; acid arsenieux, arsenic blanc, fleurs d'arsenic, 
Er. ; arsenicsaure, weisser arsenic, G. 

Derivation, — Arsenical ores are roasted and purified by 
sublimation. 

Properties. — A heavy solid, occurring either as an opaque, 
white powder, or in irregular masses of two varieties; the one 



SOLUTION OF POTASSIUM ARSENITE 207 

amorphous, transparent and colorless, like glass ; the other crystal- 
line, opaque, or white, resembling porcelain. Both are odorless 
and tasteless. The glassy variety dissolves slowly in 30 parts of 
water ; the porcelain-like in 80 parts of water. Arsenous acid is 
sparingly soluble in alcohol, but soluble in glycerin, hydrochloric 
acid and solutions of the alkali hydrates and carbonates. When 
heated to 424° F., arsenous acid is completely volatilized without 
melting. 

Incompatibles. — Lime water, salts of iron and magnesia. 

Dose.—H.., gr.i.-v. (.06-.3) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; D., 
gr. Ybo-Vio (.002-.006). 

Usual dose for H., gr.ii.-iii. (.12-.2). 

Liquor Potash Arsenitis. Solution of Potassium Arsenite. 

(U. S. P.) 

{Fowler s Solution.) 

Synonym. — Liquor arsenicalis, B. P. ; liquor kali arsenicosi, 
P. G. ; solutio arsenicalis Fowleri, kali arsenicosum solutum, 
arsenical solution, E. ; liqueur arsenicale de Bowler, Fr. ; Fowlers'- 
che tropfen, G. Arsenous acid, 10 Gm. ; potassium bicarbonate, 20 
gm. ; compound tincture of lavender, 30 Cc. ; distilled water to make 
1000 Cc. Strength, 1 part of arsenous acid in 100. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 ii.-g i. (8.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., TTtii.-x. (.12-.6). 

Usual dose for H., % ss. (15.). 

Liquor Acidi Arsenosi. Solution of Arsenous Acid. 
(U. S. P.) 

Synonymi. — Liquor arsenici hydrochloricus, B. P. ; hydrochloric 
solution of arsenic, E. ; liqueur arsenicale hydrochlorique, Fr. ; 
chlorarsenik-losung, G. 

Arsenous acid, 10 Gm. ; diluted hydrochloric acid, 50 Cc. ; 
distilled water, a sufficient quantity to make 1000 Cc. Strength, 1 
part of arsenous acid in 100. 

Dose. — Same as Fowler's solution. 

Atoxtl. Sodium Arsanilate (C e H 7 2\ T As 3 Na + 3 H 2 0). 

A combination of anilin and arsenic, a white, soluble, crystalline 
powder containing 26 per cent, of metal arsenic. Hare states that 
atoxyl is %o as toxic as Fowler's solution. Atoxyl is given subcutane- 



208 INORGANIC AGENTS 

ously in ten per cent, freshly prepared solution in trypanosomiases 
(dourine, surra, nagana), piroplasmes, anemias and leukemia. 

Dose. — Gr. iv., gradually increased to gr. xv., once daily. Over- 
dosage has caused blindness. 

A reduction-product of atoxyl, arseno-phenyl-glycin, a yellow, 
soluble powder, bids fair to supersede atoxyl in trypanosomiases, 
as it cures apparently by one injection. It is too recent to judge 
its true value as yet. 

Sodium cacodylate is a white soluble powder identical in action 
with arsenic. 

Dose. — H., gr. x.-xl. ; D., gr. 14-^/2 subcutaneously. 

It has been used successfully in the treatment of dourine, and 
other trypanosomiases, given in the dose of 8 grs. twice daily under 
the skin to horses for 5 days, followed by an intermission of a week 
and the same repeated. 



ACTION OF ARSENICAL COMPOUNDS. 

External. — Arsenous acid acts as a caustic on raw surfaces and 
mucous membranes. It produces considerable pain, and may lead 
to poisoning. In frogs poisoned by arsenic the epidermis peels off 
very rapidly, owing to degeneration of its lower layers. 

Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Arsenic, when given in minute 
doses, improves the appetite, and increases both the motion and 
secretions of the stomach and duodenum. In larger amounts, ar- 
senic is an irritant, causing loss of appetite, nausea and digestive 
disturbance. In toxic doses arsenic produces gastro-enteritis. 

Blood. — -Arsenic is absorbed into the blood, and in some forms 
of anemia increases notably the number of red corpuscles, and to 
some extent the hemoglobin. 

Circulation, — It is said that arsenic stimulates the pulse rate 
when given in minute doses. In large doses it has a local depressing 
action on the heart — and probably on the vasomotor centre — lowering 
the force and frequency of the heart and reducing blood pressure. 
The nerve endings, ganglia, and muscle of the heart are alike para- 
lyzed, and this action takes place when the heart is removed from 
the body. 

Respiration, — In small doses arsenic quickens the breathing 
and stimulates the respiratory centre ; whereas in lethal amounts the 
respiration fails through lowered blood pressure and exhaustion. 

Nervous System. — The nervous apparatus is powerfully in- 
fluenced by arsenic. Toxic doses cause paralysis of the spinal tracts, 
in frogs, with loss of sensation, motion, and reflex action, and the 



ACTION OF ARSENICAL COMPOUNDS 209 

brain nerves are also depressed. The nerve trunks are chiefly 
affected in the higher animals. There is peripheral neuritis and 
trophic changes occur. Medicinal doses of arsenic are stimulant to 
the nervous system generally. 

Metabolism. — Therapeutic doses probably diminish tissue 
change and the elimination of urea and carbonic dioxide. Large 
doses, on the other hand, increase metabolic processes and the escape 
of nitrogenous waste. 

Elimination. — Arsenic is eliminated slowly by most channels, 
but mainly by the urine and to a less extent by the mucous membrane 
of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Traces are found in the 
milk, sweat, tears and saliva. It exists in, and can be recovered 
from, the bodies of animals years after their death from toxic 
amounts of arsenic. 

Summary. — Arsenic is unfortunately one of the drugs whose 
physiological action — so far as we know it — does not throw any 
light, in many instances, upon its therapeutic effects. In altering 
the condition of the patient for the better, in some diseases, it is 
described by that vague and otherwise indefinable term, "alterative." 

Toxicology. — The lower animals, as the horse and cow, are 
proportionately not nearly so susceptible to the poisonous effects of 
arsenic as the human subject ; ll/o grains is the smallest fatal dose 
reported in man. An amount as large as one drachm of arsenous 
acid in solution is required to cause death in a horse or cow, although 
much smaller quantities have produced death when repeated a num- 
ber of times (two daily doses of 45 gr., four daily doses of 30 gr. 
have proved fatal to horses). One half ounce to an ounce and a half 
of white arsenic is the toxic single dose for the horse and cow, and 
from one to two drams for sheep — with considerable variations. 
Dogs have been killed by 3 grains. Mild toxic action is seen follow- 
ing therapeutic doses of arsenic when the physiological limit is 
reached. This condition is characterized by loss of appetite (nausea 
and vomiting in dogs), watery discharge from the nose and eyes, 
puffiness of the eyelids, indigestion with mild colic, and diarrhea. 
The pulse may be accelerated and harder than normal. The ap- 
pearance of albumin in the urine is the surest sign that arsenic has 
been pushed past the safe physiological limit. 

Acute Poisoning begins with bilious, mucous, or bloody purging 
and colic. There is vomiting in dogs. Thirst is excessive; the 
urine is high-colored and albuminous; the pulse is feeble, small and 
frequent ; the respiration is rapid and difficult from abdominal pain ; 
the extremities are cold, and there is great weakness of the limbs. 
Collapse, with convulsions and coma, often close the scene in from 
five to twenty hours to three days. 



210 INOKGANTC AGENTS 

A sub-acute form of poisoning occasionally occurs after a 
remission from the acute attack, only to be followed by death in 
from two to five days. In the interim, cutaneous eruptions may 
appear. Rarely, death takes place within an hour or two, in coma, 
collapse or convulsions. 

Chronic Poisoning, such as is seen in the human subject living 
in apartments furnished with arsenical wall paper or fabrics, or in 
those working in arsenic, is rarely observed in animals and only 
occurs in those living in the immediate vicinity of smelters and 
chemical works. In this condition there are symptoms similar to 
those noted above as occurring in the milder form of arsenic poison- 
ing, together with gradual loss of strength and flesh, suppression of 
milk, nasal ulcers, local paralysis or paraplegia, and anesthesia, A 
slightly raised, dark red or purplish band Ys to %6 in. wide is often 
seen on the gums at the base of the upper and lower incisor teeth of 
horses, the hair grows unusually long, the breath has a garlicy odor 
and there are salivation, drooling and cough, loss of appetite, and 
constipation with mucus coated feces, followed by diarrhea (Salmon). 
Fatty degeneration of the liver, kidneys, heart, stomach and muscles, 
in cases of chronic arsenical poisoning, is found after death. 

The post-mortem changes observed after acute poisoning are as 
follows : The gastric mucous membrane, especially the villous por- 
tion in horses, is swollen, softened and covered with patches of a 
deep crimson or dark brovvn color. There is rarely ulceration. 
The upper portion of the small intestines, and in horses sometimes 
the whole of the intestinal tract, is similarly affected with that of 
the stomach. There is generally a wide-spread fatty degeneration 
of the stomach, bowels, internal organs and muscles. Congestion 
of the trachea and lungs and hemorrhages into the latter are often 
present. 

The treatment of acute poisoning depends mainly upon the 
use of the official freshly prepared arsenic antidote (ferri oxidum 
hydratum cum magnesia) in large quantities. If this can not be 
obtained, an antidote can be prepared by precipitating Monsel's 
Solution, or the tincture of the chloride of iron, with sodium 
bicarbonate or ammonia. Dialyzed iron may be precipitated with 
an alkali. In either case the precipitate should be washed in a filter 
of muslin and given in large amounts. If vomiting has not occurred, 
zinc sulphate should be given dogs and cats, or the stomach tube 
resorted to, and the stomach well washed out. The after treatment 
is carried out with castor oil, demulcents, opium and external heat. 
Sweet spirit of nitre is to be prescribed, with considerable water, to 
flush out the kidneys. 

Uses External. — A paste containing 1 part each of ar<=enous 



ACTION OF ARSENICAL COMPOUNDS 211 

acid and gum arabic, with 5 parts of water, is used to destroy warts 
and morbid growths. Arsenous acid, diluted with 5 parts of lard, 
may be employed to slough out fistulous tracts. In any case, there 
is clanger of poisoning through absorption, if a sufficient amount of 
arsenic is used ; but, on the other hand, the danger is slight if a 
large enough quantity is applied to cause rapid sloughing. Arsenic 
has been the principal constituent of so-called "sheep-dips" em- 
ployed to kill ticks and other parasites in the wool Tinlay Dun 
recommends 2^ lbs. of arsenous acid with an equal amount of pearl 
ash, soft soap, and sulphur, dissolved in 10 gallons of boiling water 
and added to 90 gallons of cold water. This quantity will suffice 
for dipping 100 sheep. The sheep are submerged, except their 
heads, for a few seconds, and placed on a grating to drain into a 
tub, from which the water flows back into the first receptacle. The 
excess of water in their fleeces is squeezed out with the hands 
and a scraper. Sheep and other animals have been poisoned after 
dipping, by eating grass and fodder on which they have drained ; 
therefore the sheep should always be kept on clean floors or yards 
in the open air and sunlight until they have become thoroughly dry. 
The lime and sulphur clip recommended by the U. S. Agric. Dep't, 
or the tobacco and sulphur dip, to be found under Scab (p. 733), 
are as effective and safer. Arsenic and tar solution is most efficient 
for destroying ticks and preventing Texas fever in cattle (see p. 704). 

Uses Internal. — Arsenic is of the greatest service in the treat- 
ment of indigestion in horses associated with malnutrition and 
staring coat. In this condition, arsenous acid is often combined 
with sodium bicarbonate and nux vomica, and may be given in powder 
on the food. It is also of value in atonic diarrhea, and is used in 
both the serous and dysenteric varieties. In diminishing tissue 
change, and in acting as a blood tonic, arsenic is believed to improve 
the condition, endurance, and wind in horses, and is popularly pre- 
scribed by dealers and others. 

The classical case of the arsenic-eating peasants of Styria seems 
to corroborate this view. These people appear to be very robust 
and healthy. Five grains of arsenic was given experimentally to 
one of them without producing any untoward effect. Arsenic seems 
to influence favorably diseased mucous membranes of the respiratory 
tract, to improve their nutrition, and hasten absorption and repair 
in diseases of the air passages. Coryza, ozena, chronic cough, 
asthma, emphysema and "broken wind" are greatly benefited by a 
course of arsenic, and in chronic conditions the treatment should be 
sustained for months in small closes. 

"Thick wind" and convalescence from acute bronchitis, pneu- 
monia or influenza are favorably influenced by arsenic. Arsenic is 



212 INOBGANIC AGENTS 

one of the best agents we can prescribe in general debility and anemia 
and may be conjoined with bitters or iron. 

Arsenic is indeed the next best remedy to iron in anemia, and, 
in pernicious anemia and leukemia, it is the remedy offering the 
greatest chances of improvement, when given in gradually increasing 
doses until horses are taking as much as one ounce of Fowler's So- 
lution twice daily ; and dogs one-half a dram. 

In dry, scaly skin diseases, arsenic is the most successful inter- 
nal remedy, but should not be prescribed in moist conditions asso- 
ciated with a proliferation of new cells, or exudate of serum or other 
liquid. It is particularly useful in chronic squamous, or papular 
eczema, acne and chronic urticaria, when given for a considerable 
length of time in small doses. 

In the human subject, arsenic is almost a specific in chorea, but 
does not seem to yield such good results in that disease in dogs, 
usually associated with distemper. Fowler's Solution should be 
given to dogs with chorea, in doses of two or three drops three 
times daily, and gradually increased till the physiological limit is 
reached. The same treatment should be tried in diabetes mellitus 
in dogs. Large single doses of arsenous acid (3 ss.) are sometimes 
given with calomel (3i.) and aloes (3iv.), in a ball to horses to kill 
round worms. 

Administration.- — Arsenic is given to horses as Fowler's So- 
lution, or arsenous acid, on the food. If continued for a long 
time, arsenic must be prescribed in small doses once daily, or in 
larger doses once in two or three days. Arsenic is exhibited to dogs 
in tablet or pill, and as Fowler's Solution. The administration of 
Fowler's Solution secures more rapid and accurate results than that 
of white arsenic. 



Antimonium. 

{The metal antimony is not used in medicine.') 

Antimonii et Potassii Taetras. Antimonv and Potassium 
Tartrate. 2 K (SbO) C 4 H 4 6 + H 2 0. " (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Antimonium tartaratum, B.P. ; tartar emetic, 
tartarated antimony, tartarus emeticus, stibio-kali tartaricum, E. ; 
antimonii potassio-tartras, antimonium tartarizatum, tartarus 
stibiatus, P. G. ; tartrate de potasse et d'antimoine emetique, tartre 
stibie, Fr. ; brechweinstein, G. 

Derivation. — Make a paste with cream of tartar, antimony 



ANTIMONY AND' POTASSIUM TARTRATE: 213 

trioxide and water. Set aside 24 hours, boil in water 15 minutes 
and crystallize. 2 K HC 4 H 4 6 + Sb 2 3 = 2 K (SbO) C 4 H 4 6 + 
H 2 0. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent crystals of the rhombic 
system, becoming opaque and white on exposure to the air; or a 
white, granular powder, without odor, and having a sweet, after- 
wards disagreeable, metallic taste. Soluble in 15.5 parts of water; 
insoluble in alcohol. 

Dose. — H. & C, 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; emetic, pigs, gr.iv.-x. (.24-.G). 
D., Mo-i (.006-.O3) ; emetic, D., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12). 

PBEPAEAHONS. 

Vinum Antimonii. Wine of Antimony. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Vinum antimoniale, B. P. 

Antimony and potassium tartrate, 4 Gm. ; boiling distilled water, 65 Cc; 
alcohol, 175 Cc; white wine to make 1000 Cc. (U. S. P.) 
Dose for Dogs. — TT|.v.-3i. (.3-4.). 

Syrupiis Scillw Compositus. Compound Syrup of Squill. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Hive syrup. Fluidextract of squill, 80 Cc. ; fluidextract of 
senega, 80 Cc. ; antimony and potassium tartrate, 2 Gm. : purified talc, 20 Gm. ; 
sugar, 750 Gm. ; water to make lOOOCc. 

Dose for Dog. — TTlv.-xxx. (.3-2.) 



ACTION OF ANTTMONII ET POTASSII TARTRAS. 

Tartar emetic is the only antimony compound suitable for 
internal use. The sulphide and oxide of antimony are insoluble, 
save in the hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice, and are not so 
certain or reliable in their action as tartar emetic. Kermes mineral 
and golden sulphur, containing variable amounts of antimony tri- 
sulphide and trioxide, are even more uncertain and unreliable than 
antimony sulphide or oxide. 

External. — Tartar emetic is irritant, and when rubbed into the 
skin produces a pustular eruption and often sloughing and destruc- 
tion of tissue. 

Internal. — Stomach and Bowels. — Tartar emetic is a gastro- 
intestinal irritant, causing salivation and nausea in small doses, 
vomiting and diarrhea in large quantities; while toxic amounts are 
followed by vomiting (in carnivora), serous or bloody purging, great 
depression of the circulation and respiration, muscular weakness, 
collapse and death. 



214: USTOKGANIC AGENTS 

Uneasiness, nausea, colic and death have been reported in horses 
only after enormous doses of tartar emetic by the mouth. The 
horse and ruminants are comparatively insusceptible to the action of 
tartar emetic. The writer has observed a cow, however, in which 
nausea and actual vomition occurred, following a therapeutic dose of 
kermes mineral in electuary. 

Tartar emetic is a powerful but slowly acting emetic (attended 
with a good deal of nausea) in dogs. Tartar emetic has been 
recovered in the first vomitus following its intravenous injection. It 
also expels the contents of a bladder artificially replacing the normal 
stomach. These results go to show that tartar emetic acts both as a 
specific emetic upon the vomiting centre, and locally as a specific 
irritant and an emetic upon the mucous membrane of the stomach. 
Tartar emetic is eliminated in great part by the mucous membrane 
of the alimentary canal. 

Circulation. — The principal action of antimony is exerted upon 
the heart and vessels. The heart muscle is weakened and vascular 
tension markedly lowered by large doses of tartar emetic. This 
action depends upon the influence of antimony on the cardiac muscle 
itself, and possibly upon the vagus nerve-endings in the heart. 
Vascular tension is lowered through depression of the heart and of 
the peripheral vosomotor nerves or muscle of the vessel walls. 
Whether the vasomotor centre is also depressed is uncertain. The 
pulse is reduced in force and frequency by large doses of tartar 
emetic. Following lethal amounts, the heart becomes flabby and 
relaxed, and death occurs in diastolic arrest. The preceding remarks 
apply only to the action of tartar emetic upon carnivora. 

Antimony was formerly a very popular drug when general 
depressant and depletant treatment was in vogue, because of its 
powerfully depressing action upon the circulation. 

Respiratory Organs. — Small doses of antimony increase secre- 
tion of bronchial mucus. Toxic amounts weaken the respiratory 
movement by lowering the functional activity of the respiratory 
and vagus centres, and causes a copious outpouring of serous and 
mucous secretion into the bronchial tubes, which has the effect of 
drowning an animal in its own secretions. This action is only seen 
in horses after intravenous injection of toxic quantities of tartar 
emetic. The respiration is slow and labored in poisoning. 

Nervous System. — Large doses of antimony depress the func- 
tional activity of the brain and sensory tract of the spinal cord. 
Larger doses produce loss of reflex action and anesthesia, owing to 
the influence of antimony upon the sensory side of the cord; while 
in toxic amounts, antimony is a general paralyzant to all the spinal 
centres and to the motor nerves. 



ACTION" OF ANTOMONY AND POTASSIUM TARTRATE 215 

Muscles. — In carnivora and man, antimony lessens muscular 
strength and relaxes spasm through its depressing action upon the 
motor nerves and muscular tissue. 

Elimination. — Antimony is mainly eliminated by the mucous 
membrane of the stomach and bowels, but also by the kidneys, bron- 
chial mucous membrane, and other channels. 

Toxicology. — The symptoms are those described under "Action 
on the Stomach and Bowels." The fecal discharges in man are 
copious and of the rice water appearance characteristic of Asiatic 
cholera. If vomiting is not free, zinc sulphate should be given, or 
the stomach washed out. Tannic acid should be administered as a 
chemical antidote, together with the use of external heat, alcohol, 
digitalone, strychnine and morphine subcutaneously, and demulcents 
by the mouth. 

Uses External. — Tartar emetic is used in ointment, in the 
strength of 1-4, over chronically enlarged and rheumatic joints of 
cattle. It is also employed over the sides of the chest in cattle, to 
produce counter-irritation and pustulation in the strength of 1 part 
to 12 of lard. 

Internal. — The therapeutic value of tartar emetic is limited 
mainly to canine practice. Antimony is still prescribed largely by 
the Germans as a general and circulatory depressant and expectorant 
for horses. General depressant treatment has gone out of vogue and 
is not usually indicated in inflammatory affections, and even if it 
were, antimony does not exert such an action in any considerable 
degree upon horses or ruminants. 

Aconite is a much more valuable and efficient circulatory de- 
pressant than antimony for the horse. There are three indications 
for antimony in canine practice : 1st, as an emetic ; 2nd, as a general 
depressant in inflammatory diseases and in strong patients ; 3rd, as 
an expectorant in acute bronchitis. The first indication is generally 
attained more promptly and safely by zinc sulphate. The second 
and third indications may be combined by prescribing antimony in 
the first, or dry stage of acute bronchitis in dogs, in the form of hive 
syrup. For example : 

n. 

Syr. Scillse Co. 

Sp't's iEther. Nitrosi aa § ss. 

M. Liq. Amnion. Acetatis ad § iv. 

S. Teaspoonful every 2 hours. 

Antimony may be employed as an emetic in bronchitis to clear 
the stomach and upper part of the respiratory tract of secretions. 



216 INORGANIC AGENTS 

and to reduce the force and frequency of the heart. Ipecac is, how- 
ever, a better and safer agent for this purpose, and antimony is 
generally counter-indicated in the second, or exudative stage of bron- 
chitis. 

The Germans prescribe tartar emetic very commonly to horses 
as a parasiticide against round worms and tape worms. Four or 
five drachms are given in aqueous solution to the fasting animal, 
and followed by the administration of a dose of oil. 



SECTION VIII. 
Phosphorus 

Phosphorus. Phosphorus. P. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Digest bones in sulphuric acid, or treat bone ash 
with sulphuric acid; filter and evaporate. Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 (bone ash) 
+ 2 H 2 S0 4 = Ca H 4 (P0 4 )o (acid calcium phosphate) -f-2 Ca 
So 4 . 

Heat acid calcium phosphate, charcoal, and sand together, and 
distil over phosphorus into water. 

Heat breaks up Ca H 4 (P0 4 ) 2 into Ca (Po 3 ) 2 (calcium meta- 
phosphate) -f- 2 H 2 0. 

Then: 2 Ca (PO,), + 2 SiC + 10 C = P 4 + 2 Ca Si 3 
+ 10 C O. 

Properties. — A translucent, nearly colorless solid, of a waxy 
lustre, having at ordinary temperature about the consistency of 
bees' wax. By long keeping, the surface becomes red and occasion- 
ally black. It has a distinctive but disagreeable odor and taste. It 
should not be tasted except in a state of great dilution. When ex- 
posed to the air it emits white fumes which are luminous in the dark, 
and have an odor somewhat resembling garlic. On long exposure 
to the air, it takes fire spontaneously. Insoluble in water, or nearly 
so; soluble in 350 parts of alcohol, in 80 parts of ether, in about 
50 parts of any fatty oil, and very soluble in chloroform and carbon 
disulphide. Besides the official form there are several other allo- 
tropic forms of phosphorus, including the red, or amorphous, the 
black, and the crystallized metallic phosphorus. 

Ped phosphorus is non-poisonous, owing to its insolubility pre- 
venting its absorption in the digestive tract. 



ACTION OF PHOSPHORUS 217 

Dose.— H., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; C, gr.ii.-iii. (.12-.18) ; Sh. & 
Sw., gr. Y100-V20 (.0006-.003) ; D., gr. Vioo^o (.0006-.003). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Oleum Phosphor at um. Phosphorated Oil. ( B. P. ) . 

Phosphorus, 1 gin,; expressed oil of almond and ether, of each a sufficient 
quantity to make 100 gm. (U. S. P. 1890.) 

Properties. — A clear, yellowish liquid, having the odor of phosphorus and 
ether. The ether in this preparation evaporates in time and the strength is 
proportionately, and perhaps dangerously, increased. 

Dose.— H., 3 ii.-iii. (8.-12.); D., m_i.-v. (.06-.3). 

Pihilae Phosphori. (U. S. P.) 
Each pill contains gr. y 100 of phosphorus. 

Pilula Phosphori. (B. P.) 
2 per cent, phosphorus. 
Dose. — D., pills, i.-n. 



ACTION OF PHOSPHORUS. 

Internal. — The sole physiological action of phosphorus which 
would suggest, and in some manner explain, its therapeutic use is 
that on hones. Phosphorus, when given in small doses to growing 
animals, apparently stimulates the bone-making cells (osteoblasts) 
and the growth of denser bone, both from cartilage and periosteum. 
In older animals the lamellae of spongy tissue are made thicker and, 
in fowl, the narrow cavity may be wholly obliterated by the deposi- 
tion of hard bone through the ingestion of phosphorus. If calcium 
salts be withheld from the food the activity of the osteoblasts con- 
tinues but the new bone is soft and of the nature of bones in rickets. 
The precise mode of action of phosphorus on normal and diseased 
bones (rickets and osteomalacia) has yet to be determined. 

There appears to be clinical evidence that phosphorus is a nerve 
stimulant and, in man, it is said that large doses cause mental 
exhilaration, increased capacity for work and excite sexual desire. 
Experiments with phosphorus on animals show no special action of 
the drug on the nervous system. Phosphorus is absorbed largely in 
an unchanged condition in solution in fatty matter in the bowels 
and as vapor. Some of the phosphorus is probably converted in the 
bowels and blood into phosphureted hydrogen (P H 3 ) and further 
oxidized into phosphoric acid in the body. Its fate is unknown, but 



218 INOBGANIC AGENTS 

some phosphorus is eliminated as vapor from the lungs and some 
in organic compounds in the urine. 

The toxic action of phosphorus differs decidedly from its 
therapeutic effect and so does the action of pure phosphorus from its 
compounds. The action of phosphates, phosphoric acid and hypo- 
phosphites is not at all that of phosphorus. 

Most of the hypophosphites are eliminated unchanged in the 
urine and do not act as phosphates, as formerly believed. They 
appear to have little more influence than sodium chloride, except the 
iron salt, where the metallic ion acts as other iron compounds. 
Phosphoric acid stimulates digestion and secretin formation, like 
other mineral acids, but is inferior in this respect to hydrochloric 
acid. It has been given internally for its supposed action as a 
phosphate, but the organic phosphate compounds of the body cannot 
be built from the inorganic salts. 

Calcium hypophosphate, lactophosphate and glycerophosphate 
act similarly to calcium phosphate (page 149). 

Toxicology. — The symptoms of poisoning do not ordinarily 
appear until some hours after ingestion of toxic doses (15 to 20 
grains of phosphorus poison horses; IV2 to 4 grains are toxic for 
dogs). Then abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting (in those ani- 
mals in which it is possible) and purging occur. The breath, vomitus 
and fecal discharges may be luminous, and have the odor of phos- 
phorus. There is fever, anorexia and thirst. This condition is 
followed by an intermission in which the patient appears to be 
recovering, only to be succeeded by jaundice, hemorrhages (due to 
fatty degeneration of vessels and blood poor in fibrinogen), nervous 
symptoms, as delirium, coma and convulsions, and death. The urine 
rarely becomes albuminous in animals, but contains leucin and 
tyrosin. The heart muscle is directly paralyzed by lethal doses. 

Grave, destructive metabolic changes (autolysis) occur in the 
tissues — especially the liver. There is general fatty degeneration 
of the viscera and muscles. The blood is disorganized, and there 
are widespread ecchymoses. Jaundice follows closure of the com- 
mon, or hepatic duct, or smaller biliary tubules (owing to prolifera- 
tion of interstitial tissue, seen also in the stomach and kidney), and 
disorganization of the blood. There is rapid atrophy of the liver, 
and phosphorus poisoning in man is often indistinguishable during 
life from acute yellow atrophy of the liver. Nitrogenous elimination 
is increased. Imperfectly decomposed products of metabolism, as 
leucin and tyrosin, occur in the urine; also an excess of urea and 
ammonia and often blood, bile and fat and sarcolactic acid. It is 
a matter of dispute whether the fat deposited in the cells of the 
tissue is formed there (fatty degeneration), or is conveyed thence 



CHLORINE 



219 



from that already existing in the subcutaneous tissue. Chronic 
poisoning, attended with necrosis of the jaw and other symptoms, 
and occurring among workers in phosphorus, is unlikely to occur 
in the lower animals. Acute poisoning is treated by emptying the 
stomach with a stomach tube or copper sulphate ; the latter forming 
an insoluble phosphide of copper. Cathartics should also be 
administered. Permanganate of potash (H., 5 ii in 2 qts. of water ; 
D., gr.xv. in Oss. water) or hydrogen dioxide should be employed as 
antidotes, for their oxidizing action. Old turpentine is usually 
recommended as the antidote, but only the French variety is of any 
value, and that is generally unobtainable. Demulcents and opium 
are in order after evacuant and antidotal treatment has been carried 
out, but oil should never be given in phosphorus poisoning, as it 
assists the solution and absorption of the poison. 

Uses. — Phosphorus is indicated as a stimulant to the growth 
of bone in rachitis, after fractures, and in osteomalacia ; as a nerve 
stimulant and tonic in conditions of nervous exhaustion and impaired 
vitality, due to excessive activity of the sexual organs or otherwise. 
It is used empirically in treatment of boils, acne, and scaly eczema, 
epilepsy, chorea and "paralysis, and has been prescribed with alleged 
advantage as a general stimulant in pneumonia. 

Administration. — Phosphorus may be given in pill or ball, 
with cacao butter, or in the official preparations to dogs, and in a 
saturated alcoholic solution to horses. Phosphide of zinc represents 
the action of phosphorus, and yields phosphureted hydrogen in its 
decomposition in the body. It may be given to dogs (gr.1-10) in 
the form of pills. 



SECTION IX. 
Chlorine. 

Chlorum. Chlorine. CI. 

{The gas is not official.) 

Liquor Chi.oki Compositus. Compound Solution of Chlorine, 
Chlorine Water. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Aqua chlori, chlorum solutum, aqua oxymuriatica, 
solution of chlorine, E. ; aqua chlorata, P. G. ; eau chloree, chlore 
liquide, Er. ; chlor-wasser, G. 



220 INORGANIC AGENTS 

An aqueous solution of chlorine (CI), containing about 0.4 
per cent, of the gas. 

Derivation. — Generate chlorine gas with hydrochloric acid, 18 ; 
potassium chlorate, 5 ; and water to make 1000. Heat in flask. 

Properties. — A clear, greenish-yellow liquid, having the suf- 
focating odor and disagreeable taste of chlorine, and leaving no 
residue on evaporation. Incompatible with salts of silver and lead. 
The preparation deteriorates on keeping. 

Dose. — Not used internally. 



Calx Chlorinata. Chlorinated Lime. Ca Cl 2 O.., Ca Cl 2 . 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. Calx chlorata ; calcaria chlorata, P. G. ; chloris 
calcicus, chloruretum calcis, calcii hypochloris, chloride of lime, 
hypochloride of calcium, bleaching powder or bleach, E. ; chlorure de 
chaux, poudre de Tennant, ou de Knox, Fr. ; chlorkalk, bleichkalk, G. 

A preparation often improperly called "chloride of lime." It 
should contain not less than 30 per cent, of available chlorine. 

Derivation. — Pass chlorine gas over calcium hydrate, when 
chlorinated lime, a mixture of calcium chloride and hvpochlorite 
results : 2 Ca 2 H 2 + 2 Cl 2 = Ca Cl 2 2 , Ca Cl 2 + 2 H 2 0. It 
may also be regarded as a mixture of lime and chlorine : 2 Ca OoH, 
-f 2 Cl 2 = 2 Ca O, 2 Cl 2 + 2 H 2 0. 

Properties. — A white, or grayish-white granular powder, ex- 
haling the odor of hypochlorous acid, having a repulsive saline 
taste, and becoming moist and gradually decomposing on exposure 
to air. In water or in alcohol it is only partially soluble. It 
evolves chlorine on exposure to the air or on addition of an acid. 
Chlorinated lime possesses an alkaline reaction and bleaching prop- 
erties. 

Dose. — Only of value externally. 

PREPARATION. 

Liquor Calcis Chlorinatce. Solution of Chlorinated Lime. (B. P.) 
This solution should yield about 3 per cent, of chlorine. 



Liquor Sode Chlorinate. Solution of Chlorinated Soda. 

(IT. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Liquor sodse chloratse, Labarraque's solution, E. 



ACTION" AND USES OF CHLOEINE 221 

An aqueous solution of several chlorine compounds of sodium, con- 
taining at least 2.4 per cent., by weight, of available chlorine. 

Derivation. — Monohydrated sodium carbonate, 65 ; chlorinated 
lime, 90; water to make 1,000. 

Properties. — A clear, pale, greenish liquid, having a faint 
odor of chlorine and a disagreeably alkaline taste. 

Dose. — Only of value externally. 



ACTION AND USES OF CHLOEINE. 

Chlorine gas, in the presence of organic matter and moisture, 
unites with the hydrogen of water and sets free nascent oxygen. 
When chlorine comes in contact with sulphureted hydrogen, it re- 
moves and destroys the compound. Chlorine is thus a powerful 
oxidizing disinfectant agent and deodorizer. One-quarter of 1 per 
cent, of chlorine in solution is an effective germicide. When 
chlorine gas is inhaled undiluted, it is an irritant to the respiratory 
tract, producing sometimes spasm of the glottis, or severe bronchitis, 
and at other times a condition of narcotism, with death from 
paralysis of the respiratory center. In contact with living tissues, 
chlorine replaces the hydrogen of proteid compounds and forms 
hydrochloric acid with the hydrogen thus set free. The symptoms 
of poisoning are explained by the local irritation of the hydrochloric 
acid thus formed. In dilute form it is stimulant, antiseptic, and 
deodorant in relation to the body. Chlorine gas may be generated 
from salt and black oxide of manganese, 1 part each ; with com- 
mercial sulphuric acid and water, 2 parts each. 

The spores of most bacteria are killed after three hours' ex- 
posure to a moist atmosphere containing 0.3 per cent, of chlorine 
gas. Chlorine may be used to advantage in this manner as a 
substitute for sulphur fumigation. Chlorine water is employed, 
well diluted, for the same purposes and with the same results as the 
solution of chlorinated soda. Chlorinated lime varies much in 
strength. To be of any value it should be so irritating to the eyes 
that it cannot be held near the face. It owes its medicinal value to 
the hypochlorite of lime which it contains. If the compound is very 
moist, it is because calcium chloride preponderates. Chlorinated 
lime is often employed as a deodorizer, standing about premises 
in vessels, but is of no practical value unless it comes directly in 
contact with bacteria or sulphureted compounds which it is desirable 
to destroy. It is the best and cheapest germ destroyer we possess 
for disinfecting premises and other appurtenances, apart from the 
body, as walls and floors of buildings, fecal and other discharges, 



222 INORGANIC AGENTS 

sewers, privies and cesspools. A 10 per cent, solution is to be em- 
ployed on the floors, walls and other parts of buildings. The pure 
compound may be mixed with manure and discharges. Chlorinated 
lime has the disadvantages of destroying the fertilizing value of 
manure, however, and of keeping floors constantly wet through its 
deliquescent properties. Even a 1 per cent, solution is germicidal, 
and may be employed to wash blankets, harness and other parapher- 
nalia. It is said not to harm woolen or cotton fabrics, in the latter 
solution. Chlorinated lime is a useful disinfectant in privy vaults 
when the contents are kept continually covered with chlorinated lime. 
One half ounce will sterilize and deodorize 50 galls, of polluted 
and bad smelling water, allowing a few hours for precipitation be- 
fore use. The water supply of over 200 American cities is steril- 
ized by "bleach." Upon the body, a 2 or 3 per cent, solution of 
chlorinated lime is employed as a stimulant, deodorant, and anti- 
septic for decubitus, foul-smelling and gangrenous sores, severe 
burns and indolent ulcers. It is used in 10 per cent, solution as a 
parasiticide in ringworm and scabies. A 1 per cent, solution forms 
a valuable wash in ulcerative stomatitis. Chlorinated lime may be 
prescribed, with an equal amount of lard, upon ulcers when a stimu- 
lating action is desired. Chlorinated lime (gr.-xv. in § ii. of water) 
is one of the most effective antidotes for snake bite, when injected 
in several places in the region of the lesion. Its internal adminis- 
tration is undesirable. The solution of chlorinated soda is a slight 
caustic, deodorizer and antiseptic preparation on indolent, slough- 
ing, foul-smelling surfaces. It may be prescribed in sore throat, 
or ozcena, as a spray, or injected into the uterus, vagina or rectum. 
It is commonly diluted with 8 to 10 parts of water. 



Bromine. 

Bromttm. Bromine. Br. 

Derivation, — "From seaweed and mineral springs. 

Properties. — Heavy, dark, brownish-red liquid, volatilizing 
with the production of an irritating vapor. Soluble in 30 parts of 
water, and readily soluble in alcohol and ether. Of no value in 
veterinary medicine. 

f 



POTASSIUM BROMIDE 223 

Potassii Bromidum. Potassium. Bromide. K Br. 
(U. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Kalium bromatum, P.G. ; bromkalium, G. 

Derivation. — Obtained from liquor potassse, bromine, and 
charcoal by the same process described in making potassium iodide 
(p. 229). 

Properties. — Colorless, or white, cubical crystals, or granules ; 
odorless, and having a pungent, saline taste. Permanent in the 
air. Soluble in about 1.5 parts of water and in 180 parts of alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) : 
I)., gr. v.-5 i. (.3-4.). 

*Sodii Bromidum. Sodium Bromide. 1ST a Br. (U. S. & B. P.). 

Synonym. — Bromure. de sodium, Fr. ; Bromnatrium, G. 

Derivation. — Similar to potassium bromide. Liquor sodse is 
used instead of liquor potassse. 

Properties. — Colorless, or white, cubical crystals, or a white, 
granular powder; odorless, and having a saline, slightly bitter taste. 
Prom air the salt attracts moisture without deliquescing. Soluble 
in 1.7 parts of water, and in 12.5 parts of alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as potassium bromide. 

ACTION OF THE BROMIDES. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Digestive Tract. — The bromides, when ingested in 
concentrated form, may induce nausea and vomiting through irrita- 
tion of the stomach produced by withdrawal of water from the 
gastric mucosa. This "salt action" is common to other salines. In 
a large, single dose, the bromides cause in horses muscular weakness, 
dulness and staggering gait, and slow respiration. The urine is 
increased in quantity and sexual desire diminished. Bromism may 
be produced in man, or the lower animals, by the continuous ad- 
ministration of the bromides. This condition is characterized by 
general weakness and unsteady gait, mental dulness, indigestion, 
fetid breath, cutaneous anesthesia, loss of sexual power, and occa- 
sionally an acneform eruption. Death has never been caused in man 
by the bromides. 

* A mm on ii bromidum, lithii bromidum, calcii bromidum and strontii 
bromidum are also official. These salts are given in the same doses as sodium 
bromide. 



224 IKTOEGANIC AGENTS 

Nervous System. — The bromides are essentially depressant to 
nerve tissue. Therapeutically, this depressing action is seen partic- 
ularly in relation to the motor centres of the middle region of the 
cerebral cortex; to the intellectual areas in the anterior cerebral 
region (in man) ; and to lessening reflex action. The whole nervous 
system is depressed, but the motor tract in the brain and the sensory 
nerves are the first to succumb to the influence of the bromides. 
Intellection is clouded, and dulness and mental apathy are observed 
in man after large amount's. Reflex action is diminished owing to 
interference with the passage of impulses from the sensory to motor 
cells of the cord and, later, to depression of the sensory nerves. 
Finally, with the continuous administration of large doses the motor 
area of the spinal cord, the motor nerves and muscles fall under the 
depressing action of these agents. 

Circulation. — Potassium bromide is a powerful depressant to 
the heart in toxic doses. Medicinal doses injected into a vein in- 
duce weakness of the heart, but therapeutic amounts, given by the 
mouth, exert no appreciable effect upon the circulation. The de- 
pressing action of potassium bromide upon the heart is due wholly 
to the potassium ion; the bromine ion is not a heart depressant. 
There is practically no difference in the action of therapeutic doses 
of potassium, sodium, strontium, or ammonium bromides. Ische- 
mia of the pia is seen under the influence of bromides. This is the 
result of depression of the cerebrum and sleep, and not the cause of 
sleep. The old idea that the beneficial action of the bromides, in 
relieving nervous excitability and in causing sleep, was due to the 
production of vasomotor spasm and cerebral amemia, is now ex- 
ploded. 

Temperature. — The temperature falls, following the action of 
toxic amounts of the bromides, owing to lessened muscular move- 
ments. 

Sexual Organs. The bromides diminish sexual desire and 
power. In so doing they either depress the spinal centres or lessen 
peripheral sensibility of the genito-urinary tract. 

Elimination, — The bromides are eliminated unchanged by all 
channels and are found in the sweat, urine, milk, saliva, intestinal 
secretions, etc. Elimination begins immediately but may not keep 
pace with continuous administration, and bromism may occur. 

Uses Internal. — The bromides, being particularly useful in the 
treatment of functional nervous diseases, do not possess nearly the 
value in veterinary medicine that they have in human practice. 
Moreover, their use is limited mainly to canine disorders, as brom- 
ides have little influence upon diseases of horses. 

Bromides are especially indicated in irritation of the motor 



IODINE 225 

area of the cerebral cortex (convulsions), in general nervous excit- 
ability, and in conditions due to exalted reflex nervous excitability, 
in cerebritis, and in conditions due to exalted reflex action in dogs. 

The bromides are indeed the best agents we can use to prevent 
convulsions in dogs. They should be combined with chloral and 
given, if necessary, per rectum. The bromides are useful in canine 
chorea, in connection with Fowler's Solution. With chloral the 
bromides are antidotes to strychnine poisoning. Sexual excitement 
in all animals may be allayed by the bromides. The bromides are 
occasionally of value in reflex cough, palpitation of the heart, and 
asthma, but are inferior to other agents in these disorders. 

Potassium bromide is recommended in the treatment of tetanus 
of the horse, but opium, belladonna and cannabis indica are generally 
more effectual. If the bromides are used they should be given with 
chloral. Ammonium and sodium bromide are co mm only said to be 
less depressant in large doses to the heart than the potassium salt, 
and strontium bromide less disturbing to the stomach in dogs. 
There does not appear to be sufficient scientific basis for either of 
these statements (see above). 

Iodine. 

Iodttm. Iodine. 

Synonym, — lodinum, IT. S. P. 1870 ; iodum, P. G. ; iode, ~Fy. ; 
jod., G. 

Derivation, — Iodine is a non-metallic element (Hallogen) ex- 
isting in combination in the animal, vegetable and mineral king- 
doms. It occurs in seaweed, from which it is obtained by distilla- 
tion. It is also mined in the form of iodates and iodides. 

Properties. — Iodine occurs in heavy, bluish-black, dry and 
friable rhombic plates, having a metallic lustre, a distinctive odor, 
and sharp acid taste. It is soluble in 5,000 parts of water, and in 
10 parts of alcohol; very soluble in ether and in solutions of 
potassium iodide. Iodine volatilizes on heating with the formation 
of a purple vapor. With starch, iodine forms an insoluble blue 
compound. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.x.-xx. (.6-1.3). 

ISTot often used in solid state. 

PEEPAEATIONS. 4 

Liquor Iodi Compositus. Compound Solution of Iodine. 
(Lugol's Solution.) (U. S. P.) 



226 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Iodine, 5; potassium, iodide, 10; water to make 100. (1-20). 
Dose. — H. & C, 3 ii.-iv. (S.-15.) ; D., Tll.ii-x.(.12-.6) . Should be given ia 
one quart of water to the larger animals. 

Tinctura Iodi. (U. S. P.) 

Iodine, 70; potassium iodide, 50; alcohol to make 1.000. 
Dose.— H. & C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., V^i.-v. (.06-.3). 

Tinctura Iodi. ( B. P. ) 
Dose. — Same as U. S. P. tincture. 

Unguentum Iodi. 1-25. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Too weak for most veterinary purposes. 

Action External. — Iodine is one of the most effective and valu- 
able of antiseptics for surgical purposes. The tincture will kill all 
pathogenic bacteria in vitro within one minute, whereas a 1 to 
1000 solution of mercuric bichloride requires more than half an 
hour to destroy the same microorganisms. Moreover, the tincture 
has unusual penetrating power on the dry skin, finding its way into 
the hair follicles and cutaneous glands. 

The tincture of iodine is perhaps the most efficient and 
popular disinfectant for use in sterilizing the skin for operations. 
But the skin must be dry or the sterilizing effect of the iodine 
is inhibited. Iodine must not be applied to the wetted skin because 
the wetting causes the epithelial cells to swell and thus prevents the 
iodine from penetrating into the sebaceous and sudoriparous glands, 
the very action upon which the special germicidal action depends. 
The tincture is also of much worth as an antiseptic on wounds (see 
p. 747). Iodine acts as a slow, moderate and prolonged irritant 
upon the skin and mucous membranes. The yellow stain produced 
by iodine may be removed by ammonia water, alkalies and sodium 
hyposulphite. A small amount of iodine is absorbed through the 
unbroken skin, and it is thought to have a special resolvent and 
alterative action over and above that of other counter irritants. 
Whether this be true or not, its easy mode of application makes it a 
very convenient counter-irritant for local uses. 

Action Internal. — Iodine produces gastro-intestinal irritation 
and inflammation in large doses ; and in toxic quantities induces colic, 
vomiting in animals capable of the act, and purging and salivation. 
The pulse becomes rapid and weak; there is often suppression of 
urine, and occasionally nephritis. Widespread fatty degeneration 



IODINE 227 

has been found after fatal poisoning in the lower animals. If 
there is much starchy material in the bowels, the fecal discharges 
may be of a bluish color. Aphrodisiac action has been noted in man, 
following small doses of iodine. The treatment of acute poisoning 
is embraced in the use of starch by the mouth, or raw eggs, external 
heat; strychnine, digitalone, alcohol, and atropine subcutaneously. 
Chronic poisoning by iodine and iodides (iodism), in man, commonly 
causes symptoms analogous to a severe cold in the head, with pain 
over the frontal sinus, sore throat, running at the eyes and nose, 
gastric indigestion, together with an acneform, and occasionally 
purpuric or furuncular eruption. 

These more frequent symptoms of iodism occur more often 
after the administration of potassium iodide than after that of 
iodine. The physiological action of the iodides is similar to that 
of iodine, which is transformed into iodides in the body. But the 
iodides are usually preferred for internal use since they are locally 
so much less irritating. Both iodine and potassium iodide are readily 
absorbed from mucous membranes, and are found in all the tissues 
and fluids of the body. Iodine is absorbed as iodides and, perhaps, 
in loose combination with albumin (iodoalbumiuates) — and elimi- 
nated as iodides by all the usual channels, as well as by the mucous 
membranes. The kidneys eliminate the greater amount, but iodine is 
found in the saliva and gastric juice after it has ceased to be present 
in the urine. The effect of iodine on the thyroid gland probably 
accounts for much of its influence on the body. Iodine is essential 
for normal thyroid activity. Glandular hyperplasia (colloid goitre) 
is a physiological reaction to a deficiency of iodine. The iodine 
content of the gland varies inversely with the degree of enlargement. 
Giving iodine in simple goitre in puppies causes reduction of the 
glandular hyperplasia. An excess of iodine ingested in goitre will 
produce the same symptoms (hyperthyroidism) as occur in morbid 
conditions where an excess of thyroid secretion is formed (exophthal- 
mic goitre in man), i.e., rapid heart, tremors, wasting, excitement, etc. 

Uses External. — Iodine is of most value applied externally, or 
locally. In sterilizing the skin for an emergency operation the hair 
should be clipped and shaved dry and the tincture of iodine applied 
without washing of the skin. 

For other operations the skin may be scrubbed with soap and 
shaved and dried before applying the tincture. The tincture should 
always dry on the skin before the operation is begun. The routine 
method in human surgery for sterilizing the skin, accepted by lead- 
ing surgeons, consists in first cleansing the skin with gasoline to 
remove the grease and then applying the tincture of iodine in full 
or half strength. Half strength should be used on mucous mem- 



228 ijstoegajstic agents 

branes, as the vagina. Potassium iodide is administered internally 
because it is not irritating to the digestive organs. Although 
potassium iodide does not exactly represent the action of iodine, yet 
it is usually preferable for the reason just stated. Potassium iodide 
renders iodine soluble, and prevents its precipitation in fluids within 
and without the body; it is therefore combined with iodine, when 
concentrated solutions are desirable. Six parts of potassium iodide 
and twelve parts of iodine are added to one hundred parts of water, 
or ointment, to make a suitable counter-irritant preparation for the 
horse. A useful tincture for veterinary purposes contains 15 parts 
of iodine and 18 parts of potassium iodide in 100 parts of alcohol. 
Iodine is employed in aqueous and alcoholic solution, or in ointment, 
as above, either painted upon or rubbed into the skin over enlarged 
glands, rheumatic swellings about the joints or upon the chest in 
chronic pleuritis. It is also of value in strains, bruises, periosteal 
inflammation and muscular rheumatism. In the horse, severe sprains 
and inflammation of joints, bones, and periosteum, are treated more 
satisfactorily by blistering agents. Iodine is a valuable disinfectant 
and parasiticide, with equal parts of alcohol in alopecia areata, and 
j>articularly in ringworm and favus in dogs, when the tincture is 
applied locally. Iodine is applied externally, in the form of the 
tincture, on patches of chronic mange and eczema. 

Iodine is often recommended for erysipelas, but is inferior to 
phenol for this purpose. In obstetric work the tincture of iodine 
should be applied to the cord after it has been ligated and trimmed, 
and reapplied every few days, to prevent septic infection with meta- 
stases in the joints. Iodine is injected into joints, synovial sacs, 
abscesses, and cavities of the body to promote healing through its 
antiseptic and irritant action; to cause adhesive inflammation, and 
in this manner to close cavities and to prevent the accumulation of 
fluids in them. The official tincture (3 i.-ii.) is commonly used for 
injections. 

The tincture of iodine may be injected undiluted directly into 
the substance of enlarged glands, in amounts varying from 15 to 
30 drops, to assist their absorption. If the tincture is injected into 
the subcutaneous tissue, abscess may ensue. In goitre in dogs, 
calves and lambs, injections of tincture of iodine (Tt|x.) may be 
made every other day for 10 to 20 times — if painting on the tincture 
externally and potassium iodide or dessicated thyroid glands (gr. 
iii. in capsules thrice daily) internally are unsuccessful. Ozena 
may be treated to advantage by irrigation with a solution containing 
one drachm of the tincture of iodine to the pint of normal salt solu- 
tion. In inflammation of the upper air passages, iodine is sometimes 
beneficial as a stimulant and antiseptic inhalation, which is pro- 



POTASSIUM IODIDE 229 

duced by adding one-half a drachm of iodine to the pint of boiling 
water. 

Uses Internal. — Iodine is thought to act more satisfactorily 
than potassium iodide in the treatment of diabetes insipidus or 
polyuria of the horse, in which it often appears to be a specific. One 
ounce twice daily, intratracheally, of Dieckerhoff's solution (iodine, 
1; K I, 5 ; water 100) has given good results in purpura of horses. 

Administration. — Iodine may be combined with gentian and 
iron in the form of a ball, as recommended by Finlay Dun, or better, 
given as Lugol's Solution, which is less irritating and more active. 



Potassii Iodidtjm. Potassium Iodide. K I. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Jodkalium, G. 

Derivation. — Iodine is dissolved in hot liquor potassse. 6 1 + 
6KOH = 5KI + KI0 3 + 3 H 2 0. The evaporated residue 
is heated with charcoal to remove O from K I 3 (Potassium 
Iodate) ; KI0 3 + 3C-KI + 3CO. The result is purified by 
crystallization. 

Properties. — Potassium iodide occurs in colorless, transparent 
or translucent, cubical crystals ; or as a white, granular powder, hav- 
ing a slight odor of iodine, and a bitter, saline taste. Permanent 
in dry air, but slightly deliquescent in moist air. It is soluble in 
0.7 part of water; in 12 parts of alcohol, and 2.5 parts of glycerin. 

Dose.— H., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; C, 3 vi. (24.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.xv.- 
xxx. (1.-2.); D., gr.ii.-x. (.12-.6). 

PREPABATION. 

Unguentum Potassii Iodidi. (U. S. & B. P.) 
10 per cent., U. S. P. 
Unimportant in veterinary practice. 



Sodii Iodidum. Sodium Iodide. IsTa. I. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Iodure de sodium, Fr. ; jodnatrum, G. 

Derivation. — Made from sodium hydrate in the same manner 
as potassium iodide. 

Properties. — Occurs in colorless, cubical crystals, or as a white, 
crystalline powder, without odor, and having a bitter, saline taste. 
Soluble in 0.5 part of water and in 3 parts of alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as potassium iodide. 



230 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Syrup-us Acidi Hydriodici. Syrup of Hydriodic Acid. (U. S. P.) 

Contains 1 per cent, of absolute H I. 

Derivation, — Diluted hydriodic acid, 100 ; water, 300 ; syrup, 
600. 

Properties. — A colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid, of a sweet, 
acid taste. 

Dose. — D., 111 xv.-3 i. (1.-4.). 

Action External. — Potassium iodide is not absorbed unless 
rubbed into the skin with fat, and is not a local irritant, and there- 
fore possesses very little value as an external application. 

Action Internal. — Potassium iodide and iodine are both de- 
scribed by that unsatisfactory term, alterative. In certain diseases, 
as in rheumatism, iodine and the iodides alter nutrition and cause 
absorption of exudates in some unknown manner; hence the term 
alterative. Potassium iodide forms in the tissues soluble double 
salts with the metals and therefore is the antidote in chronic lead, 
arsenic, mercury and zinc poisoning in aiding their elimination. 
It is often taught that potassium iodide liberates iodine in the 
tissues, and that the latter forms soluble compounds with albumin, 
which are then readily eliminated ; thus explaining the effect of 
potassium iodide in aiding resolution of morbid exudation and 
inflammatory thickenings. Free iodine is certainly formed in the 
body as it escapes into the stomach after administration of iodides. 
Supposed elimination of free iodine from the mucous membranes 
and skin is said to account for irritation of these parts after pro- 
longed and excessive doses (iodism). Like other salts of the alka- 
lies (see Sodium Chloride) the iodides are diuretics and, in con- 
centration, may cause nausea and vomiting. The iodides are rapidly 
absorbed and mostly eliminated as such chiefly by the urine ; but 
also by mucous membranes, and in milk, sweat, tears, etc. 

Uses Internal. — Potassium iodide is useful in causing absorp- 
tion of enlarged, lymphatic glands, and its action should be assisted 
by the application of iodine or red mercuric iodide externally. 
Potassium iodide in small doses, diminishes congestion and in- 
creases the fluidity and amount of secretion in acute laryngitis, acute 
and subacute bronchitis, and appears to possess an alterative action 
in improving the condition and nutrition of the bronchial mucous 
membranes. It resembles ammonium chloride in the latter respect. 
It is also of value in asthma, pulmonary emphysema, and chronic 
bronchitis, unassociated with copious secretion. Chronic pleuritis, 
pericarditis, and ascites are treated with potassium iodide, which 
assists absorption, and occasionally exerts a diuretic effect. Tardy 



IODOFORM 231 



resolution of pneumonic consolidation is hastened by potassium 
iodide. Endocarditis with cardiac hypertrophy is said to be bene- 
fited bv potassium iodide and digitalis. 

Champignon, or scirrhus cord of horses, is sometimes cured by 
the sorbefacient powers of potassium iodide in full doses. Potas- 
sium iodide is of value in goitre of dogs, calves and sheep when 
tincture of iodine is used externally (see p. 228). "Soaring and 
"thick wind" may be cured by the administration of potassium 
iodide Potassium iodide is the drug commonly given for aneurism. 
Probably it is onlv of use when this is of syphilitic origin and not 
in animals. Potassium iodide is the best remedy known for actino- 
mycosis. It should be given to the larger animals in doses of three 
drachms daily, or in the same dose as Lugol's Solution, until lodism 
appears, when the dose may be reduced to one-half this amount and 
continued two to six weeks. Iodine or Lugol's solution may be 
used in preference to potassium iodide on account of the great ex- 
pense of the latter salt. Potassium iodide is one of the many 
remedies prescribed in chronic rheumatism. Potassium iodide 
has given good results in the treatment of periodic ophthalmia in 
horses with the first attack. They are given one ounce daily tor 
two or three days, and kept in the dark with cold compresses over 
the eves. Potassium iodide has a clinical reputation for its power 
to aid absorption and resolution in inflammation or effusions ol the 
brain or cord, in hemiplegia, paraplegia and meningitis. 

Summary.— Iodine and potassium iodide resemble one another 
in many respects. Iodine is a local irritant, potassium iodide is not. 
The known physiological action of potassium iodide and iodine does 
not explain their medicinal uses. In combating certain diseases, m 
an inexplicable manner, they are known as alteratives. In man, 
iodine is superior to potassium iodide in the treatment of scrofula 
In the horse, iodine is considered of more value in the treatment ot 
diabetes insipidus; while in both man and the lower animals, potas- 
sium iodide is regarded as more valuable in chronic rheumatism. 
In subacute rheumatism, one prescribes equal parts of sodium 
salicylate and iodide. The action of iodine in benefiting local disor- 
ders, when applied externally, is due to its counter irritant effect, 
rather than to absorption. _ # 

Administration.— Potassium iodide is given in solution, feoci- 
ium iodide and syrup of hydriodic acid are simply substitutes tor 
potassium iodide. 

TonoFOKMUM. Iodoform. C H I 3 . (TL S. & P- P.) 

Derivation.— Alcohol, potassium carbonate, iodine, and water 



232 inorganic agents 

are heated together. CoH O + 2 KEC0 3 + 81 = 2 CHI 3 + 2 
KI -f 2 C0 2 -f- 3 H 2 0. 

Iodoform contains over 90 per cent, of iodine. 

Properties. — Small, lemon-yellow, lustreless crystals of the 
hexagonal system ; having a peculiar and very penetrating persistent 
odor, somewhat resembling that of saffron and iodine, and an un- 
pleasant and slightly sweetish and iodine-like taste. Very slightly 
soluble in water; soluble in -±6.7 parts of alcohol, and in 5.2 parts 
of ether. Very soluble in chloroform, benzine, fixed and volatile 
oils. 

PREPARATIONS. 

Unguentum Iodoformi. Ointment of Iodoform (1-10). (U. S. & B. P.) 

Suppositoria Iodoformi. (B. P.) 

(Each containing 3 grs. of iodoform.) 

Action External. — Iodoform is an antiseptic, local anesthetic, 
stimulant, protective, and dessicant agent. While iodoform does not 
inhibit the growth of germs outside the body — many of the bacteria 
growing in iodoform itself — it is nevertheless a valuable antiseptic. 
This result may probably be accounted for by the decomposition of 
iodoform on moist wounds, with the liberation of free iodine ; by its 
absorption of exudates on which germs live ; and possibly by 
neutralizing toxins. Iodoform is particularly useful in septic and 
suppurating wounds. When applied over extensive surfaces, absorp- 
tion and poisoning may occur. The symptoms of iodoform poison- 
ing are most diverse. 

Symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation are seen in poisoning 
in dogs, as vomiting, diarrhea and albuminuria, together with nerv- 
ous symptoms, as convulsions, stupor and sleep. The pulse may be 
very rapid or infrequent; the temperature high or normal. Iodo- 
form is in part absorbed unchanged, but the greater part is trans- 
formed into free iodine and iodides in the body. Frohner states 
the poisonous dose for dogs is 15 grs. for each kilo of live weight. 
One drachm will poison a dog weighing ten pounds. 1% ounces 
have killed a cow. Ecchymoses are found after death on the heart 
and kidneys, and there is congestion of the meninges. 

The symptoms of poisoning are peculiarly diverse since the 
effects are due both to iodoform and to iodides and iodine set free 
in the body. The rapid pulse is due to stimulation of the thyroid 
gland by iodine. The mania and delirium characteristic of iodo- 



iodol 233 

form poisoning in man are not seen in animals. The application of 
iodoform to wounds is sometimes followed by an erythematous erup- 
tion and fever. Iodine is eliminated in the urine in iodoform poi- 
soning and can easily be discovered by the starch test. General 
fatty degeneration of the internal organs is found after death. The 
local dessicant effect of iodoform on raw surfaces assists the antisep- 
tic action, and the local anesthetic properties combine to make 
iodoform the best antiseptic powder we possess, barring the odor. 

Action Internal. — The internal action of iodoform possesses no 
therapeutic value. Care must be observed to prevent animals lick- 
ing off iodoform from the surface of the body. 

Elimination. — Iodoform is eliminated in the form of iodine 
and iodides by all the secretions, chiefly by the urine as iodides. 

Uses External. — Iodoform is of value applied over suppurating 
and septic surfaces, sores, and ulcers, where it hinders the growth 
of bacteria, stimulates unhealthy granulations, relieves pain, possi- 
bly neutralizes toxins, and certainly produces a vile odor. For this 
reason one of its substitutes should be employed when an antiseptic 
powder is desirable for use upon dogs living in or about dwellings. 
Iodoform is commonly employed in its purity. It may be mixed 
in any proportion with boric acid, or with tannic acid (1-8), for its 
astringent effect. It is valuable in foul of the foot in cattle, or in 
foot rot in horses, with equal parts of alum or tannic acid. Com- 
bined with collodion (1-15), it forms a useful dressing for sealing 
small wounds or abrasions upon the hands. The anesthetic action 
of iodoform is taken advantage of to relieve pain in fissure of the rec- 
tum, and hemorrhoids. Zuill recommends the following combination 
by insufflation in the early stages of inflammation of the frontal 
sinuses : 

Iodoform, Magnesia, Silver Nitrate — equal parts. 

Three grains may be used in suppositories for the smaller 
animals. Iodoform may cause healing in abscess — injected into the 
cavity with glycerin or vaseline — (1-10), using 2-4 drachms of the 
mixture for smaller animals, or 1 ounce for the larger animals. 
Iodoform is very efficacious in the treatment of local tuberculous 
lesions. Iodoform combined with lard or oil (1-10), is an excellent 
agent for burns which are not so extensive as to endanger the patient 
through absorption and iodoform poisoning. 

Iodolum. Iodol. C 4 I 4 NH. (IT. S. P.) 
Synonym.- — Tetraiodopyrrol. 



234 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Derivation, — Action of iodine on pyrrol in solution in alcohol. 
Contains 88.9 per cent, of iodine. 

Properties. — Crystalline., shining, light, grayish-brown powder. 
Tasteless and odorless. Practically insoluble in water; soluble in 9 
parts of alcohol, and in ether and fatty oils. The surgical use of 
iodol has led to poisoning through absorption, but the latter is so 
slow that the danger is exceedingly slight. Iodol is suitable for all 
purposes in which iodoform is indicated. It is too expensive for 
general use, but is preferable for application to dogs, on account of 
its lack of odor. 



Aristoltjm. Aristol. C 20 lTo 4 Ool2. 

Aristol is now official as Thymolis Iodidum, Thymol Iodide. 

It is more correctly dithymol-diiodide, obtained by the conden- 
sation of two molecules of thymol and the introduction of two atoms 
of iodine into the phenolic groups of the thymol; it contains 45 per 
cent, of iodine. 

Properties. — A bright, chocolate-colored or reddish-yellow, 
bulky powder, with a very slight aromatic odor. 

Insoluble in water and glycerin; slightly soluble in alcohol; 
readily soluble in ether, chloroform, collodion, and in fixed and 
volatile oils. 

Aristol is inferior as an antiseptic to either iodoform or iodol. 
It is used with some benefit in dry, scaly skin diseases in powder or 
ointment. Aristol is useful on sores, wounds and ulcerations which 
have a tendency toward dryness as it seems to increase moisture. 
Other antiseptic dusting powders include acetanilid, bismuth 
subnitrate, salol and boric acid. Acetanilid has been shown to be a 
good antibacterial agent. It is cheap and may be applied pure, and 
it is an efficient substitute for iodoform. A few cases of poisoning 
have been reported following its extensive surgical use. Bismuth 
subnitrate and salol may induce poisoning when used over large 
surfaces. They are dessicants and feeble antiseptics. Boric acid 
is harmless and mildly antiseptic. 



Orthoform. Orthoform. (Non-Official.) 

Orthoform is the methyl-erster of meta-amido-paraoxy-benzoic 
acid. It occurs as a white or dirty yellow, light powder, sparingly 
soluble in water and alcohol but more so in glycerin and solutions of 
the mineral acids. It may be combined with iodoform, aristol, boric 



OKTHOFOEM 235 

acid, salicylic acid, carbolic acid, turpentine and iodine without 
incompatibility. 

Action. — Externally, orthoform exerts a powerful anesthetic 
effect on raw surfaces, but has little action on intact mucous mem- 
branes and none on the unbroken skin. It is also a mild antiseptic, 
of about the same value as boric acid. It is but feebly toxic and 
poisoning does not occur unless large quantities are applied over 
abraded surfaces. In the dog, 15 grains per 2 pounds of body weight 
have proved toxic when given by the mouth ; and 7% grains per 2 
pounds of live weight are required to induce fatal poisoning. It ap- 
pears to be a cerebro-spinal paralysant in these large doses. The 
anesthetic action of medicinal doses is usually prolonged, varying 
from a few hours to two or three days.' Orthoform has been used 
extensively in human medicine for the past few years, and cases 
of poisoning have been of rare occurrence and none fatal, although as 
much as two or three ounces have been applied on ulcerated sur- 
faces in a week's time. Occasionally the drug produces an erythema 
or dermatitis owing to peculiar susceptibility of the patient. On 
the other hand, orthoform has been used successfully in the treat- 
ment of dermatitis following poisoning in the human. 

Uses. — Orthoform is valuable chiefly for its power in relieving 
pain when applied to raw surfaces. It is an excellent application 
for burns. In superficial burns, orthoform may be combined to 
advantage with ichthyol, of each 10 per cent., in lanolin. In burns 
of the second and third degree, the use of orthoform and boric acid, 
equal parts, forms an excellent remedy. Orthoform is serviceable 
in relieving pain and irritation of ulcers, hemorrhoids and fissures 
of the rectum. In human practice it is largely employed in con- 
nection with diseases of the nose, ear and throat to arrest pain after 
operations, and in ulceration and inflammation of these parts, as 
sore throat. ISTasal gleet in horses should be benefited if not cured 
by the insufflation of the powder. Orthoform is commonly used in 
ointment containing 10 to 20 per cent, of the drug. It may be 
blown pure into cavities or applied as a saturated solution in 
collodion. It may be sprayed on a part with an atomizer in 5 per 
cent, solution with equal parts of alcohol and water. It has been 
injected into the bladder in cystitis mixed with water. In ulcera- 
tion of the stomach, orthoform will give relief owing to its local 
anesthetic action. It may be administered mixed with water and 
syrup in the dose of 0.5-1.0 (lYo-lS-gr.) for dogs. It is an ex- 
pensive drug at present. 



236 INORGANIC AGENTS 

I 

SECTION X. 
Sulphur. 

Official Varieties. 
Sulphur Sublimatum. Sublimed Sulphur. S. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym,. — Flowers of sulphur, flores sulphuris, E. ; fleurs 
(creme) de soufre, Fr. ; schwefelblumen, schwefbliithe, G-. 

Derivation. — Obtained from native sulphur by sublimation. 

Properties. — A fine, yellow powder, having a slightly charac- 
teristic odor and a faintly acid taste. Insoluble in water; slightly 
soluble in absolute alcohol; more readily soluble in benzine, benzol, 
oil of turpentine and many other oils ; also in ether, chloroform, and 
in boiling, aqueous solutions of alkaline hydrates. 

PEEPAEATIONS. 

Sulphur Lotum. Washed Sulphur. S. (U.S. P.) 

Synonym. — Sulphur depuratum, flores sulphuris loti, P. G. ; soufre lave, Fr. ; 
gereinigte schwefelblumen, G. 

Derivation. — Obtained from sublimed sulphur, which is treated with di- 
luted ammonia water to wash out sulphurous and sulphuric and other impuri- 
ties. 

Properties. — A fine, yellow powder, without odor or taste. Solubility, same 
as sublimed sulphur. 

Pulvis Glycyrrhizw Compositus. Compound Powder of Glycyrrhiza. 

(U. S. P.) 

Senna, 180; glycyrrhiza^ 236; washed sulphur, 80; oil of fennel, 4; sugar, 
500. 

Dose. — Dogs (laxative), 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Unguentum Sulphuris. Sulphur Ointment. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Washed sulphur, 150; benzoinated lard, 850 (U. S. P.) 

Sulphur Prcecipitatum. Precipitated Sulphur. S. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Lac ( magisterium ) sulphuris, milk of sulphur, E. ; soufre 
precipitS, lait de soufre, Fr. ; Schwefelmilch, G. 



SULPHITE 237 

Derivation. — Obtained from a solution of sublimed sulphur, 100; in boiling 
calcium hydrate, 50; by precipitation with hydrochloric acid. Calcium sulphide 
and hyposulphite are formed. 12 S + 3 Ca 2 H 2 = 2 Ca S 5 + Ca S 2 3 + 3 H 2 0. 
Then: 2 CaS 3 + Ca S, 3 + 6 H CI = 3 Ca Cl 2 + 12 S + 3 H 2 0. 

Dose (of sublimed, washed or precipitated sulphur). — H. & C, 
% ii.-iv. (60.-120.); Sh. & Sw., g i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., 5 ss.-iv. 
(2.-15.). 

Larger doses laxative; smaller for constitutional action. 

Precipitated sulphur is the best preparation for internal use, 
as it occurs in a finer state of division and is more readily acted 
upon by the digestive juices. It may contain traces of sulphides or 
sulphureted hydrogen, owing to the method of preparation. 

Action External. — Sulphur has no action upon the skin when 
applied in the pure state. The ointment is the most effective agent 
in destroying acari which produce mange, grease, and scab. Sulphur 
does not kill acari as readily as a sulphide which is formed by the 
addition of an alkali. When sulphur ointment is rubbed into the 
skin it causes considerable irritation and an artificial eczema. Sul- 
phur is converted into sulphureted hydrogen and sulphurous acid 
by living tissue, and this transformation may occur to some extent 
when sulphur is rubbed into the skin with fat. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Organs. — Sulphur is not acted 
upon by the stomach, but is somewhat dissolved by the alkaline in- 
testinal juices, and converted in part into sulphides (10 to 20 per 
cent, of sulphur is absorbed as sulphides) and sulphureted hydro- 
gen. The sulphides, together with sulphureted hydrogen, are ab- 
sorbed into the blood. Minute traces of sulphureted hydrogen are 
eliminated by the lungs and skin, while oxidation of sulphides occurs 
in the tissues and they are eliminated as sulphates and unknown 
organic sulphur compounds. The sulphides and sulphureted 
hydrogen act as laxatives, and in all probability sulphur itself exerts 
a mild, mechanical irritation upon the bowels. Peristaltic motion 
and intestinal secretions are both slightly increased. The fecal dis- 
charges are soft and pasty, and offensive flatus containing sulphur- 
eted hydrogen escapes from the intestines after the administration 
of sulphur. 

Constitutional Action. — Sulphur acts remotely during its elim- 
ination in stimulating the functions of the skin and respiratory 
mucous membranes, — so-called alterative action. Sulphur causes 
disorganization of the blood, and depresses and paralyzes the central 
nervous system after the continuous administration of colossal doses. 
Ordinary therapeutic quantities of sulphur have no effect of this 
kind. 



238 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Uses External. — Sulphur is mainly of service externally as a 
local stimulant and parasiticide in skin diseases. The female 
acarus, which produces mange (acariasis), bores under the epider- 
mis and lays her eggs in the burrows, while the male insect remains 
upon the surface. It is essential, therefore, to remove the epidermis 
in order to expose the ova and female to the action of sulphur. The 
hair should be first shaved and the parts soaked and scrubbed with 
green soap and water. All cloths or brushes used in this operation 
should be burned or disinfected by boiling. Sulphur acts most 
efficiently in ointment, as fat fills up the burrows and deprives the 
insects of air. The official ointment is used in mange, but a com- 
bination with an alkali is more serviceable, unless there is active 
irritation of the skin. The following ointment is recommended : 

Sulphur 2 parts. 

Potassium carbonate 1 part. 

Lard 8 parts. 

This prescription is also useful in scab of sheep, and, diluted 
with 16 parts of lard, is curative in chronic eczema and grease. 
Sulphur is, however, chiefly used in dips for scab of sheep with lime 
(seep. 733). 

In obstinate cases of ringworm or mange, the preparation men- 
tioned by Brunton is of value. This consists of one part each of 
sulphur and oil of cade, with two parts each of green soap and lard. 
True follicular mange in the dog, if extensive and of long duration, 
is practically incurable by any drug. Sulphur ointment is of benefit 
in chronic eczema and acne, for its local stimulant and alterative 
action. For the treatment of foot rot in sheep the U. S. Agric. 
Dep't advises sulphur, 10 parts ; cresol, 5 parts ; with lard, 100 parts, 
and also in other forms of necrobacillosis, after removing scabs and 
necrotic tissue by the curette. 

Uses Internal. — Sulphur is commonly used for its mild laxative 
action in convalescence, pregnancy and in the treatment of young 
animals and dogs suffering with constipation and hemorrhoids. It 
may be of service in chronic bronchitis with copious secretion. Sul- 
phur is frequently prescribed internally for its action in chronic 
diseases of the skin, and is thought to exert a beneficial alterative 
action. Sulphur is also recommended in chronic rheumatism. 

Disinfectant Action. — When sulphur undergoes combustion, 
sulphurous anhydride (S0 2 ) is evolved, and the latter combining 
with water forms sulphurous acid (S0 3 ) and sulphuric acid gas 
(H 2 S0 4 ). 

Sulphurous and sulphuric acid gas are strongly germicidal but 



SULPHUR 



239 



dry sulphur dioxide (S0 2 ) is practically without disinfectant action. 
Sulphurous acid owes its germicidal action to two properties. ^ Chiefly 
to its being a powerful reducing agent, by which it is oxidized into 
sulphuric acid, and also to the acidity of both compounds. In with- 
drawing oxygen from organic matter it is poisonous to protoplasm 
in general 'and to bacteria in particular. Bacteriological experi- 
ments, however, show that dry, sulphur fumigation, as ordinarily em- 
ployed for disinfection, is of little worth for destroying disease 
o-erms. To be effective for killing bacteria there should be moisture 
m the air to convert S0 2 into S0 3 and H 2 S0 4 . Generally 
formaldehyde disinfection is more efficient, but for killing animal 
life sulphur is much superior, as formaldehyde may not injure 
animals at all. Thus, for killing flies, fleas, mosquitoes, bedbugs, 
lice, mice and rats in barns, granaries, houses and ships, sulphur 
should be used. Sulphur destroys household fabrics, ornaments and 
utensils, but metal may be protected from its corrosive influence by 
a thin coating of vaseline. Cracks are covered by pasting paper 
over them, which may afterwards be washed off. The premises 
should be kept sealed 12 hours. Five pounds of flowers of sulphur 
should be used for each 1,000 cu. ft. or air space. Flowers of sulphur 
to the depth of 2 inches is put in pans 12 to 18 in. wide at the bottom, 
and with sides 4 or more inches high. Alcohol is poured over the 
sulphur to insure its combustion, which is started by throwing a 
lighted match upon the alcohol. The pans should float in 2 inches 
of water in larger pans to avoid fire and to supply moisture by 
evaporation of the water. 

In employing sulphur as a disinfectant, animals must of course 
be removed from the premises. The burning of 1 lb. of sulphur in 
1,000 cubic ft. of space will produce 1 per cent, of (S0 2 ) gas m the 
atmosphere. For killing insects and animals moisture is not de- 
sirable so that the pans containing sulphur may be placed directly 
upon sand on bricks. . 

Sulphurous anhydride has been employed for its local antiseptic 
and stimulant action, in inflammatory diseases of the upper _ air 
passages in horses. For this purpose it is burned in such quantities 
that the vapor is capable of being inspired because largely diluted 
with air. With such dilution the antiseptic action is lost, and there 
is danger of producing considerable irritation, and the procedure is 
of doubtful value. The same treatment has been pursued m vermin- 
ous bronchitis of lambs and calves, caused by the Strongylus filaria 
and S. micrurus. Local treatment, with tracheal injection, is more 
efficient. 



240 INORGANIC AGENTS 

ACTDTJM SuLPHTTEOSUM. SulphurOUS Acid. HoSO". 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acide sulfureux, Pr. ; schwefelige sail re, G. 

Derivation. — Charcoal, 20, and sulphuric acid, 80, are heated 
together and the sulphurous anhydride evolved is passed into water. 
4 Ho S0 4 + 2 C = 4 SO., + 2 C0 2 + 4 H 9 0. 4 SO. + 4 H 2 
= 4 H 2 S0 3 . 

Properties. — A colorless liquid of the characteristic odor of 
burning sulphur, and of a very acid, sulphurous taste. It should 
contain not less than 6 per cent., by weight, of sulphurous anhydride^ 
and not more than 94 per cent, of water. 

Dose.— H. & C, gi.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.); 
D., 5 ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

Actions and Uses. — Sulphurous acid decomposes organic mat- 
ter, abstracts oxygen, and is transformed into sulphuric acid. The 
amount of sulphuric acid formed from the medicinal solution is 
not sufficient to interfere with its action in or upon the body. Sul- 
phurous acid is a deodorant, deoxidizer, parasiticide and disinfectant 
externally. Solutions (1-4) are used as local stimulant and anti- 
septic applications to wounds, ulcers, or sores with foul discharges, 
and to kill the fungus growths producing ringworm. 

Sulphurous acid is employed as an antiseptic in indigestion, 
associated with flatulence, and has the same effect and value as the 
sulphites and hyposulphites which are used for the same purposes. 

Potassa Suxphtjrata. Sulphurated Potassa. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Potassii sulphuretum, potassii sulphidum, liver of 
sulphur., E. ; foie de soufre, Fr. ; kalischwefelleber, G. 

Derivation. — Powdered and dried potassium carbonate, 200, is 
mixed with sublimed sulphur, and heated in a crucible. Potassa 
sulphurata is a mixture of potassium thiosulphite and trisulphide. 3 
K 2 3 + 8S = K 2 S 2 3 + 2 K 2 S 3 +3 C0 2 . 

Properties. — Irregular pieces of a liver-brown color, which by 
exposure to the air gradually absorb moisture, oxygen, and carbonic 
dioxide, and change to greenish-yellow and finally to a gray mass 
containing potassium carbonate, hyposulphite and sulphate. The 
compound has a faint odor of hydrogen sulphide, and a bitter alka- 
line taste. Soluble in 2 parts of water, with the exception of a small 
residue. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., gr. ii.-x. (.12.6.). 



SULPHUKATED POTASSA 241 

Action Internal. — Sulphurated potassa is composed chiefly of 
potassium trisulphide (K 2 S 3 ) aud of potassium thiosulphate 
(K 2 S 2 3 ). Its action is that of the sulphides generally. These give 
off H" 2 S°in the bowel, which leads to purging and local irritation. 
When injected into a vein the sulphides induce two notable phenom- 
ena in toxic doses. First, they cause convulsions in mammals — 
owing to action on the cerebrum — and, in lethal doses, paralysis of 
the respiratory and vasomotor centres. Second, they produce alter- 
ation in the hemoglobin of the red corpuscles with formation of a 
body like methemoglobin and called sulpho-hemoglobin. In frogs 
this happens during life but in mammals apparently comes on im- 
mediately after death. Externally the sulphides in solution dis- 
solves the horny epidermis and hair, and leads to irritation of the 
skin after prolonged action. 

The sulphides undergo oxidation in the blood and escape in the 
urine as sulphates and organic sulphur compounds and in the breath 
and sweat as hydrogen sulphide. Sulphurated potassa has been ad- 
ministered internally as a substitute for sulphur, but is only of 
value externally. 

Action and Uses External. — Sulphurated potassa is one of the 
most serviceable agents we possess in the treatment of chronic forms 
of skin diseases, as acne, lichen, but particularly eczema of the horse 
and dog. It is locally stimulant, alterative (?), and parasiticide. 
There is only one drawback to its general use, which is its exceedingly 
disagreeable odor. Peruvian balsam is frequently substituted for 
this reason in the treatment of skin diseases in dogs. A solution, 
"yellow lotion," is used in different strengths (1-8 to 1-15), ac- 
cording to the amount of stimulation which the skin will endure. 
The "yellow lotion" is a good agent for killing lice upon the skin. 
The following prescription will be found of benefit in canine prac- 
tice: 

Potassse Sulphuratse 3 ii. ss. 

Ohloralis ° ss - 

01. Anisi ""I"- 

Aquse ad 5 iv. 

M. 

S. External use. 

The chloral relieves itching and the anise disguises to some ex- 
tent the odor of hydrogen sulphide. 



242 INORGANIC AGENTS 



SECTION XL 
Acids. 

Acidum Hydrochlorictjm. Hydrochloric Acid. HC1. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

(Muriatic Acid.) 

Synonym. — Acidum hydrochloratum, S. chlorhydricum, E. ; 
acide ehlorhydrique S. muriatique, Er. ; salz satire, Gr. 

A liquid composed of 31.9 per cent., by weight, of absolute 
hydrochloric acid, and 68.1 per cent, of water. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Distil together sulphuric acid, sodium chloride 
and water. The resulting hydrochloric acid gas is passed into dis- 
tilled water, while acid sodium sulphate remains in the retort and is 
further acted upon by sodium chloride. 2 Na CI -f- H 2 S 4 = 
H CI + Na HS0 4 ; then : Xa HS0 4 + JS T a CI = H CI + Na 2 S0 4 . 

Properties. — A colorless, fuming liquid, of a pungent odor and 
an intensely acid taste. Spec, gr., about 1.158 at 25° C. (77° P.) 
Miscible, in all proportions, with water and alcohol. 

Incompatibles. — Alkaline and other carbonates, and lead and 
silver salts. 

preparations. 

Acidtjm Hydrochlorictjm Diltjtum, Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum, Acidum 
nlteohydrochlokicum dlxutum. 

Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum. Diluted Hydrochloric Acid. 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

(Diluted Muriatic Acid.) 

Derivation. — Hydrochloric acid, 100: distilled water, 219. Diluted 
hydrochloric acid contains 10 per cent, of absolute hydrochloric acid. 
(U. S. P.) 

Properties. — It does not fume in the air and is without odor. Spec, gr., 
1.050. Otherwise corresponds to hydrochloric acid. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); Sh., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); Sw. & D., 
TTlx.-xxx. (.6-2.). 



SULPHURIC ACID 243 

Acidum Sulphuricum. Sulphuric Acid. H 2 S0 4 . 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Oil of vitriol, E. ; acide sulphurique, huile de 
vitriol, Fr. ; schwefelsaure, vitriolol, G. 

A liquid composed of not less than 92.5 per cent, by weight of 
absolute sulphuric acid, and not more than 7.5 per cent, water. 

Derivation. — Sulphurous anhydride, generated by roasting iron 
pyrites, or sulphur, is passed into leaden chambers. Nitric acid 
is introduced with steam, and the sulphurous anhydride undergoes 
oxidation and hydration. 2 HN0 3 + 2 SO* 4- HoO = 2 H J30 4 

+ ^ T 2 o 3 . 

The nitrous acid combines with oxygen and water in the air, and 
is re-transformed into the nitric acid, acting continually as a carrier 
of oxygen to sulphurous anhydride. 

Properties. — A colorless liquid, of oily consistence, inodorous, 
and very caustic and corrosive. Spec. gr. not below 1.826. Mis- 
cible, in all proportions, with water and alcohol, with evolution of 
so much heat that the mixing requires great caution. (U. S. P.) 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and carbonates, calcium and lead 
salts. 

pbepabattons. 

Acidum Stjlphueicum Dilutum, Acidum Stjlphubicum Abomaticum. 

Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum. Diluted Sulphuric Acid. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Sulphuric acid, 100; distilled water, 825. 

Properties. — Diluted sulphuric acid contains 10 per cent., by weight, of 
absolute sulphuric acid. Spec. gr. about 1.067. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15) ; Sh., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; Sw. & D., 
1Tlx.-xxx. (.6-2.). 

Acidum, Sulphuricum Aromaticum. Aromatic Sulphuric Acid. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Tinctura aromatica acida, P. G.; elixir vitrioli Mynsichti, elixir 
of vitriol, E. ; elixir vitriolique, teinture (alcool) aromatique sulphurique 
Fr.; saure aromatische tinctur, Mynsicht's elixir, G. 

Derivation. — Sulphuric acid, 111 Cc; tincture of ginger, 50 Cc; oil of cin 
namon, 1 Cc; alcohol to make 1,000 Cc. (U. S. P.) 

Properties. — Aromatic sulphuric acid contains about 20 per cent., by weight 
of official sulphuric acid, partly in form of ethyl sulphuric acid. Spec, gr 
about 0.933. (U. S. P.) 



244 INOEGANIC AGENTS 

Dose.— H., 3ss.-i. (2.-4.); C, 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); Sh., u1.xv.-xxx. (1.-2.); Sw. & 
D., TTLv.-xv. (.3-1.). 



Acidum Xiteicum. Mtric Acid. Hi^0 3 . (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acide azotique, Fr. ; salpetersaure, G. 

A liquid composed of 68 per cent., by weight, of absolute nitric 
acid, and 32 per cent, of water. 

Derivation.- — Seven parts of sodium or potassium nitrate are 
distilled with, four parts of sulphuric acid and water. KJST0 3 -f- 
H 2 S0 4 = KHS0 4 + HNO-j. 

Properties. — A colorless, fuming liquid, very caustic and cor- 
rosive, and having a peculiar, somewhat suffocating odor. Spec. gr. 
about 1.403. (U. S. P.) 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and carbonates, iron sulphate, lead 
acetate and alcohol. 



preparations. 

Acidum Nitricum Dilutum, Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum, 

Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum. 

I. Acidum ~Nitricum Dilutum. Diluted Nitric Acid. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Nitric acid, 100; distilled water, 580. Diluted nitric acid 
contains 10 per cent., by weight, of absolute nitric acid. Spec. gr. about 1.054. 
(U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); Sh., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); Sw. & 
D., 1T|v.-xxx. (3-2.). 

II. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum. Nitrohydrochloric Acid. (U. S. P.) 

(Nitromuriatic Acid.) 

Derivation. — Nitric acid, 180; hydrochloric acid, 820. Chemical composition 
uncertain. 

Properties. — A golden yellow, fuming and very corrosive liquid, having a 
strong odor of chlorine. The strong acid should always be freshly prepared 
and should be used in preference to the diluted acid. It may be made off 
hand by mixing 4 parts of nitric acid with 16 parts of hydrochloric acid. 
The mixture should remain in an open bottle not more than half full, until 
the fumes pass off. 

Dose.— H., TH.xx.-xl. (1.3-2.6); D., TTliii.-v. (.2-.3). 



NITRIC ACID 24:5 

III. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum. Diluted Nitrochloric Acid. 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

(Diluted Nitromuriatic Acid.) 

Synonym. — Acidum chloro-nitrosum, P. G.; aqua regia S. regis, — acide 
chloro-azotique S. chloro-nitreux, eau Regales, Fr.; salpetersalzsaure, konigs- 
wasser, G-. 

Derivation. — Nitric acid, 40; hydrochloric acid, 182; distilled water, 780. 

Properties. — A colorless, or pale yellow liquid, having a faint odor of 
chlorine and a very acid taste. Completely volatilized by heat. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; Sw. & D., 
HI v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

Acidum Phosphoricum. Phosphoric Acid. H 3 P 4 . 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

A liquid composed of not less than 85 per cent., by weight, of 
absolute orthophosphoric acid (H 3 P 4 ), and not more than 15 per 
cent, of water. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Heat phosphorus with diluted nitric acid till 
nitrous fumes cease. P 3 + 5 HN0 3 + 2 H,0 =3 H 3 P0 4 + 
5 NO. 

Properties. — A colorless liquid, without odor, but having a 
strongly acid taste. Spec. gr. not below 1.707. Miscible, in all 
proportions, with water or alcohol. (IT. S. P.) 

PREPARATION. 

Acidum Phosphoricum ■ Dilutum. Diluted Phosphoric Acid. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Phosphoric acid, 100; distilled water, 750. (U. S. P.) Di- 
luted phosphoric acid contains 10 per cent., by weight, of absolute orthophos- 
phoric acid. Spec. gr. about 1057. 

Dcse.—H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); Sh., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); D., In. 
v.-xxx. (.3-2.) 

Acidum Aceticum. Acetic Acid. H CoH 3 2 . 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acetum purum, — acetum destillatum, P.G. ; acide 
acetique dime, Fr. ; reiner essig, G. 

A liquid composed of 36 per cent., by weight, of absolute acetic 
acid, and 64 per cent, of water. 



246 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Derivation. — Distillation of dry sodium acetate with sulphuric 
acid and crystallization of the distillate. ]STa C 2 H 3 2 + H 9 S0 4 = 
HC 2 H 3 2 + Na H S0 4 . 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, having a strong, vinegar- 
like odor, a purely acid taste and a strongly acid reaction. Spec. gr. 
about 1.045. Miscible with water or alcohol in all proportions. 

PBEPABATION. 

Acidum Aceticum Dilutum. Diluted Acetic Acid. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acetum concentration, acide acetique, Fr. ; verdiinnte essig- 
saure, G. 

Derivation. — Acetic acid, 100; distilled water, 500. Diluted acetic acid 
contains 6 per cent., by weight, of absolute acetic acid. Spec. gr. about 1.008. 
Not employed internally except in the form of official aceta. Vinegar is impure 
diluted acetic acid, made by destructive distillation of wood, or by acetous 
fermentation and oxidation of alcoholic solutions, as cider. 

C 2 H B H + O, = H C 2 H 3 2 + H 2 0. A temperature of 80° F., and the pres- 
ence of the ferment or mould (Mycoderma aceti), are necessary. 

Acidum Aceticum Glacial. Glacial Acetic Acid. IICoHo0 2 . 

(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acidum aceticum, P. G. ; acidum aceticum concen- 
tratum, acetum glaciale, — acide acetique concentree, esprit de vin- 
aigre, vinaigre glacial, Fr. ; essigsaure, eissesig, G. 

Derivation. — Same as acetic acid. 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid of a strong vinegar-like 
odor, and a very pungent, purely acid taste. Contains about 99 
per cent, of absolute acid. Not used internally. 

Acidum Tartaricum. Tartaric Acid. H 2 C 4 H 4 6 . 
(XT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Sal essentiale tartari, acide tartrique, acide de 
tartre, Fr. ; weinsaure, weinsteinsaure, G. 

Derivation. — Boil acid potassium tartrate or argol (incrustation 
in wine casks) with chalk to form calcium tartrate. 2 K H C 4 H 4 6 
-fCa C 3 = Ca C 4 H 4 6 + K 2 C 4 H 4 6 + B~ 2 + C 2 . Add 
calcium chloride, which precipitates more calcium tartrate, and de- 
compose with sulphuric acid. H 2 S 4 + Ca C 4 H 4 6 = Ho0 4 H 4 O s 
+ Ca S 4 . 



CITRIC ACID 



217 



Evaporate solution. Calcium sulphate crystals separate and are 
removed, while tartaric acid crystallizes on further evaporation. 

Properties.— Colorless, translucent, monoclinic prisms, or crys- 
talline crusts, or a white powder; odorless, having a purely acid 
taste, and permanent in the air. Soluble in about 0.71 part of water, 
and 'in 1.67 parts of alcohol. Not commonly used in Veterinary 

medicine. 

Dose.— H., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; D., gr.x.-xxx. (.6-2.). 

Acidtjm Citeicum. Citric Acid. H 3 C 6 H 5 7 . (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym.— Acidum citri S. limonum, S. limonorum, acide 
citrique, acide du citron, Fr. ; citronensaure, G. 

Derivation. — Usually prepared from the lemon (Citrus le- 
monum), or lime (Citrus bergamia). Boiling lemon juice (contain- 
ing 7 per cent, of citric acid) is treated with chalk to form calcium 
citratef 2 H 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 3 Ca C 3 = Ca 3 (C 6 H 5 7 ) 2 + 3 C 2 

+ 3HoO. ., n i 

Calcium citrate is boiled with sulphuric acid and the resulting 
citric acid is obtained by filtration, evaporation and crystallization. 
Ca 3 (C 6 H 5 7 ) 2 + 3 H; S 4 = 2 H 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 3 Ca S 4 . 

. Properties.— Colorless, translucent, right-rhombic prisms; odor- 
less, having an agreeable, purely acid taste ; efflorescent in warm air 
and deliquescent when exposed to moist air. Soluble in 0.54 parts of 
water and in 1.55 parts of alcohol. 

Dose.— H., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; D., gr.x.-xx. (.6-1.3). 

PREPARATION. 

Syrupus Acidi Citrici. Syrup of Citric Acid. (U. S. P.) 

Citric Acid, 10; water, 10; spirit of lemon, 10; syrup to make 1000. 

Dose. — Ad lib. 

Acidtjm Lacticum. Lactic Acid. H C 3 H 5 3 . 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acide lactique, Pr. ; milchs'aure, G. 

An organic acid, usually obtained by subjecting milk-sugar or 
grape-sugar to lactic fermentation. Composed of 75 per cent., by 
weight, of absolute lactic acid, and 25 per cent, of water. 

Properties. — A colorless, syrupy liquid, odorless, of a purely 
acid taste. Spec. gr. about 1.206. Preely miscible with water, 
alcohol, or ether. 



248 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Dose.— H., 5 ii.-iv. (8.15.) ; D., TTlxxx.-3 i. (2.-4.). 

Other acids to be found in other sections. 

Action External. — The concentrated mineral acids are powerful 
escharotics, but in dilution are stimulant, astringent, rubefacient, 
vesicant, according to their strength. Acids have a great affinity 
for the alkaline juices of the tissues and blood, and weak acid solu- 
tions are thus neutralized. Strong acids coagulate albumin, probably 
by combining with alkalies, which hold albumin in solution, and pre- 
cipitating especially the globulins of the tissues. When mineral 
acids are present in abundance the albumin first coagulated is after- 
wards dissolved (except nitric acid), and the corrosive action of the 
acids is extensive. Acids further destroy tissue by combining with 
water, for which they have also a great affinity, particularly sulphuric 
and phosphoric acids. The former withdraws water to such an ex- 
tent that the tissues are carbonized and blackened. Sulphuric acid 
is more destructive of tissue and acts more extensively than the 
other mineral salts. Nitric acid is less caustic, and hydrochloric 
acid is the least corrosive. Nitric acid stains the parts yellow, and 
hydrochloric, white. The vegetable acids, as citric and tartaric acids., 
are slightly caustic, but are irritant to the skin, and still more so to 
raw surfaces and mucous membranes. An ounce of tartaric acid has 
caused death in man through its local effect. The action of the 
caustic alkalies is more widespread than that of the mineral acids. 
Diluted sulphuric and nitric acids are astringents, because of their 
power of condensing tissues, and also hemostatics in causing com- 
pression of blood vessels by contracting of the tissues about them. 
Nitric acid is commonly employed externally, because its effect is 
limited by its own eschar, which is not dissolved by an excess of 
acid. 

Hydrochloric acid has no astringent effect and is not used 
externally for its caustic properties. The acids are antiseptic, but 
are less appropriate than other agents in most cases, on account of 
their irritant action. Free hydrochloric acid as it exists in the 
gastric juice (0.2-0.3 of 1 per cent.) is a powerful antiseptic and 
even germicide. 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — The classical experi- 
ments of Pawlow have materially altered our conceptions of the 
action of acids. We have shown (p. 17) that indirectly, by stimulat- 
ing the formation of secretin in the stomach and intestines, they 
excite the activity of all the glands giving rise to the secretions con- 
cerned with digestive activity. They all aid digestion. Hydro- 
chloric acid is particularly serviceable in gastric anacidity, being the 
natural acid of the gastric juice. The mineral acids also possess a 
certain degree of antiseptic action on the contents of the digestive 



ACTION OF ACIDS 249 

tract. Diluted acids are called refrigerants in imparting a sense of 
coolness to the skin and mucous membrane of the mouth, and, by 
augmenting the secretion of saliva, relieve thirst in fever. The acids 
exert a local stimulant and astringent action upon the intestinal 
canal. Xitric acid is particularly a stimulant, sulphuric acid 
an astringent. 

Constitutional Action. — Almost all living matter possesses an 
alkaline or neutral reaction. An animal dies from acid poisoning 
even before its blood becomes neutral. The constitutional action of 
acids is seen after absorption of dilute solutions. Acids are im- 
mediately converted into salts — as acid can not exist as such in the 
tissues or blood. In the case of herbivora the fixed alkalies of 
the tissues and blood thus neutralize acid as it is absorbed. When 
the alkalies of the blood and tissues are consumed the animal dies. 
Herbivora are very susceptible to acid poisoning, as in them the 
lessened alkalinity of the blood renders it unable to carry carbonic 
acid from the tissues to the lungs. 

When the tissues become flooded with carbonic dioxide, dyspnea, 
heart weakness, depression of the vasomotor centre, and death by 
failure of the respiration ensue. 

Carnivora are more resistant to acid poisoning because they 
possess a protective power whereby they are able to liberate free am- 
monia from their tissues and thus neutralize absorbed acid and save 
— to a considerable extent — the fixed alkalies in their blood and 
tissues. 

Acid is absorbed from the digestive tract as acid salts and in this 
form is eliminated by the kidneys, which may lead to renal irritation 
and the presence of albumin and blood in the urine. 

The urine of herbivora therefore becomes strongly acid and con- 
tains large quantities of the salts of the alkalies ; that of carnivora 
holds an excess of ammonia and — to a less degree — an increase in 
potassium and sodium salts. 

The organic acids are also absorbed as salts of the alkalies but 
do not usually reduce the alkalinity of the blood or render the urine 
acid. 

They are oxidized into carbonates in the tissues and may even 
alkalize the urine by their elimination as alkaline carbonates. The 
vegetable salts are infrequently used in veterinary medicine. The 
effect of the mineral acids on the body is due almost wholly to their 
hydrogen ion, to which they owe their activity. 

Diluted phosphoric acid relieves thirst and forms an agreeable 
cooling drink in fevers. Phosphoric acid is used as a tonic and re- 
constituent, but experiments have shown that phosphorus compounds 
of the body can not be built- from inorganic forms of phosphorus. 



250 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Poisoning. — If acid be spilled on the skin, alkalies should be 
applied, and in case of sulphuric acid the excess of acid should first 
be rubbed off, and then large quantities of very dilute alkaline solu- 
tions or soapsuds should be employed to avoid evolution of heat when 
the acid combines with water. When acids are swallowed, there is 
excoriation and sloughing of mucous membranes, difficulty in swal- 
lowing, vomiting of dark brown material and mucus (in animals capa- 
ble of the act), severe colic, pain on movement, constipation, or, 
rarely, bloody diarrhea. Occasionally some acid flows into the lar- 
ynx during deglutition and edema and suffocation rapidly ensue. 
There is inflammation of the upper part of the digestive canal, 
thirst, and collapse, with weak pulse and cold extremities. Soften- 
ing, sloughs, hemorrhage and perforation of the mucous membrane 
of the mouth, gullet and stomach and small intestines are found post 
mortem. 

Treatment. — Soapsuds, sodium bicarbonate, lime water, mag- 
nesia, or other alkalies. Demulcents, as milk, white of egg, gum 
arable and linseed tea. Opium and stimulants. Wash out the 
stomach with a large amount of alkaline solution. 

Uses External. — Strong mineral acids are used as caustics. 
One part of sulphuric acid is mixed with three parts of sulphur, or 
asbestos, to form a paste for the destruction of morbid growths. 

The application of sulphuric acid is somewhat dangerous, as 
it is difficult to limit the action, and it is not by any means the best 
escharotic, nor so good as nitric acid, which produces less extensive 
destruction of tissue, and is a useful agent for the removal of tumors, 
for the cauterization of bites inflicted by rabid animals, and for the 
treatment of foul, sloughing wounds or foot-rot. 

The action of nitric acid may be limited by surrounding the 
part to which the strong acid is applied with oil, or by washing the 
acid off with soapsuds. Glacial acetic acid is frequently employed 
to remove warts and small excrescences. It is not so powerful as 
sulphuric or nitric acid. The acids in weak solution (3 i.-Oi.) are 
useful in relieving irritation of the skin, as in urticaria, for their 
astringent action upon piles, and to stop slight hemorrhages. Vine- 
gar diluted with 3 parts of water may be used for the same purposes. 
Nitric acid (nt v.-xxx. to § i. of water) is a good antiseptic and 
astringent application to indolent ulcers, wounds, or, in the mouth, 
for ulcerative or mercurial stomatitis. 

Uses Internal. — The acids are all of value in digestive disorders. 
Hydrochloric acid is useful in fever, to relieve thirst and aid diges- 
tion, when a few drops may be put in the drinking water. Hydro- 
chloric acid is especially indicated for gastric indigestion with de- 
ficiency in the secretion of gastric juice, in convalescence, and for 



PICEIC ACID 251 

fermentation and tympanites in chronic gastritis. This applies to 
chronic tympany with diarrhea in cattle when one to two drams 
may be given in the drinking water twice daily with salt and pow- 
dered mix vomica on the feed. Hydrochloric acid should be given 
after feeding, and is often combined with bitters. It acts as an 
antiseptic in addition to aiding digestion. Hypersecretion of hydro- 
chloric acid, or hyperchlorhydria, is said to be characterized by acid 
reaction of the secretion in the mouth, and a desire to lick alkaline 
earthy matters. It is best treated by alkalies after feeding. All 
the acids are serviceable in the treatment of diarrhea and intestinal 
indigestion. Aromatic sulphuric acid (with opium) is more partic- 
ularly valuable as a remedy for watery purging. Nitric and nitro- 
hydrochloric acids are of more use in diarrhea with indigestion, 
jaundice, and disordered hepatic functions. The latter acid is often 
combined with nux vomica in the treatment of intestinal indigestion, 
and is a valuable remedy in catarrhal jaundice of dogs. The mineral 
acids are of service in preventing the formation of phosphatic calculi 
in horses. 

Sulphuric acid is utilized in acute lead poisoning, as an anti- 
dote, to form insoluble sulphates in the bowels. The acids are 
given for their remote astringent action in arresting or preventing 
hemorrhage (purpura) from internal organs, and in diminishing 
excessive sweating and mucous discharges; but are inferior to other 
agents in the treatment of these conditions. 

Administration. — The acids should be all thoroughly diluted 
with water for internal use. 

Acidum Picbicum. Picric Acid. C 6 H 2 (]^0 2 )30H. 

(Non-Official.) 

Synonym. — Acidum carbazoticnm, carbazotic or nitrophenisic 
acid, trinitrophenol, E. ; Acide picrique, carbazotique, nitroxanthique, 
Jaune-amer, Pr. ; Pikrinsaure, trinitrocarbolsaure, welter'sches bit- 
ter, G. 

Derivation. — Picric acid is made by mixing together equal parts 
of phenol and sulphuric acid and adding, to the resulting phenolsul- 
phonic acid, nitric acid in a thin stream with constant stirring as 
long as nitrous fumes are given off. 

Properties. — Picric acid occurs in bright yellow, inodorous 
scales or needles and, on being rapidly heated, will explode. It is 
soluble in 86 parts of water at 59° P., in 25 parts of boiling water 
which results in forming a saturated solution on cooling which con- 
tains about 1.2 per cent, of picric acid. It is readily soluble in 
chloroform and ether. 



252 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Action Internal. — When given internally picric acid stains the 
skin, mucous membranes and urine yellow and, in large doses, causes 
nausea, vomiting and purging, convulsions, hemolysis and death in 
collapse. It is eliminated as picramic acid. Its use in medicine is 
chiefly confined to its external action. 

Action External. — Picric acid is a powerful germicide. Ehren- 
fried found the saturated aqueous solution fifty times more powerful 
than a one per cent, solution of phenol. While slightly irritating in 
saturated solution it soon produces a marked analgesic action which is 
persistent. 

Solutions coagulate albumin and on raw surfaces a scab is 
quickly formed through coagulated serum. This effect is valuable 
on clean, fresh wounds and in granulating wounds and ulcers which 
are free from pus. 

On suppurating surfaces the scab formed may only confine the 
pus. There is no agent in surgery which stimulates so effectually 
the process of epidermization or the formation of new skin. Picric 
acid possesses great osmotic power, solutions permeating rubber 
gloves. 

Uses External. — Picric acid is commonly employed by dissolv- 
ing it in the proportion of 3 drams to the quart of boiling water and 
the resulting sterile, saturated solution is then ready for use. It has 
been applied with success to sterilize the unbroken skin for opera- 
tions. Its greatest field of usefulness lies in the treatment of burns 
of the first and second degree. After cleansing the burns with tinc- 
ture of green soap and water and lysol solution, and pricking vesicles, 
strips of sterile gauze soaked in the saturated solution are applied 
and covered with sterile, absorbent cotton and bandage. On the third 
day the dressing is removed, after wetting with picric acid solution, 
and reapplied to remain a week. The same application is useful in 
fresh lacerated wounds and in ulcers and granulating surfaces, after 
suppuration has ceased. 

The saturated solution is sometimes used to allay pruritus and 
as a stimulant in chronic eczema. 

Uses Internal. — The potassium salt — potassium picrate — is oc- 
casionally administered as an anthelmintic. Young pigs, gr. iv.-viii. 
(0.24-0.5); lambs, gr. vii.-xx. (0.5-1.3). 

Actdum Boricum. Boric Acid. H 3 B0 3 . (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Boracic acid, E. ; acide borique, Fr. ; acidum 
boracicum, sal. sedativum Hombergti, borsaure, G. 

Derivation. — Made by evaporation and crystallization of solu- 
tions obtained by passing steam issuing from rocks in volcanic regions 



SODIUM BORATE 25 3 

of Italy, through water; or by the action of hydrochloric or sulphuric 
acids upon borax. jSTa.,B 4 7 (borax) -j- 10 H 2 -j- 2 HC1 = 4 
H 3 B0 3 -4- 2 XaCl -4- 5 H 2 0. Recovered by filtration and recrys- 
tallization. 

Properties. — Transparent, colorless scales, of a somewhat pearly 
lustre, or, six-sided triclinic crystals, or a light, white, very fine pow- 
der, slightly unctuous to the touch ; odorless, having a faintly bitter- 
ish taste, and permanent in the air. Soluble in 18 parts of water 
and in 15.3 parts of alcohol; also soluble in 4.6 parts of glycerin. 
It is feebly acid. 

Dose. — H., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.). Foals and calves, gr.xx.-xxx. 
(1.3-2.). D., gr.v.-xv. (.3-1.) 

PKEPAEATION. 

Glyceritum Boroglycerini. Glycerite of Boroglycerin. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Glycerinum acidi borici, B. P.; glycerite of glyceryl borate, 
solution of boroglyceride. Boric acid, 310; glycerin to make 1,000. Solution 
prepared by heat (302° F.) 

Unguentum Acidi Borici. (10 per cent.) (U. S. & B. P.) 

Sodii Boras. Sodium Borate. Na 2 B 4 7 . (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Borax, B.P. ; natrum biboricum, boras, boras sodi- 
cus, E. ; borate de soudre, Fr. ; borsaures natron, Gr. 

Derivation. — Natural deposits of the crude article occur as 
incrustations on shores of lakes in Nevada and California, which are 
purified by calcination and crystallization. Borax is also made by 
boiling boric acid with sodium carbonate. 4 H 3 B 3 -f- Na^C 3 
= Na~ 2 B 4 7 + C 2 + 6 H 2 O. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a 
white powder, inodorous and having a sweetish, alkaline taste. 
Slightly efflorescent in warm, dry air. Soluble in 20.4 parts of wa- 
ter at 77° F., and in 0.5 part of boiling water; insoluble in alcohol. 
At 176° F. it is soluble in one part of glycerin. Borax is slightly 
alkaline. 

ACTION OF BORIC ACID AND BORAX. 

Boric acid and borax are essentially mild, non-irritating anti- 
septics. These agents are practically harmless, as ordinarily em- 
ployed, yet death in man has been reported from absorption of a 
5 per cent, solution of boric acid used for irrigation of the large 



254 INORGANIC AGENTS 

cavities of the body, and fatalities have resulted from its external use 
and from the ingestion of quantities of boric acid. 

Three drachms of boric acid may be given daily to dogs, without 
causing any untoward effect. In man, boric acid poisoning has 
been exhibited by feeble pulse, subnormal temperature, vomiting, 
erythema and swelling of superficial parts, muscular weakness, in- 
voluntary evacuations, coma, and disordered respiration. Boric acid 
is eliminated by the urine, sweat, saliva and feces. Borax tends to 
alkalize the urine, but neither borax nor boric acid are diu- 
retics. 

Boric acid and borax, like other antiseptics, relieve itching and 
destroy parasites upon the skin. Boric acid exerts an antiseptic 
action upon the contents of the digestive tract and upon the urine. 
It is thought to possess some emmenagogue action. 

The value of boric acid and borax is chiefly surgical. They are 
employed more commonly upon the mucous membranes of the eye- 
lids, mouth, nose, vagina, urethra and bladder, for their non-irritat- 
ing, antiseptic properties, and also to relieve itching and to destroy 
parasites upon the skin. Boric acid is in more frequent use than any 
other agent in simple catarrhal conjunctivitis, and may be combined 
to advantage with cocaine as follows : 

Cocaine Hydrochlor gr.v.-x. 

Acid. Borici gr.x.-xx. 

Aquae ad B i- 

M. 

S. Eye lotion. 

Borax is perhaps more appropriate in the mouth, being alka- 
line. It is applied by swab, in saturated solution, for aphthous and 
other forms of stomatitis. A saturated solution (4 per cent.) of 
boric acid is useful as an injection for ozena, cystitis and vaginitis. 
Borax in saturated solution assuages pruritus ani and vulvae, and is 
employed as an application for ringworm. Boroglyceride is indi- 
cated for burns and wounds. 

A serviceable antiseptic dressing is made by soaking gauze in a 
boiling saturated solution of boric acid. The dried gauze contains 
boric acid, which crystallizes upon it as the solution cools. One of 
very best non-toxic wet dressings for wounds and ulcers consists 
of 2 parts saturated boric acid solution with 1 part of alcohol. One 
part of boric acid in combination with four parts of zinc oxide forms 
a soothing, protective dusting powder for chafed surfaces, intertrigo, 
erythema and moist eczema in dogs. Boric acid is prescribed in 10 



CARBON 255 

per cent, ointment for burns, eczema and psoriasis. It is perhaps 
the best remedy for canker of the ear in dogs (otitis externa). The 
ear should be syringed out with a 2 per cent, solution, dried with ab- 
sorbent cotton, and powdered with pure boric acid. The internal 
uses of boric acid are unimportant. It has been recommended 
and given as an emmenagogue, and as an intestinal antiseptic 
in fermentative diarrhea of foals and calves. Boric acid is often 
administered in human medicine to acidify the urine and 
disinfect the genito-urinary tract, although not so efficient as 
urotropin. 



SECTION XII. 
Class 1. — Carbon. 

Carbon is represented officially as follows: 

Caebo Antmalis. Animal Charcoal. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Bone black, E. ; charbon, Fr. ; thier (or) knochen- 
kohle, G. 

Derivation. — Bones freed from fat are exposed to great heat 
in close iron cylinders till ammoniacal vapors pass off. The result- 
ing charcoal is pulverized and contains about 10 per cent, of carbon 
and 88 per cent, of calcium phosphate and carbonate. 

Properties. — Dull, black, granular fragments, or a dull black 
powder ; odorless, nearly tasteless, and insoluble in water or alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, % i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; 
D., gr.xx.-3 i. (1.3-4.). 

PREPARATION. 

Carbo Animalis Purificatus. Purified Animal Charcoal. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Animal charcoal, 100, is boiled with hydrochloric acid, 300. 
and water to remove ash. Result filtered and residue on filter paper washed 
and dried. 

Properties. — A dull, black powder, odorless and tasteless; insoluble in water, 
alcohol or other solvents. 

Dose. — Same as above. 



256 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Caebo Ligni. Charcoal. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Wood charcoal. 

Derivation. — Soft wood charred by piling it in heaps, igniting, 
and covering it with sand and turf to prevent rapid combustion. 

Properties. — A black, odorless and tasteless powder, free from 
gritty matter. Insoluble in water or alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as animal charcoal. 

Action. — Charcoal is essentially a Deodorant and Absorbent. 
It possesses the power to absorb gases like other porous substances. 
Ordinarily it holds oxygen and when it comes in contact with de- 
composing matter it gives up its oxygen and at the same time absorbs 
the gaseous products of the decomposing substance. In this way it 
hastens the fermentation by oxidation and, while not a sufficiently 
powerful oxidizer to act ' as a germicide or antiseptic, yet it may 
favor the growth of aerobic rather than anaerobic organisms. The 
latter particularly produce foul-smelling and toxic bodies. So it 
may be seen that charcoal acts directly to absorb gases and indirectly 
to prevent the formation of the more undesirable fermentations. It 
was formerly thought that charcoal only acted as an absorbent in the 
dry state, but it is almost as efficient when wet. 

Charcoal is not absorbed and escapes from the bowels unchanged. 
There is no material difference between the action of wood and 
animal charcoal. Externally charcoal acts as a Dessicant, Deodor- 
ant, and, indirectly, as an Antiseptic by absorption of the body 
fluids on which germs subsist. If administered continually in large 
quantities charcoal may produce mechanical obstruction in the 
bowels, and it is therefore employed in conjunction with laxatives. 

Uses External. — Charcoal is applied as a dusting powder with 
astringents and antiseptics upon ulcers, galled and raw surfaces. 
The following combination is useful : charcoal, 4r parts ; salicylic 
acid, 2 parts ; burnt alum, 1 part. It is also used in flaxseed meal 
poultices upon foul, sloughing parts. 

Uses Internal. — Charcoal is employed occasionally in indiges- 
tion, chronic gastric and intestinal catarrh, and diarrhea, accom- 
panied by flatulence and mucous discharges. Charcoal possesses the 
power of attracting and holding alkaloids in its substance, and so 
may be used in large doses as an antidote in poisoning by alkaloidal 
drugs, as opium, nux vomica and aconite. Its action is slow, and 
other means, as tannic acid, emetics and the stomach tube, are more 
efficient. 



CAKBON DISUXPHIDE 257 

Cakbonei Disulphidum. Carbon Disulphide. C So. 
(U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Carbonii bisulphidum, bisulphide of carbon, carbon 
sulphide, E. ; carboneum sulphuratum, alcohol sulfuris, P. G. ; 
sulfude de carbone, Er. ; schwegelkohlenstoff, G. 

Derivation. — Obtained from carbon and sulphur by distilla- 
tion. 

Properties. — A clear, colorless, highly refractive liquid; very 
diffusive, having a strong, characteristic, but not fetid odor, and a 
sharp, aromatic taste. Soluble in 526 ! parts of water; very soluble 
in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and fixed volatile oils. Spec. gr. 1.256 
to 1.257. Carbon disulphide vaporizes readily and is highly in- 
flammable. 

Actions and Uses. — Carbon disulphide is a rapid and powerful 
anesthetic when inhaled, and also locally, when applied in spray 
upon the skin. It produces muscular weakness, coma, and, rarely, 
convulsions in toxic doses. It has been used as a counter-irritant in 
the form of vapor, to cause absorption of enlarged lymphatic glands. 
Favorable results have been reported by Perroncito, with carbon 
disulphide given in gelatine capsules to horses to destroy the larva? 
of the bot fly (CEstrus equi). Two capsules containing 10 grams 
each for a horse and 8 grams each for a colt should be given two 
hours apart and followed in 12 hours by a pint of linseed oil. Walk- 
ing the patient prevents colic. Strongyles are also killed by this agent. 



Class 2. — Alcohol, Ether and Chloroform. 
Alcohol. Alcohol. C 5 H 2 O H. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Spiritus reetincatus, B. P.* ; spiritus vini rectifi- 
catus, alcohol vini, rectified spirit, E. ; alcool, Er. ; weingeist, G. ; 
spiritus, P. G. 

Alcohol is derived directly from fruit sugar, and indirectly 
from starch. The grains, as wheat, rye, corn; and potatoes, supply 
starch most economically. The starch in these substances is con- 
verted into glucose by heating with very dilute sulphuric acid, or by 
fermentation with malt. Glucose is further acted upon by yeast con- 
taining the Torula cerevisise, which converts 15 per cent, of glucose 

* Eectified spirit ( B. P. ) contains 90 per cent, of pure alcohol by volume 
(85.65 per cent, by weight). There are four official dilutions in the B. P. 
containing 70, 60, 45 and 20 per cent, of alcohol by volume respectively. 



258 INORGANIC AGENTS 

into alcohol and carbonic dioxide. C 6 H 1 o0 6 =2 C 2 H 5 O H -j- 
2 C0 2 . 

The weak alcohol resulting is subjected to repeated distillation 
until sufficiently pure and concentrated. In the natural fermenta- 
tion of fruit sugar in grape juice, during the formation of wine, 
the amount of alcohol is self -limited to 15, rarely 20 per cent., since 
the ferment is killed by an amount of alcohol greater than this. 

Derivation. — The official alcohol is derived from rectified spirit, 
by maceration, first with anhydrous potassium carbonate, then 
freshly fused calcium chloride, and finally by distillation. 

Properties. — A liquid composed of about 92.3 per cent., by 
weight, or 94.9 per cent., by volume, of ethyl alcohol (C 2 H 5 H), 
and about 7.7 per cent., by weight, of water (U. S. P.). A trans- 
parent, colorless, mobile and volatile liquid, of a characteristic, 
rather agreeable odor, and a burning taste. Spec. gr. about .816 at 
15.6 0. (60° F.). Miscible with water in all proportions and with- 
out any trace of cloudiness. Also miscible with ether or chloroform. 
It is readily volatile at low temperatures, and boils at 78° C. (172.4° 
F.). It is inflammable and burns with a blue flame. 

Dose.— H. & C, I i.-iii. (30.-90.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; 
D., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.). 



PREPARATION. 

Alcohol Dilutum. Diluted Alcohol. (U. S. P.) 

A liquid composed of about 41.5 per cent., by weight, or about 4S.9 per 
cent., by volume, of absolute ethyl alcohol (C 2 H 5 OH), and about 58.5 per cent. 
of water. (TJ. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Alcohol, 500; distilled water, 500. 



Alcohol Absoltjtum. Absolute Alcohol. CoH 5 H. 
(TJ. S. & B. P.) 

Ethyl alcohol, containing not more than 1 per cent., by weight, 
of water. 

Derivation. — Percolation of the purest alcohol through quick- 
lime, out of contact with the air, and redistillation in vacuo. 

Properties. — Transparent, colorless, mobile and volatile liquid, 
of a characteristic, rather agreeable odor, and a burning taste. Very 
hydroscopic. Spec. gr. not higher than 0.797 at 15.6° C. (60° F.) 



DEODORIZED ALCOHOL 259 

Alcohol Deodoeatum. Deodorized Alcohol. 
(Non-official.) 

A liquid composed of about 92.5 per cent., by weight, or 95.1 
per cent, by volume, of ethyl alcohol (C 2 H 5 O H), and about 7.5 
per cent., by weight, of water. 

Derivation. — Distillation of alcohol with about 2 per cent, of 
pure fused sodium acetate. 

Properties. — Similar to alcohol, except as regards odor. 

Spieitus Fetjmenti. Whisky. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Eau-de-vie de grains, Er. ; kornbranntwein, G. 

Derivation. — An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of 
the mash of fermented grain (usually of mixtures of corn, wheat and 
rye), and at least four years old. 

Properties. — An amber-colored liquid, having a distinctive odor 
and taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Its specific gravity should 
not be more than 0.945, nor less than 0.924, corresponding, ap- 
proximately, to an alcoholic strength of 37 to 47.5 per cent, by 
weight, or 44 to 55 per cent, by volume. Contains no more than 
traces of fusel oil. The alcoholic liquors owe their flavor or bouquet 
to ethers which are only developed in course of time. The amylic 
alcohol, or fusel oil in whisky is therefore converted into ethers, 
which give the characteristic flavor to whisky. 

Dose.— H. and C, % ii.-iv. (60.-120.); Sh. & Sw., § i.-ii. 
(30.-60.) ; D., 3 i.-iv. (4.-15.). 



Spieitus Vint Gallici. Brandy. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Spirit of French wine, E. ; eau-de-vie, cognac, Er. ; 
Frantzbranntwein, G. 

Derivation. — An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation 
of the fermented unmodified juice of fresh grapes, and at least four 
years old. 

Brandy is somewhat astringent and is often not made from the 
distillation of wine, but is a factitious preparation. Native brandy 
is said to be purer, but is usually inferior in flavor to that of foreign 
manufacture. Brandy contains 39-47 per cent, of absolute alcohol 
by weight; 46-55 per cent, by volume. 

Dose. — Same as that for whisky. 



260 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Spiritus Juniperi Composittjs. Compound Spirit of Jumper. 

(IT. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Oil of Juniper, 8 ; oil of caraway, 1 ; oil of fennel, 
1 ; alcohol, 1,400 ; water to make 2,000. 

Compound spirit of juniper is similar to gin in its therapeutic 
action. Contains about 15 per cent, more alcohol. Gin is made by 
distillation of fermented malt and juniper berries. Gin differs 
from the other alcoholic preparations therapeutically in being more 
diuretic. 

Dose. — Same as that for whisky. 

Rum. (Not official.) 

Rum is made from a fermented solution of molasses by distilla- 
tion. It contains, by weight, from 40 to 50 per cent, of absolute 
alcohol. Rum does not differ physiologically from alcohol. There 
is no authoritative Latin name for rum. 

Dose. — Same as that for whisky. 

Vinum Album. White Wine. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — An alcoholic liquid made by fermenting the juice 
of fresh grapes, the fruit of Vitis vinifera (nat. ord. vitacese), free 
from seeds, stems, and skins. 

Properties. — A pale amber or straw-colored liquid, having a 
pleasant odor, free from yeastiness, and a fruity, agreeable, slightly 
spirituous taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity. The Phar- 
macopoeia (1890) directs that the wine should contain from 1 to 12 
per cent., by weight, of absolute alcohol. California Hock and Reis- 
ling, Ohio Catawba, Sherry, Muscatel, Madeira and the stronger 
wines of the Rhine, Mediterranean, and Hungary, come within the 
pharmacopceial limits. Wines containing more than 14 per cent, of 
alcohol, are usually fortified, i.e., have alcohol or brandy added to 
them, and much imported Sherry and Madeira contain 15 to 20 per 
cent., by weight, of absolute alcohol. 

Vinum Rubrum. Red Wine. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — An alcoholic liquid made by fermenting the juice 
of fresh colored grapes, the fruit of Vitis vinifera (nat. ord. vitacea?)^ 
in presence of their skins. 



ALCOHOL 261 

Properties. — A deep-red liquid, having a pleasant odor, free 
from yeastiness, and a fruity, moderately astringent, pleasant and 
slightly acidulous taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity. 
Should contain not less than 7, nor more than 12 per cent., by 
weight, of alcohol. Native Claret, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Hun- 
garian wines may be included within the pharmacopceial limits of 
vinum rubrum. Port (vinum portense) is fortified with brandy 
during fermentation, and contains 15 to 25 per cent, by weight, of 
absolute alcohol. Port is astringent from tannic acid in the grapes, 
skins and stalks, or the astringency may be due to logwood. 

Eed wines are said to be rough, contain tannic acid and there- 
fore are astringent. Dry wines are those which contain little sugar. 
The wines develop ethers with age, and these improve their flavor and 
action. 

Champagne contains about 10 per cent, of absolute alcohol and 
carbonic acid gas, which acts as a local sedative upon the stomach. 
Ale, stout and beers contain from 4 to 8 per cent, of alcohol, together 
with bitters and malt extracts. Cider contains 5 to 9 per cent, of 
absolute alcohol. Imported Sherry (vinum xericum, B. P.), 15 to 
20 per cent, of absolute alcohol. Alcohol is the solvent most com- 
monly employed in pharmacy, dissolving alkaloids, resins, volatile 
oils, balsams, oleo-resins, tannin, sugar, some fats and fixed oils. 

Action External. — When applied in dilution to mucous mem- 
branes, raw surfaces or wounds, alcohol is a stimulant and local 
anesthetic; while in concentration, it is irritant and even caustic, 
coagulating mucus and albumin. If alcohol is allowed to evaporate 
from the unbroken skin, cooling of the surface and contraction of 
the superficial blood-vessels ensue, with diminished secretion of 
sweat ; but when alcohol is rubbed into the skin, it is absorbed, takes 
up water, hardens the integument and causes temporary vascular 
dilatation. Alcoholic aqueous dilutions containing 60 to TO per cent, 
of absolute alcohol are among the most valuable skin disinfectants. 
Absolute alcohol, or the undiluted commercial alcohol, have no 
germicidal action on dry bacteria, and alcohol in less than 40 per 
cent, strength is too weak. Alcohol is equal in germicidal action to 
3 per cent, carbolic acid solution. 

Action Internal. — Alcohol acts locally upon the mucous mem- 
brane of the alimentary canal, as described above, and if swallowed 
in concentration it produces congestion and white patches in the 
mouth by coagulating albumin upon the mucous membrane. The 
secretion of saliva is increased. In small doses the more powerful 
alcoholic liquors, as whisky and brandy, aid digestion by stimulat- 
ing locally the gastric circulation, secretion, movement and appetite. 

Alcohol, except in great dilution, tends to inhibit the action of 



262 INOEGANIC AGENTS 

the digestive ferments — gastric and pancreatic — and in so far 
antagonizes its beneficial influence on gastric digestion just noted. 
So, while often aiding digestion, alcohol may fail on this account in 
some cases. 

In large amounts, alcohol destroys the action of the peptic 
and pancreatic ferments, causes inflammation of the walls of the 
stomach and perverts the normal secretion into a mucous discharge. 
Alcohol is slightly astringent in the digestive tract, and may relieve 
pain by its local anesthetic action upon the stomach, and spasm, by 
stimulating the nervous mechanism controlling the stomach and 
bowels, and so co-ordinating the peristaltic movements. 

Circulation. — The reputation of alcohol as a circulatory stimu- 
lant has been much dimmed by the results of many experimenters 
who have found it has no stimulating action on the heart whatever. 
Still more recent work shows that alcohol has a mild stimulating 
action on the heart — especially when nutrition is low — probably by 
providing the heart muscle with assimilable nutriment. 

The reason for the supposition that alcohol is a heart stimulant 
was based on its action in increasing the pulse rate in man. In 
animals diluted alcohol does not affect either the rate or force of the 
heart, except in poisonous doses, when the pulse is slowed and weak- 
ened, owing to weakening of the cardiac systole and dilatation of 
the heart cavities. In man the increased pulse rate is attributable 
to muscular and mental activity produced by alcohol. 

The blood pressure is not materially altered by medicinal doses 
of alcohol. Alcohol raises blood pressure, however, after section 
of the cord cuts off vasomotor action. More delicate apparatus also 
shows that the output of the isolated heart is greater under alcohol. 
Marked dilatation of peripheral vessels following the use of alcohol, 
is seen in the flushing of the face in man. 

Redistribution of blood occasioned by alcohol appears to be of 
signal value in certain morbid conditions, as chills. In fever the 
slowing of the pulse, sometimes produced by alcohol, is thought to 
be due to its quieting effect on the central nervous system. 

There is a transient stimulation of the heart induced by the 
ingestion of strong alcoholic solutions in acting reflexly on the cir- 
culatory centres through irritation of the upper alimentary mucous 
membrane. 

Large doses of alcohol depress and paralyze the vaso-constrictor 
centres and heart muscle. 

Respiration. — The respiration is not appreciably influenced by 
medicinal doses of alcohol in animals. In man slight reflex stimula- 
tion occurs, with increase in rate, owing to peripheral excitation 



ALCOHOL 263 

of the alimentary tract. Enormous doses paralyze the respiratory 
centres. 

Temperature. — The temperature, both in health and fever, may 
be lowered by alcohol, because alcohol causes relaxation of the 
peripheral blood-vessels and loss of heat by radiation from the skin. 
The larger the quantity of alcohol ingested, the greater the fall of 
temperature. — In alcoholic narcosis, vasomotor paralysis and lessened 
movements lead to great loss of heat, particularly if the animal be at 
the same time exposed to cold. In small doses, alcohol may some- 
times increase the temperature in man by leading to excitement and 
muscular movements, but the sensation of warmth perceived in man 
following the use of alcohol is generally fallacious, and is simply due 
to flushing of the vessels of the skin and stomach. Some of the 
lowest temperatures ever observed have been in drunken persons 
exposed to cold. 

Tissue Change. — Metabolic activity is not altered to any degree 
by the action of alcohol in ordinary amounts. In serving as a non- 
nitrogenous food, of course, alcohol may influence carbonic dioxide 
exhalation as do other foods of its kind. But the drug does not 
exert a specific depressing action on the blood corpuscles or cell 
protoplasm to hinder oxidation, as it was formerly thought. 

Deductions drawn from the action of alcohol on tissue change 
as shown by carbonic dioxide and urea elimination are faulty. 
Alcohol increases or diminishes tissue change and oxidation only 
in proportion as it stimulates or interferes with muscular movement. 
Under the influence of alcohol more nitrogen escapes as uric acid 
and less in the form of urea. 

Nervous System. — Moderate doses of alcohol stimulate, while 
excessive quantities depress and paralyze the nervous system. This 
action is similar to that exerted upon the circulatory organs. The 
local effects of alcohol upon the peripheral nerves resembles the action 
after absorption upon the system generally. The nervous system is 
affected in nearly the same order and manner as by anesthetics, and 
the same stages may be observed. The stages include the stimulant, 
depressant and paralytic. The law of dissolution is demonstrated 
by alcohol, as the more highly organized centres, and those more 
recently developed in the process of evolution are the first to suc- 
cumb, and following out this order the medulla, the first of the 
higher centres to be developed, is the last to be influenced by the 
drug. In accordance with this law the cerebrum is first acted upon. 
The period of excitement is brief and is due in a considerable degree 
to the increased cerebral circulation and flushing of the brain. It is 
essential to emphasize the fact that by far the most apparent and 



264 INORGANIC AGENTS 

decided action of alcohol is one of depression upon the nervous system 
as a whole. Many experimenters' — as Schmiedeberg and Bunge — 
affirm that alcohol acts only as a depressant to the nervous system 
from the very outset. An increasing mass of evidence corroborates 
this view. The apparent enhanced mental activity in man is, ac- 
cording to this theory, simply due to lack of inhibitory control over 
the higher cerebral centres. Hence the freedom of speech and lack 
of modesty. Similarly the activity of the spinal reflex centres is 
thought to follow failure of inhibition. The mental excitement in 
man is chiefly due to exciting surroundings and does not occur in 
many persons nor in animals. 

While the fact that alcohol is no more a nervous than a cir- 
culatory stimulant is now being generally accepted, the author has 
not yet seen fit to change his original statements in this book. 

Alcohol has certainly an apparent primary stimulating effect on 
nerve centres and it is yet to be positively proven that alcohol has 
no real, actual stimulating effect on the nervous system. The stimu- 
lating influence of alcohol upon the spinal centres is more marked 
in the lower animals than in man, because the brain is proportion- 
ately small and poorly developed in the former. The primary stimu- 
lating effect of alcohol is shown in man by increased mental activity 
and apparent brilliancy, but acute reasoning and judgment are not 
enhanced, and in many cases there is almost immediate mental con- 
fusion and drowsiness induced. In man there is emotional excite- 
ment and the functions of speech and imagination are stimulated 
in the primary stage, but depression is soon noted in the loss of 
judgment and reasoning power, emotional control, decent restraint 
and speech. The patient cries, shouts, sings or laughs and talks 
incoherently. In the lower animals the stimulation of the higher and 
sensory psychical cerebral centres, with exhilaration, is rarely 
observed, but depression is seen in stupor and muscular incoordina- 
tion. Stimulation of the cerebral motor centres is shown by motor 
excitement. 

In man, following the symptoms described above, there is 
incoordination of muscular movements, first of those more highly 
and recently organized, such as are employed in writing, and then 
the muscular movements more remotely developed are affected, and 
the person is unable to walk, and finally there is complete paralysis 
of the motor centres and muscles. The staggering and uncertain gait 
of drunken people occurs not only because the cerebral motor and 
cerebellar centres are depressed by alcohol, but also because of loss 
of sensation and touch, or muscular sense, which is essential in main- 
taining the equilibrium. In relation to the spinal cord, primary 
stimulation of the reflex centres is more marked in animals than in 



ALCOHOL 



265 



man, as has been pointed out. In animals this stimulation causes 
motor excitement, so that the patient trembles, jumps about, or 
strikes out with the feet. Depression of the reflex centres occurs in 
the latter stage of poisoning, and is exhibited by involuntary defeca- 
tion and micturition ; sensation and voluntary motion are lost. The 
motor nerves and muscles are not generally paralyzed, except by the 
local action of alcohol. The medulla finally becomes depressed and 
paralyzed, so that respiration, which is first stimulated, now fails, 
and the heart muscle becomes paralyzed and its action ceases. 

The action of alcohol upon the nervous system may be sum- 
marized with a fair degree of accuracy, as stimulation and then 
depression of the parts enumerated below, and in the following 
order : 



Cerebral psychical centres. 
Cerebral sensory centres. 
Cerebral motor centres. 
Cerebellum. 



Spinal centres. 

Sensory, reflex and motor. 
Medullary centres. 

Vasomotor ( early depression ) , 

Respiratory. 



Horses and dogs are comparatively susceptible to alcohol, 
ruminants slightly so. An amount of alcohol equivalent to a pint of 
whisky has killed a sound horse, while four ounces of whisky will 
cause death in dogs if vomition be prevented by ligature of the 
esophagus. 

Primary motor excitement is followed by unsteady, staggering 
gait, and coma in fatal cases. 

Shin. — Alcohol dilates the peripheral vessels, and therefore 
brings more blood to the sudoriparous glands, and excites their func- 
tional activity. It is thus a diaphoretic. 

Kidneys. — Alcohol acts as a diuretic. The exact mode of this 
action is unknown. 

Nutrition. — Alcohol is a food, and, like other non-nitrogenous 
foods, supplies force and energy in its oxidation, takes the place of 
fats and carbohydrates, and may form fat in the body. It also 
protects food and tissue proteids from combustion. We are ignorant 
of the fate of alcohol after absorption, but we do know that the 
greater portion is decomposed and is not eliminated. Alcohol is most 
advantageous as a food in fever, or in conditions associated with weak 
digestion, since it is readily absorbed and assimilated. Alcohol 
causes dulness and lessened power for mental or physical work in 
man, and in normal conditions is not a desirable food unless there 
is a deficiency in the ordinary diet. In acting as a substitute for fat 
and carbohydrates, alcohol assists the accumulation of fat. 



266 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Elimination. — When alcohol is ingested in ordinary doses it is 
practically all consumed, and none but the most trivial amount is 
eliminated, i.e., five to ten per cent. The greater the quantity 
absorbed the larger the amount eliminated by the urine, breath, 
sweat and feces, both relatively and absolutely; but under no cir- 
cumstances after the most enormous doses does the elimination 
exceed 25 per cent, of the quantity ingested. Milk is not affected in 
quality or quantity through the ingestion of alcohol by the animal 
secreting it. 

Summary. — Alcohol is externally refrigerant, astringent, 
anhidrotic and antiseptic, and if applied so that absorption occurs, 
it is rubefacient. On raw surfaces it is slightly anesthetic. Alcohol 
is internally a stomachic, carminative and slight local anesthetic in 
the digestive tract. Alcohol is reflexly a heart stimulant through its 
irritant action on the alimentary tract before absorption. It also is 
a direct, mild stimulant to the heart. Alcohol is a narcotic and its 
chief action is in progressively depressing and paralyzing nerve cen- 
tres. It supplies force and is a food. Alcohol is a diuretic, 
diaphoretic, and antipyretic in dilating peripheral vessels and in 
causing sweating. 

Acute Poisoning. — In coma and muscular relaxation, the treat- 
ment consists in emptying the stomach by the tube, in the external 
application of heat and counter-irritants; while strychnine, digi- 
talone and atropine should be given subcutaneously and followed up 
with ammonia by the mouth. 

Uses External. — Alcohol is applied to the unbroken skin to 
bruises, for its local refrigerant and astringent action in relieving 
pain and congestion. Diluted to 10 per cent, strength, alcohol forms 
an antiseptic and local anesthetic application to wounds, and like 
most antiseptics, relieves itching, particularly when combined with 
1 to 2 per cent, of carbolic acid. Alcohol diluted with one-third 
part of water makes one of the best known agents for disinfection 
of the hands and operative field. It is relied upon entirely in some 
of the best hospitals in the country, in addition to thorough scrub- 
bing in soap and water. 

Uses Internal.- — Digestive Tract. — Alcohol is a useful remedy 
to promote appetite and assist digestion. The drug should be given 
immediately before eating or with the food, properly diluted, and 
often advantageously with egg and milk during fever or convalescence 
from acute diseases. Alcohol is frequently combined with bitters, 
as compound tincture of gentian, when employed as a stomachic. 

Acute Diseases. — Alcohol finds its greatest field of usefulness 
in the treatment of febrile diseases, notably influenza and strangles, 
bronchitis and pneumonia in horses. In such conditions it flushes 



ALCOHOL 267 

the vessels of the skin and distributes the blood more equally, allowing 
the heart to receive more blood and thus overcoming internal con- 
gestion. 

It is impossible to reconcile the clinical remedial effects of 
alcohol with its action on healthy animals. The results of recent 
researches — especially as showing an absence of stimulation of the 
circulation and respiration by alcohol — has led to its lessened use 
as a therapeutic remedy. Nevertheless the enormous practical ex- 
perience of some of the most acute clinicians of the past and present, 
that alcohol renders service in the diseases named herein, does not 
permit one to hastily sweep it aside as a therapeutic agent. We 
may summarize its worth in acute diseases as follows. It is a food 
and one which is not only digestible but which in itself may aid 
digestion. It has more food value than sugar. It dilates peripheral 
vessels and equalizes the circulation. In man one of its most potent 
effects is probably in acting as a narcotic and quieting the nervous 
system. 

A high temperature does not contra-indicate its use, but it is not 
desirable in the early stages of acute inflammatory disorders. Alco- 
hol is particularly serviceable in asthenic diseases — as purpura 
— and in continued fevers associated with much depression — as in 
puerperal and other forms of septicemia. 

In fevers alcohol sometimes causes the heart to beat more slowly. 
Whether this be due to stimulation of the inhibitory apparatus or 
invigoration, directly or indirectly, of the weakened organ, we do 
not know. 

The pulse, respiration and nervous system are our guides, and 
the object is to bring the functions into a more normal condition. 
Alcohol should therefore reduce the frequency of the pulse and 
respiration, when they are too rapid, and should cause the animal to 
become quieter. If these results are obtained, the use of the drug 
should be persisted in ; if otherwise, administration should be stopped. 
Small and repeated doses are more appropriate in fever. 

Alcohol is one of the most rapidly effective agents at our com- 
mand in syncope and cardiac failure from various causes — as sur- 
gical shock, severe hemorrhage, collapse, exhaustion, snake bite, and 
following exposure to cold. In these conditions it should be given in 
the form of spirits diluted with only an equal part of very hot water. 
It may act in these cases by stimulating reflexly the medullary, 
cardiac and respiratory centres by its irritant action on the ali- 
mentary tract, From our physiological data alcohol should not be 
of service in such conditions as a stimulant. Its narcotic action in 
serving as a nervous sedative in lessening anxiety and pain and so 
offsetting the effects of shock — may account in some measure for its 



268 INORGANIC AGENTS 

worth. Thus morphine is one of the best drugs to use in surgical 
shock — even better than alcohol. After exposure to cold it is easy 
to explain the benefit derived from alcohol in its action in dilating 
the peripheral vessels and directly antagonizing the results of cold. 
Experiments on healthy animals regularly receiving moderate doses 
of alcohol have proved that they are more susceptible to inoculation 
with bacteria and toxins than controls. In disease, however, clini- 
cians greatly differ on this point, Hare even going so far as to claim 
his experiments show that alcohol increases the power of the blood 
to overcome germs in disease. Here again the results of the effects 
of alcohol in health and disease clash. 

Administration. — Veterinary practitioners are fortunately ex- 
empt from any moral considerations in relation to their medicinal 
use of alcohol. Rum, gin and whisky are more commonly employed 
than the other alcoholic preparations, although diluted alcohol is 
practically as valuable. Gin is indicated when a diuretic action is 
important. Brandy, being more astringent, is given to dogs with 
diarrhea, and, combined with cracked ice in small quantities, relieves 
vomiting. Sherry may also be administered to dogs with advantage. 
The dose of the various alcoholic liquids depends upon the quantity 
of alcohol contained in them. 

Animals will usually take alcoholic preparations voluntarily if 
largely diluted with water, milk or gruel. Whisky should be diluted 
with about 4 parts of water when given in drench, unless the reflex 
action is desired, when it is administered in considerable doses with 
an equal amount of hot water. 

Diluted alcohol, undiluted whisky or brandy are injected sub- 
cutaneously when a rapid action is imperative. 

JItheb. Ether. (C 2 H 5 ) 2 0. (TL S. P.) 

Synonym. — iEther purus, B. P. ; aether fortior, pure ether, E. ; 
ether hydrique pur, Fr. ; reiner aether, G. 

A liquid composed of about 96 per cent., by weight, of absolute 
ether or ethyl oxide [(C 2 H 5 ) 2 0], and about 4 per cent, of alcohol 
containing a little water. 

Derivation. — Obtained by distillation of alcohol with sulphuric 
acid. There are two steps in the production of ether; sulphovinic 
acid and water are formed in the first step. H 2 S0 4 -f- C 2 H 5 H = 
C 2 H 5 , H S 4 + H 2 0. Sulphovinic acid is then further acted 
upon by alcohol. 

C;H 5 , H S 4 + C 2 H 5 , O H = (C 2 H 5 ) 2 O + H 2 S 4 . The 
distillate is freed from water by agitation with calcium oxide and 
chloride, and subjected to redistillation. 



ETHER 269 

Properties. — A transparent, colorless, mobile liquid, having a 
characteristic odor and a burning and sweetish-taste. Spec. gr. .716 
to .717 at 77° F. Soluble in about 10 times its volume of at 
77° F. Miscible in all proportions with alcohol, chloroform, ben- 
zine, benzol, fixed and volatile oils. Ether boils at about 35.5° C. 
(96° F.), and it should therefore boil when a test tube, containing 
some broken glass and half filled with it, is held for some time in 
the hand. Ether is highly volatile and inflammable ; its vapor, when 
mixed with air and ignited, explodes violently. The color of light 
blue litmus paper moistened with water should not be changed when 
the paper is immersed in ether for 10 minutes. Upon evaporation 
ether should leave no residue. Ether is a solvent for fats, oils, 
alkaloids, resins, gutta percha and gun cotton. Ether vapor is 
heavier than air, and, consequently, etherization should never be 
done above a light or fire. 

Dose.— H. & C, % i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; 
D., nix.-3i. (.6-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Mfher Purificatus. (B. P.) 

(Ether freed from most of its alcohol and water.) 

Spiritus Mtlieris. Spirit of Ether. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Ether, 325; alcohol, 675. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — Same as for ether. 

Spiritus jEtheris Gompositus. Compound Spirit of Ether. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Hoffman's anodyne. Ether, 325; alcohol, 650; ethereal oil, 25. 
(U. S. P.) 

Dose. — Same as for ether. 

Action External.- — Ether evaporates rapidly from the skin, and 
abstracts so much heat in the process that the superficial parts are 
cooled, benumbed, and even frozen. This action is taken advantage 
of in spraying from an atomizer upon the skin (with or without 
cocaine injected) to cause local anesthesia in minor surgical opera- 
tions, as opening abcesses. The spray should not be applied more 
than a few minutes, or freezing, damage to the tissues, and retard- 
ation of the healing process will ensue. If ether is applied with 
friction, or if evaporation from the skin is prevented by bandaging, 
it will act as a rubefacient. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Organs. — Ether is an irritant to 



270 INORGANIC AGENTS 

the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, and should be given 
only when considerably diluted with water. Ether stimulates secre- 
tion, motion, and increases local blood supply of the stomach. Ether, 
in concentration, resembles alcohol and ammonia in stimulating the 
heart reflexly, by its irritant action upon the alimentary canal, before 
it has time to be absorbed. It relieves pain and spasm in the di- 
gestive tract by coordinating or restoring nervous control over the 
stomach and bowels. 

Circulation. — Ether is reflexly a stimulant to the heart and 
vasomotor centres through peripheral irritation of its vapor, as in the 
case of alcohol. Some authorities allow no direct stimulating action 
(Cushny). In poisonous doses, or after prolonged inhalation, the 
circulation becomes depressed and weak. 

Nervous System. — Ether is chiefly depressant to nerve centres. 
Its apparent primary stimulation of the central nervous system is 
somewhat doubtful and many experimenters deny that it directly 
stimulates the nerve centres at all. Ether depresses and abolishes 
The functions of all the great nerve centres in the following order, 
and with the following results: 

1. The cerebrum (with loss of consciousness). 

2. Sensory spinal tract (loss of sensation). 

3. Motor spinal area (loss of motion and partial loss of reflex 
action). 

4. Sensory medullary centres. 

5. Motor medullary centres (failure of respiration). 

Ether does not affect the nerves or muscles when inhaled or 
ingested. Ether depresses the action of the nerves, however, when 
applied locally. 

Respiration. — The respiratory centre is stimulated by inhala- 
tion or ingestion of therapeiTtic quantities of ether. Paralysis of the 
respiratory centre occurs in the last stage of ether poisoning. Ether 
vapor is irritant to the respiratory mucous membrane, and causes 
coughing and choking during inhalation. It is not an appropriate 
anesthetic, therefore, in inflammatory conditions of the respiratory 
tract, because its vapor is given in greater concentration than in 
chloroform. In giving ether by the drop method undue irritation 
of the lungs is avoided and such conditions as bronchitis, pulmonary 
edema and pneumonia. Ether vapor excites the peripheral ends of 
the trifacial nerve in the face, and the vagus nerve in the lungs, so 
the temporary arrest of respiration often occurs when a fresh supply 
of ether is added during inhalation. 

Temperature. — The temperature of the body may be raised 
during the stage of excitement and struggling, but prolonged etheriza- 



ETHER 



271 



tion leads to loss of heat, owing to evaporation of ether from the 
lungs, and general depression of the nervous system. 

Elimination. — Ether is eliminated principally from the lungs. 
Recent experiments indicate that ether causes contraction of the 
renal arteries, with diminution in the size of the kidneys, suppression 
of urine and albuminuria. Ether damages the kidneys, however, 
less than chloroform, which sometimes leads to fatty degeneration. 

Acetone has been found in the urine of 90% of patients in 
human practice within 18 hours of etherization (through a closed 
cone). Death may sometimes occur in coma, following ether anes- 
thesia, with rapid pulse and breathing and the odor of acetone in the 
breath. This occurs less often than with chloroform (which see, 
under Metabolism). 

Uses. — Apart from its value as an anesthetic, ether is mainly 
of service for two purposes. First : in collapse, syncope, or "sinking- 
spells," due to poisoning, or natural causes. Ether may be given 
by the mouth, or subcutaneously into the muscular tissue, to avoid 
abscess. It should not be given as a stimulant when such an agent 
is required during or following anesthesia. Second: In spasmodic 
colic or tympanites, ether relieves pain, spasm and flatulence. The 
following prescription will be found useful for the horse : 



JEtheris 3 i. 

Chloroformi 3 ii- 

Tine, opii § ii- 

M. et f. haustus. 
Give at once in a pint of cold water. 



Ether is a good antispasmodic remedy for asthma, hiccough or 
"thumps," in the horse, and has a narcotic action upon tape and 
lumbricoid worms. When used for the latter purpose, ether should 
be followed by a purge. Ether may be employed in an enema to 
narcotize and remove the Oxyuris curvula of the horse. Ether 
should never be given internally or by inhalation to animals whose 
flesh is to be eaten soon after as it imparts a strong flavor to the meat 
and is also said to "spot" it. 

Administration. — Ether should be given in gelatine capsules; 
mixed with two parts of cracked ice and water ; or with equal parts 
of brandy or whisky, to avoid undue irritation by ether and its 
vapor upon the mucous membranes during deglutition. 



272 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Chloroform. Chloroform. C H CL. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Chloroformum purification, purified chloroform, 
E. : chloroformium, P. G. ; formylum trichloratum, chloroforme pur, 
Fr. ; reines chloroformum, G. 

A liquid consisting of 99 to 99.4 per cent., by weight, of abso- 
lute chloroform, and 0.6 to 1 per cent, of alcohol. 

Derivation. — Alcohol and water are heated in a still to 37.7° C. 
(100° P.), when chlorinated lime is added and chloroform is evolved. 
The chemical action is very complicated. Chloroform, free from 
chlorinated compounds, is also made from acetone and chlorinated 
lime by distillation. Calcium acetate, hydrate and chloride result 
as bve products. 

"2 C 3 H 6 + 6 Ca CI, = 2 C H Cl 3 + Ca (C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 + 2 
Ca 2 H 2 + 3 Ca Cl 2 . 

For tests and purification, vid. IT. S. P. 

Properties. — A heavy, clear, colorless, mobile and diffusible 
liquid, of a characteristic, ethereal odor, and a burning, sweet taste. 
Spec. gr. not below 1.476 at 25° C. (77° F.). Soluble in about 200 
times its volume of cold water, and in all proportions in alcohol, 
ether, benzol, benzine and the fixed and volatile oils. Chloro- 
form is volatile even at a low temperature, and boils at 60° to 61° C. 
(140° to 141.8° P.). It is not inflammable, but its vapor in the 
presence of a naked flame undergoes decomposition with the forma- 
tion of noxious gases, chiefly chlorine. This has caused death during 
chloroform inhalations. Chloroform is a solvent for fats, resins, 
oils, balsams, gutta percha, wax and many alkaloids. 

Dose. — H. & C, 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; Sh. and Sw., Til xx.-xxx. 
(1.3-2.) ; D., HI ii.-xx. (.12-1.3). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Aqua CMoroformi. (U. S. & B. P.) 

( Saturated Solution. ) 

Used as vehicle in cough and diarrhea mixtures for dogs. 

Lmimentum CMoroformi. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Chloroform, 300; soap liniment, 700. (U. S. P.) 

Spi/ritus CMoroformi. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Chloroform, 60; alcohol, 940. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, § i.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., 3 ss.i. 
(2-4.). 



CHLOEOFOKM 273 

Action External, — Chloroform acts as a rubefacient if rubbed 
into the skin, or prevented from evaporation by bandaging. In 
evaporating from the surface it produces mild refrigeration. Chloro- 
form penetrates the skin more easily than many other agents, and is 
employed for this reason to aid the absorption of belladonna and 
other drugs used in liniments. Chloroform possesses some local 
anesthetic action upon mucous membranes, raw surfaces, or when 
rubbed into the skin. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Chloroform is an irritant 
in concentration, but, properly diluted, stimulates the flow of saliva 
and increases the secretions, motion, and blood supply of the stomach. 
Chloroform has a local anesthetic and antiseptic action in the ali- 
mentary canal, and by its stimulant effect in restoring the normal 
state of nervous and muscular tissue, relieves spasm, pain and 
flatulence in the stomach and small intestines. 

Circulation. — Chloroform exerts an ever increasing depressing 
influence upon the heart muscle, its ganglia, and the vasomotor 
centres. 

Vasomotor depression leads to dilatation of the arterioles and 
leaking of blood into the veins, with consequent venous engorgement 
(particularly of the abdomen), and arterial anemia. Failure of 
respiration in chloroformization is secondary to cerebral anemia, and 
chloroform kills, primarily by vasomotor depression. (Leonard Hill 
and Hare.) 

The ventricles dilate and all cardiac muscular contractility is 
lost in fatal poisoning. Death, however, occurs almost invariably 
in healthy animals during chloroform inhalation from respiratory 
failure associated with circulatory depression. The heart usually 
continues to beat after cessation of breathing. Death from syncope 
occurs occasionally, and circulatory depression is greater and occurs 
more suddenly than with ether. Rarely sudden death occurs in the 
beginning of anesthesia from reflex inhibitory arrest of the heart 
produced by the inhalation of concentrated chloroform vapor. The 
degree of concentration is of the utmost importance. A great deal 
of chloroform may be given for a long period if it is greatly diluted 
with air. It is not the amount but the rapid absorption of con- 
centrated vapor which kills. 

With ether the vapor may be greatly concentrated without 
danger; with chloroform the difference between the necessary con- 
centration for anesthesia and that which means danger is slight. As 
chloroform anesthesia proceeds, the pulse becomes rapid from the 
depressing effect of chloroform upon the vagus centre. 

Respiration. — Chloroform does not markedly affect the respira- 
tion, when inhaled in proper dilution for an ordinary period, or 



274 



inorganic agents 



when ingested in small doses, but after long continued inhalation, 
or when large quantities have been swallowed, depression and 
paralysis of the respiratory centre ensues. Since asphyxia leads to 
inhibition and heart failure — besides being dangerous in itself — the 
respiration should always be watched as carefully during chloroform 
as in ether inhalation. 

Nervous System. — Chloroform depresses the nervous system as 
described under ether ; that is, the cerebrum, sensory and motor 
spinal tract, and sensory and motor centres of the medulla. Chloro- 
form, although generally following the order noted, affects the nervous 
system more rapidly, irregularly and persistently than ether, and 
therefore is more dangerous. It occasionally happens that some of 
the reflexes are abolished by chloroform before sensation has been 
annulled, and irritation of a sensory nerve produced during operation 
may reflexly stimulate the inhibitory centres (instead of increasing 
vascular tension as in health), and so cause heart failure. Opera- 
tions should never be performed, therefore, under chloroform until 
complete anesthesia is secured. The nerves are not influenced by 
the constitutional action of chloroform, although the latter is a local 
irritant and anesthetic to them. 

Temperature. — The temperature is reduced by the continual 
inhalation of chloroform through its depressing action on the heat 
producing centres, and because heat loss is increased by evaporation 
of chloroform from the lungs. 

Antiseptic Action. — Chloroform prevents the growth of micro- 
organisms, but does not influence that of the unorganized digestive 
ferments. Chloroform's antiseptic properties may be utilized in 
preserving solutions for subcutaneous injection. Saturated aqueous 
solutions are used for this purpose. 

Metabolism, — Death occasionally follows chloroformization from 
fatty degeneration of the heart, liver and kidneys. Chloroform 
apparently leads to imperfect oxidation of nitrogenous bodies and to 
production of acid in the tissues with the formation of acetone 
which is eliminated in the breath and urine. Death occurs in coma 
in acetone poisoning from chloroform, as happens in diabetes 
mellitus. 

Elimination. — Chloroform is chiefly eliminated by the lungs 
and slightly by the kidneys, but is also decomposed in part in the 
body. 

Uses External. — Chloroform is employed in liniment to relieve 
pain and produce counter-irritation in muscular rheumatism and 
strains. 

Uses Internal. — Chloroform is of service internally in the treat- 
ment of four conditions: 1. Intestinal colic, and flatulence. 2. 



ANESTHESIA 275 

Spasm, as in spasm of the diaphragm in horses. 3. Diarrhea. 4. 
Cough. Chloroform alleviates pain in colic by restoring the func- 
tions of the nervous and muscular mechanism of the bowels, by 
relieving spasm, and also by itsdocal anesthetic action. It stimulates 
motion and secretion; it is an antiseptic in the digestive tract, and, 
in these ways, overcomes flatulence. 

Chloroform should be combined with opium in diarrhea and 
colic. It is administered in spirit or water to assuage cough. 

Administration. — Chloroform may be administered in 3 parts 
of glycerin; in emulsion with white of egg or accacia; or as the 
spirit, diluted with water. 



ANESTHESIA. 

Anesthesia is commonly divided into three stages : the stimulant, 
anesthetic and paralytic. The so-called "law of dissolution" is 
illustrated by anesthetics, as the more highly organized (cerebral) 
centres are the first to succumb, while the lower centres (medulla) 
are the last to be affected. The anesthetics resemble other narcotics 
in producing a primary condition of stimulation of the nervous 
system, which is followed by depression. In the first stage of 
anesthesia there is often struggling and excitement. This may 
partly be due to the physiological action of the drug but chiefly to 
local irritation and fright. In this stage the functions of the brain 
are stimulated and then depressed. The higher functions are the 
first to be excited, and the effect produced is very similar to that 
of beginning alcoholic intoxication. The lower motor functions are 
next stimulated, inducing struggling and motor excitement.* In 
the first stage of etherization, the local irritant action of the vapor 
causes choking and coughing, and also induces struggling. The res- 
piratory and cardiac centres are temporarily stimulated, the pulse 
and respiratory movements are increased in force and frequency, and 
. blood tension is raised. The smaller animals may vomit during the 
first stage of anesthesia. A subdivision of the first stage, sometimes 
described as the anodyne stage, occurs when sensation is lost, before 
consciousness and voluntary motion. Short operations, as extraction 
of teeth, have been done by men upon themselves in the anodyne 
stage of anesthesia, without pain. The anesthetic stage is that con- 
dition characterized by absence of consciousness, sensation, motion, 

* As recent researches show ether, like alcohol, to be depressing to nerve 
centres from the outset it is probable that the excitement in anesthesia is 
due to the local irritation of the throat and fright. 

With the drop method of etherization in man there is little or no struggling 
and excitement. 



276 



INORGANIC AGENTS 



and partial loss of reflex action, and is that state suitable for opera- 
tions. The stimulating action of the anesthetic has ceased and there 
is now depression of the cerebral functions, the motor and sensory 
tract of the cord, and, to a partial extent, the reflex centres. The 
muscles are completely relaxed, and the patient lies absolutely mo- 
tionless. The conjunctiva? fail to respond to irritation, i.e., winking is 
not produced when the conjunctival membrane is lightly touched with 
the' finger. Occasionally the muscles are seen to be rigid and twitching 
during this stage of etherization, although sensation and conscious- 
ness are absent. The respiration and pulse should not be particularly 
altered during the anesthetic stage, unless danger threatens. In the 
last stage, narcosis, or poisoning, is beginning, and there is depression 
of the three great medullary centres controlling the heart, respiration 
and vascular tension, and also the lowest reflex centres of the cord, so 
that the urine and feces are passed involuntarily. Micturition fre- 
quently occurs in the first stages of anesthesia and should not of itself 
be considered a danger signal. The pulse becomes rapid, feeble and 
irregular ; the breathing is at first stertorous, and then the respiratory 
movements become shallow and weak, with considerable intervals 
intervening between them. The pupils are often dilated. The pupil 
is said to be a guide during anesthesia, especially with chloroform, 
since it is contracted during the anesthetic stage and dilates quickly 
when danger approaches. Death, however, occurs in animals with 
either dilated or contracted pupils. With the former, probably from 
asphyxia; with the latter, from syncope; and the pupil should not be 
regarded as an unfailing sign. The foregoing stages are conven- 
tional, and are not in any case so clearly defined in practice as they 
are described theoretically upon paper. The first stage may be 
either absent or prolonged, and the last stage should not be reached 
at all. 

COMPARISON OF ETHER WITH CHLOROFORM. 



More diffusible. 

Inflammable. 

Irritating, may induce bronchitis, pul- 
monary edema and pneumonia, un- 
less properly diluted (see drop 
method, p. 282). 

Reflexly stimulant to heart and vaso- 
motor centres and does not so easily 
depress the respiratory centres. 

Larger quantity required. 



CHLOROFORM. 

Vapor heavier. 

Non-inflammable. 

Non-irritating. 



Depresses powerfully the heart, respir- 
atory and vasomotor centres, in 
large doses. 

Drams of chloroform do the work of 
ounces of ether. 



ACCIDENTS AND DANGERS ATTENDING ANESTHESIA 



277 



More expensive. 
Less rapid. 

Fatal from respiratory failure and 
acapnia (see p. 27S). 



Cheaper. 

Acts more quickly; profoundly and per- 
sistently. 

Fatal from respiratory failure com- 
bined with circulatory depression 
and vasomotor paralysis, or later 
from fatty degeneration of the in- 
ternal organs, or from acetone poison- 
ing. Occasionally fatality results 
from reflex inhibitory arrest of the 
heart. 

The mortality is 1 in 3,162 chlorof ormizations ; and 1 in 16,302 etheriza- 
tions in over a million cases in human practice (Hewitt). Chloroform is 3% 
times more depressant to nerve centres, 8 times more depressant to the heart, 
and causes 5 times more deaths, than ether. 



It will be seen that all the advantages are in favor of chloroform, 
except that of safety. "Ether is more expensive than chloroform, 
but cheaper than a funeral." (Edes.) 



ACCIDENTS AND DANGERS ATTENDING ANESTHESIA. 

Respiratory failure and asphyxia may occur from giving too 
much of the anesthetic and from mechanical obstruction in the air 
passages. The tongue may fall back upon the epiglottis and prevent 
the free entrance of air. The latter accident is obviated by pulling 
the tongue forward with the hand, or, in the case of the smaller 
animals, by means of forceps, or suture passed through the tongue. 
Mucus, blood or vomitus may obstruct the mouth, pharynx, larynx, 
or trachea, and should be removed if possible by swabbing with 
absorbent cotton. To prevent excessive secretion of mucus in the 
air passages atropine may be given subcutaneously fifteen minutes 
before etherization. The head should be extended and the lower 
jaw of the patient held forward during anesthesia, and no impedi- 
ment to the free movement of the chest is allowable. Struggling 
is to be avoided, as far as possible, since it leads to irregular respira- 
tion and asphyxia, and causes the anesthetizer to push the inhalation, 
strains the heart, and favors cardiac dilatation with chloroform. 
Struggling may be prevented to some extent by giving the anesthetic 
well diluted with air at the outset. Asphyxia results also from 
tetanic fixation, or relaxation of the respiratory muscles. The signs 
of asphyxia include cyanotic mucous membranes, muscular twitch- 
ings, shallow, feeble, slow and irregular breathing, with long intervals 
between the respiratory movements, and dilation of the pupils. If 



278 INORGANIC AGENTS 

death occurs, the heart continues to beat after the breathing stops. 
The condition of the diaphragm during etherization is an important 
guide. At first the contractions of the diaphragm are so vigorous 
that the viscera are forced backward, and the abdominal wall bulges 
outward during inspiration. As the inhalation is prolonged the 
diaphragm becomes flaccid and powerless, the respiratory movements 
are shallow, and the breathing thoracic. The abdominal contents 
may then be drawn forward during inspiration into the thoracic 
cavity, so that the abdomen is retracted (Hare). When the latter 
condition is seen, etherization should be stopped instantly. 

Heart failure occurs more frequently with chloroform, but does 
occasionally result from the action of ether upon animals with a 
fatty or otherwise weak heart. Cardiac depression is shown by a 
weak, irregular and rapid pulse, and pallor of the mucous membranes. 
Respiration begins to fail before the heart stops in chloroform. 
Artificial respiration will therefore usually prevent death. The real 
cause of death is, however, vasomotor paralysis in ehloroformiza- 
tion. Operations should never be done under chloroform before the 
patient is fully under the influence of the anesthetic, as irritation of 
a sensory nerve caused by even a slight surgical procedure may cause 
death by reflexly stimulating the vagus and inhibiting the heart. 
Such an accident is not likely to occur with ether, and minor opera- 
tions are often done with safety during the first stage of anesthesia 
(primary anesthesia) when consciousness and sensation are lost and 
the muscles begin to relax. 

Shock from hemorrhage, or prolonged and severe surgical opera- 
tions, may lead to fatalities during anesthesia, and it sometimes 
occurs when an operation is begun before the patient is fully under 
the influence of an anesthetic — particularly chloroform — as described 
above. The latest and at present accredited explanation of shock 
and failure of respiration in surgery is as follows : Shock and res- 
piratory failure result from pain or irritation of sensory nerves 
under general anesthesia, and to the action of anesthetics. Pain 
produces deep breathing, accumulation of oxygen in the blood 
(hyperpnea) with proportionate diminution of C0 2 in the blood 
(acapnia). 

C0 2 is the excitant of respiration. Anesthesia lessens the sus- 
ceptibility of the respiratory centre to the stimulating action of C0 2 . 
If deep breathing continues, owing to the effects of irritation of 
beginning anesthesia or to sudden or continuous irritation of sensory 
nerves, respiration may stop from diminution of C0 2 . Or shock 
with venous stagnation may ensue from lack of C0 2 , because the 
tonicity of the veins and the tissues depends upon a proper amount 
of C0 2 in the blood. In practice, three causes of danger, i.e., res- 



ACCIDENTS AND DANGEES ATTENDING ANESTHESIA 279 

piratory failure, circulatory depression and shock, are usually com- 
bined. 

Where important nerve trunks are to be divided shock is dimin- 
ished by injecting them with cocaine solution before their division, 
this is called "blocking" them. 

The following embraces the proper treatment of all these con- 
ditions, and should be followed in every case where danger threatens 
during anesthesia: 

1. Kemove the anesthetic and allow plenty of fresh air. 

2. See that there is no mechanical obstruction to the movements 
of the chest, or to the free entrance of air. Pull forward the tongue 
and lower jaw. and extend the head. 

3. Invert small animals, particularly with chloroform, to allow 
blood to flow to the brain. 

4. Use forced, artificial respiration with bellows and rubber 
tube introduced into larynx. Practice ordinary artificial respiration 
in small animals by carrying the forelegs outward and forward till 
they meet in front of the head, and then bring them back till they 
touch, and compress the sides of the chest. These movements should 
be repeated twenty times a minute. Massage over the heart, together 
with artificial respiration, is useful in sudden cardiac arrest in small 
animals. Artificial respiration may be done in the horse by two 
persons compressing intermittently one side of the chest with the 
knees and hands. Rhythmical traction of the tongue, at intervals of 
five seconds, has proved successful in restoring respiration. Dash 
hot or cold water or ether upon the chest or epigastrium ; or use the 
faradic battery to stimulate respiration by moving the electrodes 
over the chest and abdomen. Stretch the sphincter ani apart by 
placing the thumbs in rectum and separating them with force. This 
is a powerful reflex stimulus to heart and respiration. 

5. Give subcutaneous injections of strychnine and digitalone. 
In chloroformization, give strychnine and atropine hypodermatically ; 
and, in shock, saline infusion with adrenalin, as below. Do not use 
alcohol or ether as stimulants, for their action resembles that of the 
anesthetics. 

6. Use hot (115° P.), high, rectal injections of salt solution 
(one heaping teaspoonful to the quart) in case of surgical shock with 
feeble pulse and subnormal temperature resulting from hemorrhage 
or other cause. Two to four gallons for large animals, and one pint 
to one quart for smaller animals. Saline infusion is still more 
efficient. (See "Saline Infusion," p. 649.) 



280 INORGANIC AGENTS 



CHOICE OF AN ANESTHETIC. 

Ether and chloroform are the only anesthetics of any importance 
in veterinary medicine. The A. C. E. mixture, containing alcohol 
(one part), chloroform (two parts), and ether (three parts), pos- 
sesses no particular value, and is not so safe as ether. While chloro- 
form is inferior to ether in the matter of safety, it may be given to 
horses by an experienced and careful person without much danger. 
It is commonly the most suitable anesthetic for the horse, for the 
following reasons : It is less expensive ; whereas several pounds of 
costly ether are required to produce anesthesia, a few ounces of 
chloroform will accomplish the same result. Chloroform inhalation 
is much easier of administration, more rapid, and causes less strug- 
gling. It may be used without any special inhaler, and may be 
given to animals in the upright position. It should not be given if 
fatty heart is suspected. 

Chloroform may be employed for all animals during parturition, 
as it is less dangerous in this condition and because only enough is 
needed to produce relaxation of parts to relieve pain, to assist dilata- 
tion of the os and manual operations done to rectify faulty position 
of the fetus. 

Chloroform is indicated in all cases where the actual cautery is 
used in the neighborhood of the mouth. Ether is the most suitable 
anesthetic for cats and dogs, unless the animal is suffering from 
bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, when chloroform is more appro- 
priate. Chloroform, being more rapid and less irritating, may in 
any case be employed to begin anesthesia, which should then be 
maintained by ether. The use of anesthetics is contraindicated in 
anemia if the hemoglobin is reduced below 30 per cent. 



PRACTICAL. ANESTHESIA. 

The horse should be starved for twelve hours, and should receive 
a cathartic twenty-four hours before anesthetization, in order to 
afford more room for the respiratory movements and prevent accidents 
in casting. A specially constructed inhaler, or nose bag, strapped 
about the head, may be employed for convenience. Hypodermic in- 
jection of morphine (gr. iii.) thirty minutes before anesthesia 
is often of advantage. It diminishes excitement and allows of the use 
of a smaller amount of the anesthetic. It is very important that all 
preliminary procedures should be done — as casting, preparation of 
the operative field, etc. — before the chloroform is begun, to lessen 
the necessarv amount of the anesthetic. A drachm or two of chloro- 



PRACTICAL ANESTHESIA ■ 281 



form may be placed on each sponge as an initial dose, to hasten the 
anesthesia, while after this the method of constant dropping is to be 
preferred Harger recommends placing a sponge wrapped loosely 
in flannel, in the upper nostril, as the animal lies npon his side upon 
the ground, and after a few minutes a similar sponge is introduced 
into the lower nostril. < 

Chloroform is then administered in continuous drop doses ±rom 
a bottle having a cork nicked upon the side sufficiently to allow the 
anesthetic to flow out in this small quantity. The nostrils should be 
previously smeared with vaseline to afford protection from the irrita- 
tion of the chloroform. If the operation is prolonged, anesthesia 
may be carried on with ether. It is not essential to cast a horse 
before chloroformization, but the animal should be controlled with 
side lines, and a twitch should be placed upon the nose, unless an 
inhaler is used. Since there is commonly more or less struggling, 
it is however, more satisfactory to cast an animal before anesthesia 
is be<mn The writer has given chloroform in several instances to 
horses in the standing position until they fell or were pushed over 
upon a straw bed, with the aid of only one assistant. In thus pro- 
ducing anesthesia, a sponge covered with a towel was used and this 
was saturated with about half an ounce of chloroform, and held at 
first three inches from the animal's nose, in order that the vapor 
should be thoroughly diluted with air. From half a drachm to a 
drachm of chloroform should be added from time to time always 
allowing plenty of air, and inhalation may be continued by the drop 
methodfor an hour with comparative safety. 

The anesthetizer should give his whole attention to the work, and 
watch carefully the respiration, pulse and pupil, for any sign oi 
danger. If any arise, the anesthetic should be removed and treat- 
ment pursued as recommended in the previous section. . 

Dogs should be fasted for twelve hours before etherization, m 

order to avoid vomiting during anesthesia. From 1/2 to 2 grains ot 

morphine, according to the size of the patient, should be given sub- 

cutaneously 30 minutes before ether is administered. It is necessary 

to muzzle^ dogs before anesthesia is begun. This inay.-be done by 

tyins a strong tape about the nose, bringing both ends up between the 

ears: over the top of the head, and then tying them together m a knot, 

and finally carrying the ends down, one on either side of the neck, 

and fastening them underneath. A wire muzzle may be used to 

control the dog more conveniently, and the ether is then poured 

upon a sponge within the muzzle and the muzzle is covered with 

cloth to keep out the air. More recently the. writer has found the 

following method and appliance most suitable for dogs and small 

animals. A cone of leather open at both ends and tapering to fit 



282 INORGANIC AGENTS 

the muzzle is slipped on to the nose and up to the base of the ears. 
This is held in place by a strap sewed to one side of the large end 
of the cone and buckled to the other side. The strap passes over 
the top of the head behind the ears and the cone is thus held in place 
automatically and acts as a muzzle as well. The small end of the 
cone is long and projects beyond the tip of the nose and into this is 
stuffed gauze or a sponge for ether. Ether is given by the 
drop method. That is, a wedge-shaped piece is cut from the cork 
of the ether bottle or can, and a little piece of gauze is laid in this, 
which acts like a wick and allows a continual dropping when the 
bottle is inverted. This is the safest method and requires the least 
ether. 

Dogs may also be anesthetized by placing them in a covered pail, 
tight box or barrel, or by driving them into their kennels, and 
dropping in cloths, sponges, or absorbent material saturated with 
chloroform, while excluding the outer air. The smaller animals can 
be destroyed in a humane aud satisfactory manner by this method. 



USES OF ANESTHESIA. 

Anesthetics are not employed as frequently as they should be in 
veterinary medicine. Anesthesia entails skilled assistance, increased 
expense, and danger ; but, on the other hand, facilitates rapidity and 
asepsis during operations by lessening struggling, and should be 
employed to relieve suffering where a local anesthetic is impracticable. 
The owner of an animal should be made to understand the extra risk 
and expense attending operations under anesthesia, and his consent 
should be secured before using ether or chloroform. 

The general indications for anesthetics embrace all severe, pro- 
longed, and delicate operations. The more special indications are 
as follows : In abdominal operations, as ovariotomy, herniotomy and 
reduction of hernia. In operations for retained testicle, scirrhus 
cord, castration, and in dystocia to cause dilatation of a rigid and 
otherwise undilatable os, to assist the operator in remedying faulty 
positions of the fetus by relaxation of the parts, and to facilitate 
instrumental delivery in bitches. Anesthesia is also indicated in 
removal of tumors, excision of the eyeball or parts of the hoof, ex- 
traction of teeth, reduction of dislocations, setting of fractures, and 
to relieve severe pain in colic, and to overcome spasm in chorea and 
hiccough, or convulsions due to poison or natural causes. 

Chloroform is used to destroy sick, injured or aged horses, but 
is not so rapid, convenient, or effective as the 44 calibre revolver, or 
rifle. The bullet should be directed toward a point upon the fore- 



NITEITES 283 

head at the intersection of two imaginary lines drawn from either 
eye up to the root of the opposite ear. 



Class 3. — Nitrites. 

Spieitus ^Et^ekis ISTiTROSi. Spirit of Nitrous Ether. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym.- — Sweet spirit of nitre, spiritus nitri dulcis, spiritus 
nitrico-ethereus, E. ; ether azoteux alcoolise, liqueur anodine nitreuse, 
Er. ; versiisster salpetergeist, G. 

An alcoholic solution of ethyl nitrite (C 2 H 5 ]SrCK.), yielding, 
when freshly prepared, not less than 4 per cent, of ethyl nitrite. 

Derivation. — Mix sulphuric acid (40 c.c.) with water (120 
c.c), cool and add alcohol and water (each, 85 c.c.) and place in 
1000 c.c. flask surrounded by ice and water. Dissolve sodium 
nitrite (100 gm.) in water (285 c.c), filter and allow filtrate to 
drop slowly into the flask above. Wash ethyl nitrite formed with 
sodium carbonate solution, to remove acid, and agitate with potas- 
sium carbonate, to remove water. Add ethylnitrite to 22 times its 
weight of alcohol. 

Properties. — A clear, mobile, volatile, inflammable liquid, of a 
pale-yellowish or faintly greenish-yellow tint, having a fragrant 
ethereal and pungent odor, free from acidity, and a sharp burning 
taste. Spec. gr. 0.823. Mixes freely with water and alcohol. 

Dose.— H. and C, § i.-iv. (30.-120.) ; Sh. and Sw., 3 ii.-iv. 
(8.-15.); D., 1T1X.-3 i. (.6-4.). 

Smaller doses every two hours, diaphoretic. Larger doses, re- 
peated three times daily, diuretic. 

Amyeis Niteis. Amyl Nitrite. CgHnNOs- (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Amyl nitris, B.P. ; amylum nitrosum amylether 
nitrosus, amylo-nitrous ether, E. ; azotite d'amyl, Er. ; amylnitrit, G. 

A liquid containing about 80 per cent, of amyl (principally 
iso-amyl) nitrite, together with variable quantities of undetermined 
compounds. 

Derivation. — Obtained through distillation of nitric acid and 
amylic alcohol. Distillate purified by sodium carbonate. HNO3 + 
QzK tl OH = 05^^02 + 2 H 2 0.' 

Properties. — A clear, yellow or pale-yellow liquid, of a peculiar 
ethereal, fruity (banana) odor, and a pungent, aromatic taste. Spec, 
gr. 0.865 to 0.875. 



284 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Dose (by inhalation). — H., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; D., ITlii.-v. (.12-.3). 
When given internally the smaller doses should be used dissolved 
in alcohol. 

Spiritus Geycerylis JsTitEATis.. Spirit of Glyceryl Trinitrate, 
Spirit of Glonoin. C 3 H 5 (~N 3 ) 3 . (U. S. P.) 

Synonym.- — Liquor trinitrini, B.P. ; spiritus glonoini, propen- 
yltrinitrate, glonoin trinitrate, spirit of nitroglycerin, trinitrate of 
glyceryl, trinitin, E. 

An alcoholic solution containing one per cent., by weight, 
of nitroglycerin. It is probably decomposed in the blood with the 
formation of potassium and sodium nitrite. 

Derivation. — Nitroglycerin is obtained by dropping pure 
glycerin upon a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids, kept cool by 
ice, and purified by washing with water. The official one per cent, 
solution is not explosive unless it becomes concentrated by evapora- 
tion to an extent exceeding 10 per cent. 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, possessing the odor and 
taste of alcohol. Caution should be exercised in tasting it, since 
even a small quantity is liable to produce a violent headache. Spec. 
gr. .814 to .820. 

Dose.— H., o ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; D., m,i.-ii. (.06-.12). 

ACTION OF THE NITRITES. 

External. — Spirit of nitrous ether, like ether, produces a cooling 
and local anesthetic action, owing to its evaporation upon the skin. 
Amyl nitrite has a slight depressing action upon the peripheral ends 
of the sensory nerves. 

Internal. — The actions of spirit of nitrous ether, amyl nitrite 
and nitroglycerin are essentially the same. Spirit of nitrous ether 
should contain 4 per cent, of ethyl nitrite. Analysis of 68 samples 
taken at random from drug stores, resulted in showing that a tea- 
spoonful of the best specimen contained as much ethyl nitrite as a 
pint of the worst, with all manner of variations between these ex- 
tremes. To be of value as a nitrite, sweet spirit of nitre should be 
freshly prepared by a reliable chemist. 

Circulation. — The important action of the nitrites centres upon 
the heart and blood-vessels. The arteries and, veins all over the body 
(but particularly of the head and belly) become relaxed and blood 
tension is lowered by the nitrites. This action is no doubt peripheral, 
and is due to direct depression of the unstriated muscle of the vessel 
walls. The heart beats more rapidly in consequence of the lessened 



ACTION OF THE NITEITES 285 

vascular resistance and direct depression of the inhibitory centre 
and because a diminished blood pressure indirectly depresses the 
vagus centre and often stimulates the accelerator. The arterioles 
being dilated in the heart, as elsewhere, there follows an increased 
cardiac blood supply, nutrition and force. It is probable that the 
nitrites slightly increase the force as well as the rapidity of the heart. 
This is shown by the fact that in small doses blood pressure is raised 
by the nitrites, despite the vascular dilatation. However, the 
nitrites, as nitroglycerin, are not of practical value as heart stimu- 
lants in poisoning (anesthetics) or emergencies, particularly where 
the vasomotor tone is depressed. The stimulant action on the heart 
has been much overrated and is practically nil. Poisonous doses 
depress the heart muscle and the pulse becomes slow and weak. 

Nervous System. — The nitrites depress the spinal motor centres. 
This is more marked in the frog than mammals, however. Neither 
the motor nor sensory nerves nor cerebrum appear to be influenced 
by medicinal doses of nitrites. Reflex excitability is lessened. 

Muscles. — Amyl nitrite paralyzes both unstriated and striated 
muscular tissue when applied locally ; and the nitrites, when admin- 
istered internally, relieve spasm of muscular tissue by their depress- 
ing action upon the motor nerves and muscles. 

Kidneys. — Nitrites often increase the flow of urine by widening 
the renal arteries supplying the glomerules. But the general lower- 
ing of blood pressure may prevent an increase of local pressure in 
the kidney, when urinary secretion will be diminished. 

Blood. — In poisoning by the nitrites, the oxidizing power of the 
blood is lost. Both the venous and arterial blood become of a 
chocolate hue from the conversion of the normal oxy-hemoglobin 
into meth-hemoglobin. The latter yields up oxygen very sparingly. 

Respiration. — The respiratory movements may be increased both 
in force and frequency by medicinal doses of nitrites, but paralysis 
of the respiratory centre and asphyxia occurs in fatal poisoning. 

Elimination. — The nitrite group rapidly escape in the urine 
as nitrites and nitrates of the alkalies. The amyl, of amyl nitrite, 
is completely oxidized in the body, while nitroglycerin is eliminated 
in part unchanged in the urine. 

Summary. — The nitrites dilate arterioles, increase the rate of 
the heart-beat, depress the spinal motor area, and lessen reflex action. 
They relieve spasm and may increase the secretion of urine. 

Poisoning. — Fatal poisoning is extremely rare as an accidental 
occurrence. Eecovery from a quantity 120 times greater than the 
normal dose of nitroglycerin, has been reported in human practice. 
The physiological effects of the nitrites are more noticeable in man, 
owing to his bare skin. Immediately following the inhalation of 



286 INORGANIC AGENTS 

amyl nitrite, the face becomes extremely flushed, and throbbing of 
the vessels of the head, with a feeling of tremendous pressure and 
headache, ensue. These symptoms are due to vascular dilatation. 
There is dizziness, the heart is rapid and violent, and the pulse full, 
frequent and easily compressible. The respiratory movements are 
increased. These symptoms occur after a full medicinal dose. 

In poisoning there is pallor, vomiting in man, trembling, weak- 
ness, cyanosis and failure of respiration and heart. The treatment 
is included in the administration of ammoniacal and alcoholic stimu- 
lants, together with the subcutaneous injection of ergotin, strychnine 
and atropine, to restore the vascular tone. 

The nitrites differ sufficiently to call for a word concerning 
their individual characteristics. It is important to emphasize the 
fact that their action, as a whole, is transient. Amyl nitrite dimin- 
ishes vascular tension, as shown by the sphygmograph, within a 
minute of its inhalation, and this condition lasts for 2 to 4 minutes, 
with variations of from 10 to 30 minutes. The same action of 
nitroglycerin occurs within 6 minutes and lasts from half to, rarely, 
an hour and a half. 

Good spirit of nitrous ether lowers tension from 45 to 60 min- 
utes. In addition to this difference in degree, spirit of nitrous 
ether differs somewhat in kind of action. It is more stimulant to 
the heart, and more diuretic, owing to the ether it contains. For the 
same reason sweet spirit of nitre increases the secretions and motion 
of the upper part of the digestive tract, relieves spasm and is of some 
value in indigestion and mild colic. In stimulating the activity of 
the sweat glands, following its action in dilating peripheral vessels, 
sweet spirit of nitre is a useful diaphoretic and mild febrifuge. 

It has been pointed out that spiritus etheris nitrosi is far from 
being a reliable preparation as a nitrite, and therefore nitroglycerin 
or amyl nitrite are preferable where rapid and certain vascular 
dilatation is essential. 

USES OF THE NITEITES. 

Internal. — Respiratory Diseases. — ISTo drug is more efficient 
than spirit of nitrous ether, in the treatment of acute diseases of the 
respiratory tract, as coryza, pharyngitis, laryngitis and bronchitis. 
Its value lies in its power of dilating peripheral vessels, equalizing 
the circulation and preventing local congestions. 

In assisting diaphoresis and diuresis, sweet spirit of nitre 
hastens elimination of toxins and cools the body; and in both ways 
is useful in abating fever. The following prescription may be of 
service in canine practice in febrile conditions : 



USES OF THE NITRITES 287 



R 



Tine, aconiti 3 iii. 

Spiritus setheris nitrosi 3 vi. 

Potassii bromidi o ss. 

Liq. Ammonii acetatis ad 5 iv. 

M. 

Sig. Teaspoonful in water every 2 hours. 

In asthenic and febrile diseases, as influenza, sweet spirit of 
nitre is of worth, combined with tonic doses of quinine and alcoholic 
stimulants. In catarrhal troubles and distemper of dogs it is con- 
joined with spirit of camphor. In colic of horses it is prescribed 
with laudanum. 

The nitrites are the most successful remedies in relieving 
dyspnea, when due to spasm of the bronchial tubes, or congestion of 
the lungs. They relax the bronchioles and avert congestion by 
vascular dilatation and equalization of the circulation. Thus the 
dyspnea occurring in pneumonia, acute pulmonary edema, asthma 
arid chronic bronchitis, are advantageously treated by half -hourly or 
hourly doses of nitroglycerin. Amyl nitrite, in dilating peripheral 
vessels and blanching the lungs, has proved one of the most success- 
ful remedies in hemoptysis. 

Cardiac Diseases. — These are comparatively rare in the lower 
animals; but, in general, it may be said that no remedy is more 
useful for its transient action in the severe dyspnea of cardiac 
diseases than nitroglycerin. The passing engorgement of the right 
heart and lungs is relieved by nitroglycerin, which tends to dis- 
tribute the blood about the body in its proper channels, and thus 
take the load off the heart temporarily. 

Nervous Diseases. — Nitrite of amyl is invaluable in warding 
off epileptic seizures in man, when warning of their approach is 
given the patient. As this warning cannot be detected in the lower 
animals, the nitrites are of less value, but may be combined with 
the bromides as prophylactic agents. The nitrites exert their favor- 
able effect in this condition by preventing cerebral vasomotor spasm, 
which is thought to occur in epilepsy. Amyl nitrite is useful in 
relieving hiccough or "thumps" in horses and in strychnine poison- 
ing. 

Diseases of Urinary Organs. — Spirit of nitrous ether is useful 
as a diuretic in carnivora, when the urine is concentrated and irritat- 
ing to the bladder. It is also a valuable remedy, for the same 
reason, in acute cystitis of all animals, when it may be combined to 
advantage with potassium citrate, or acetate and tincture of aconite. 

Summary. — We may summarize the therapeutical indications 
for the nitrites as follows: 



288 INOEGANIC AGENTS 

1. To dilate peripheral arterioles and equalize the circulation 
in internal congestions. 

2. To relieve spasm of vascular, nervous, or muscular origin. 

3. To increase the secretion of urine. 

Administration. — Sweet spirit of nitre is given by the mouth, 
diluted with water, and often combined with alcoholic stimulants 
(whisky), diaphoretics (liq. ammon. acetatis), diuretics (potassium 
nitrate), and bitters (quinine). 

Amyl nitrite is administered usually by inhalation to the larger 
animals, from a sponge ; or two or three drops are given by inhalation 
from a bit of linen or cotton to the smaller animals. It may be given 
internally on sugar to the smaller animals, or in spirit to the larger 
patients. The spiritus glonoini is the only preparation of nitro- 
glycerin in use. It may be dropped undiluted upon the tongue of 
the conscious or unconscious animal. The tongue of the smaller 
animals may be frequently moistened with a small stick dipped in 
the solution, or it may be given in pill or tablet. 

Class 4. — Chloral. 

Chlokaltjm Hydbattjm. (U. S. P.) 
Chloeal Hydeate. Chloral. (C 2 H C1 3 + H 2 0.) 

Snyonym. — Chloral hydras, B. P.; hydrate of chloral, E. ; 
chloratum hydratum crystallisatum, P. G. ; hydrate de chloral, Pr. ; 
chloralhydrat, G. 

A crystalline solid, composed of trichloraldehyde, or chloral with 
one molecule of water. 

Derivation. — Dry chlorine gas is passed into absolute alcohol 
until the latter is saturated. Aldehyde and hvdrochloric acid first 
result, C 2 H 5 H + 2 CI,— C 2 H 4 0'+ 2 H CI. The chlorine gas 
then acts upon the aldehyde, abstracting 3 atoms of hydrogen and 
replacing 3 atoms of chlorine, and so forms chloral. CoH 4 + 
6 CI = C 2 H CL O + 3 H CI. 

Chloral is purified first by distillation with sulphuric acid, and 
then with lime, and when mixed with water forms chloral hvdratc 
(C 2 H C1 3 -f- H 2 0). 

Properties. — Separate, rhomboidal, colorless and transparent 
crystals, having an aromatic, penetrating and slightly acrid odor, and 
a bitterish, caustic taste. Slowly volatilized when exposed to the. air. 
Preely soluble in water, alcohol or ether; also in chloroform, benzol, 
benzin, carbon disulphide, fixed and volatile oils. It liquifies when 
triturated with about an equal quantity of camphor, menthol, thymol 



CHLOKAL 289 

or carbolic acid. Chloral is decomposed by caustic alkalies, alkaline 
earths and ammonia, chloroform being formed, and a formate of the 
base produced. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 

Action External. — Chloral is a strong irritant applied locally 
in concentration to the skin and mucous membranes, and if injected 
under the skin may cause abscess and sloughing. It is a powerful 
antiseptic, and relieves itching, especially in combination with 
camphor. 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal, Chloral produces severe 
irritation of the mucous membrane in concentrated solution (20 per 
cent, or over), and large doses may cause vomiting in dogs. The 
writer has seen intense glossitis and stomatitis follow the breaking 
of a gelatine capsule, containing chloral, in the mouth of a horse. 

Blood. — Chloral is absorbed into the blood unchanged. It was 
formerly thought that the action of chloral was due to chloroform 
produced by the decomposition of the former in the alkaline blood, 
ail Cl 3 O + K H O = C H Cl 3 + K C H 2 (formic acid). 

It is now known that the blood is not sufficiently alkaline to 
decompose chloral, and that chloroform is not found in the blood, 
tissues or excretions, except in the case of the urine, when it is 
strongly alkaline. Moreover, chloral acts as usual upon a frog when 
the blood of the batrachian is replaced by a neutral saline solution. 

Heart and Blood Vessels. — Chloral in large doses depresses the 
action of the heart muscle and the vasomotor centres. It also pro- 
duces local paralysis of the vascular walls. Blood pressure is there- 
fore lowered. In small medicinal doses the circulation is not in- 
fluenced materially, but in poisoning the pulse at first is accelerated 
and then becomes slow, weak and irregular, and the heart is arrested 
in diastole. 

Nervous System. — The salient action of chloral is exerted upon 
the brain and cord. Like other narcotics, the depressing effect may 
be preceded by a transient and unimportant excitation of the brain 
and cord ; but this commonly passes unnoticed, and the prominent 
action of chloral consists, in ordinary doses, in depressing the sensory 
and motor centres of the brain, and in larger doses, the spinal reflex 
activity and the motor tract of the cord. Moderate therapeutic doses 
cause, therefore, dulness and sleepiness (with contracted pupils) in 
the lower animals, while doses approaching the toxic point produce 
insensibility, coma, paralysis of the inferior cornua, with loss of 
reflex action and muscular power, so that the animal falls with 
paraplegia, dilated pupils and anesthesia. These symptoms may 
occur and be followed by recovery. The anesthesia is of spinal 



290 INORGANIC AGENTS 

origin. Neither the sensory nerves, motor nerves, nor muscles are 
affected except in the later stages of poisoning. 

Insensibility to pain is said, by Brunton, to follow the action of 
chloral upon the gray matter of the cord, by preventing the transmis- 
sion of painful sensations through this tract. It is uncertain whether 
chloral acts as an hypnotic by its direct depressing influence upon 
the brain tissue, or by inducing cerebral anemia in causing the blood 
to be withdrawn from the cerebrum into the dilated peripheral arte- 
rioles. 

Respiration. — The respiration is not interfered with by moder- 
ate medicinal doses of chloral, but toxic quantities depress and 
paralyze the respiratory centre. The respiratory movements become 
deep, regular, accelerated and full, with large therapeutic doses, but 
with toxic doses, slow, irregular and shallow. Death occurs more 
commonly from arrest of respiration, yet primary heart failure, or 
both combined, may lead to a fatal result. 

Temperature. — The temperature may be elevated at first, but 
soon falls, owing to diminished heat production and increased loss, 
through heart failure and vascular dilatation. 

Elimination. — Chloral is eliminated by the urine, in part un- 
changed and in part as urochloralic acid. 

Metabolism. — Chloral in large doses leads to increased destruc- 
tion of the proteids of the body and imperfect oxidation of their 
products, together with fatty degeneration of the internal organs. 
These tissue changes are caused by the production of urochloralic acid 
in the tissues. 

Summary. — Chloral is a local stimulant and antiseptic, and 
relieves itching. It is a powerful depressant to the cerebrum, 
vasomotor and respiratory centres, inferior cornua, heart muscle and 
its ganglia. 

Acute Poisoning. — Large doses produce insensibility, coma, and 
complete loss of muscular power, so that the animal falls. There is 
general anesthesia, and the pupils dilate. The pulse is weak, at first 
frequent, later infrequent and irregular. The respiration may be 
primarily quickened, but subsequently becomes slow, shallow and 
irregular. The animal sweats, sways, gapes and trembles and some- 
times falls to the ground, the sphincters are relaxed and involuntary 
defecation occurs, but recovery commonly follows. With doses 
greater than 4- ounces, horses die in a generally anesthetic and para- 
lyzed state. In man, death has followed the ingestion of 10 grains 
of chloral, and several fatalities have occurred after doses of 20 or 
25 grains, although these are exceptional cases. The fatal dose for 
dogs is said to be from 2 to 6 drachms. 

Treatment. — Emetics and the stomach tube, shouting at and 



CHLORAL 291 

beating the animal, external heat. Five times the ordinary dose of 
strychnine, and a full close of atropine subcutaneously. Strong, hot 
coffee and alcohol by the rectum. Amyl nitrite inhalations. 

Administration. — Chloral has been given intravenously, sub- 
cutaneously, and intratracheally, as well as by mouth and rectum. 
The common way of administering" it is in solution per orem or 
rectum. It may cause abscess if injected under the skin, or thrombi 
when thrown into a vein. Experiments of Dr. Muir* appear to 
show that chloral may be safely given intra jugularly ; one ounce 
dissolved in two ounces of sterile water and repeated once in an hour 
if desirable. If given in ball, the chloral may prove too irritating in 
the digestive tract. It should be diluted at least 10 times, and is 
giyen by the mouth with glycerin and water, or weak syrup, or with 
boiled starch solution by the rectum. 

Uses External. — Chloral may be employed as a stimulant, 
antiseptic, and slight local anesthetic, in solution (1 to 4), upon 
ulcers and wounds. It may be used with an equal part of camphor 
diluted with S parts of ointment, to relieve itching. A 4 to 8 per 
cent, aqueous solution forms an excellent antiseptic preservative for 
anatomical specimens, and chloral may be added to urine for this 
purpose. 

Uses Internal- — -Chloral is used for three purposes in veterinary 
practice : 

1. First and foremost, to relieve spasm. 

2. To assuage pain. 

3. To procure sleep. 

In human medicine chloral is mainly employed as an hypnotic, 
but a purely soporific action is rarely required for the lower animals. 
The spasmodic conditions benefited by chloral include colic, convul- 
sion^ chorea, epilepsy, asthma, canine distemper, spasmodic cough, 
rigidity of the uterine os in the first stage of labor, hysteria, cerebritis 
(to relieve motor excitement), tetanus, and strychnine poisoning. 
In spasmodic colic, chloral is given dissolved in one pint of linseed 
oil and, while inferior to opium as an anodyne, has the advantage of 
not inducing constipation and is often a very successful remedy. 
It is the best remedy we possess for the treatment of convulsions in 
dogs, apart from anesthetics. Ether may be administered during the 
convulsion, and chloral simultaneously, or between the attacks, in 
gr.v.-xx., per rectum, and repeated if necessary. Chloral is only 
indicated in chorea when the movements are so severe that the 
animal cannot secure sleep or rest. In distemper in dogs, chloral 
is used for the same purpose, when there is excessive cough and 
restlessness. Chloral is given per rectum in tetanus, so as to keep 

* Jour. Compar. Med. and Vet. Archives, April, May, 1900. 



292 INORGANIC AGENTS 

the animal continually narcotized, and may be employed in con- 
junction with tetanus antitoxin. 

Spasm of the os uteri is relieved by chloral when given per 
rectum in frequently repeated doses, until the safe physiological limit 
is reached. Chloral is inferior to ether or chloroform as an anes- 
thetic, because it is not so safe, nor is the anesthesia so complete, but 
it relieves pain effectually, and is more easily administered. It is 
combined, in order to produce anesthesia, with small doses of mor- 
phine, which decidedly enhance the anodyne action of chloral. 

To prepare a horse for surgical operation, 3 grains of morphine 
sulphate and 1 grain of atropine sulphate may be injected under 
the skin, followed in 10 minutes by an enema containing 1 ounce of 
chloral.* 



Class 5. — Antipyretics and Analgesics. 

Chloretone. [CClgC (CH 3 ) 2 OH.] 

Chloretone occurs in colorless crystals of camphoraceous odor 
and bitter taste. It is very slightly soluble in water, soluble in alco- 
hol and in 10 parts of glycerin. It may be made from acetone, 
chloroform and an alkali. 

It is allied to chloral and represents it in action but does not 
depress the heart and respiration in any ordinary doses and is an 
actual sedative to the stomach. Externally it is an antiseptic and 
local anesthetic although there may be some temporary burning pro- 
duced by it on raw surfaces. 

It may be used also as a local anesthetic injected in 1 per cent, 
solution (alcohol, 15 parts, water, 85 parts). Chloretone is em- 
ployed with an equal amount of boric acid (Borochloretone) as an 
application to wounds and ulcers as an antiseptic and local anesthetic. 

Internally the drug is administered in human practice before 
operations to prevent the vomiting subsequent to general anesthesia 
and its use is advised for the same purpose in dogs and also to quiet 
the animals for local anesthesia. Unless there is some specific reason 



* Chloral (H., 3 i.-ss. ; D., 3 ss.-ii., in 10% solution) injected into the 
peritoneal cavity will produce surgicai anesthesia and is useful in colic in horses 
with barium chloride by mouth. In flatulent colic, first puncture to allow escape 
of gas. 

The writer has found the method generally safe and efficient in laparotomies 
in dogs but occasionally inefficient, and deaths have occurred from over-dose 
and peritonitis. The morphine and drop-ether anesthesia is safer and more 
satisfactory in dogs. 



ANTIPYEIN 293 

why vomiting should not occur the subcutaneous injection of mor- 
phine is more efficacious to aid the action of either local or general 
anesthetics. 

Chorea and convulsion in dogs maj be treated to advantage with 
the drug. 

It may be administered to dogs in 1 per cent, solution, as above, 
grains. 



Acetantljdum. Acetanilid. C S H 9 N O. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym . — Phenylacetamide, antifebrin. 

An acetyl derivative of aniline. 

Derivation. — Glacial acetic acid and aniline are distilled to- 
gether, and the residue is purified by repeated crvstallization. 
H C2H3O2 + C 6 H 5 N Ho = C 8 H 9 N" O + HoO. 

Properties. — Colorless, shining micaceous crystalline laminse, or 
a crystalline powder, odorless, having a faintly burning taste, and 
permanent in the air. Soluble in 179 parts of water, and in 2.5 
parts of alcohol; also soluble in 12 parts of ether, and easily soluble 
in chloroform. 

J)ose.— H., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.); Sh. & Sw., 5 ss.-i. (2.4.); D., 
gr.iii.-vii. (.2-.5). 



AcETPHEisrETiDiNUM, AcETPHE^ETEiDiN. Pheiiacetin. 
C 10 H 13 N- 2 (177.79). (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Phenacetinum, B. P. ; para-acetphenetidin. 

Derivation. — Obtained by the action of glacial acetic acid upon 
paraphenetidin, a phenol derivative. 

H CsHsOs + C 6 H 5 OCo H 5 Is T H = C10 H13 N0 2 . 

Properties. — Glistening, colorless, tasteless, odorless, scaly crys- 
tals. Practically insoluble in water (1-925), soluble in 12 parts 
of alcohol, and in glycerin, chloroform and acetic acid. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 ii.-iii. (8.-12.); D., gr.v.-x. (.3-.6). 



Antipyrina. Antipyrin. C11H12 A T 2 0. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Phenazonum, B. P. ; phenyl-dimethyl-pyrazolon. 

Derivation. — Phenyl-hydrazine is acted upon by aceto-acetic 
ether, when phenyl-monomethyl-pyrazolon, ethyl alcohol and water 
result. 



294 INORGANIC AGENTS 

II,N N H C 6 H 5 + C H 3 C O C Ho C O O CoH 5 = C 6 H 5 
(C H 3 ) C 3 H 2 N 2 + C 2 H 5 O H+ H 2 0. Then C 6 H 5 (C H 3 ) 
C 3 H 2 is T 20 + CH3I (methyl iodide) = C11II12N0O. 

Properties.- — Colorless, odorless, scaly crystals, of a bitterish taste 
and alkaline reaction. Soluble in about its own weight of water, 
alcohol and chloroform. 

Incompatibles. — Spirit of nitrous ether, iron sulphate, chloride 
and iodide ; salicylates, tannin, chloral, calomel, and a large num- 
ber of drugs. 

Dose.— II. & C, 5 iii.-iv. (12.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i. (4.) ; D., 
gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 

ACTION OF ACETANILID, ANTIPYRIN AND PHENACETIN. 

External. — Acetanilid and antipyrin are antiseptics. Solu- 
tions of the latter contract vessels and exert a local anesthetic and 
hemostatic state. 

Internal. — These substances exert no action upon the digestive 
tract, but acetanilid possesses a decided antiseptic influence upon 
bacteria within the alimentary canal. 

Blood. — These agents have no influence upon the blood, in 
moderate medicinal doses, but in large doses (except antipyrin) they 
diminish the ozonizing power of the blood/ reduce the hemoglobin 
of the red corpuscles, change it to methemoglobin, and alter the 
color of the blood to a brownish-red hue. In large toxic quantities, 
administered continuously, they cause disintegration of the red cor- 
puscles and elimination of the blood-coloring matter in the urine. 

Heart and Blood Vessels. — In ordinary therapeutic doses these 
drugs do not alter the normal condition of the heart or blood vessels, 
but in large medicinal doses they first stimulate and then slow and 
depress the force of the heart by action (probably) upon the heart 
muscle. Phenacetin is the least, and acetanilid the most depressant. 
Antipyrin is said to stimulate the heart and increase blood pressure 
in minute quantities. These three antipyretics decidedly diminish 
blood tension in large medicinal doses, owing to depression of the 
heart and of the vasomotor apparatus. 

Nervous System, — Usual therapeutic doses of these substances 
exert a sedative action upon the sensory nerves and sensory tract 
of the spinal cord. They are therefore analgesics, although not 
comparable in this respect to opium. Poisonous quantities of these 
drugs diminish muscular power, lessen reflex action and cause paraly- 
sis. Experiments apparently show that acetanilid paralyzes the 
motor nerves, antipyrin the motor nerve endings, while motor de- 
pression seems to be of spinal origin in the case of phenacetin. The 



ACTION OF ACETANILID, ANTIPYKIN AND PHENACETIN 295 

brain is undoubtedly influenced by these agents, as evidenced by 
coma and convulsions in poisoning, but exact knowledge is wanting 
in relation to the action upon the brain. The functions of the 
cerebral cortex are thought to be depressed by antipyrin, and the 
special senses to be first stimulated and then paralyzed by this drug. 

Temperature. — Acetanilid, antipyrin and phenacetin are es- 
sentially antipyretics. While they do not invariably lower tempera- 
ture, even in large doses in normal animals, they do so very 
materially in animals suffering from fever. They apparently de- 
press the activity of the calorefacient centres (probably in the cor- 
pora striata), and therefore diminish heat production. Testimony 
is at variance in regard to their action upon heat loss. They fre- 
quently induce diarphoresis, but it is generally accepted that heat 
dissipation is increased to a greater extent than would be accounted 
for by sweating, and that it occurs even when diarphoresis does not 
take place. Experimenters vehemently disagree as to which pre- 
ponderates — increased heat loss or lessened heat-production — in 
causing antipyresis. 

Respiration, — The respiratory functions are unaffected by 
therapeutic doses of these medicines. In lethal doses respiration 
is quickened, owing to the greater work thrown upon the respiratory 
centre by the altered condition of the blood, and this vital centre is 
ultimately paralyzed. 

Kidneys. — The drugs under consideration produce slight 
diuresis in moderate medicinal doses. In poisoning, the urine may 
become dark-colored by the hematin escaping from the disintegrated 
red blood corpuscles. Antipyrin lessens the nitrogenous products 
of tissue waste in the urine, and also diminishes the amount of that 
secretion. Acetanilid, on the other hand, increases the excretion 
of urea. 

Elimination. — Antipyrin is rapidly eliminated unchanged^ in 
the urine in some animals; in others it is oxidized. Acetanilid 
escapes in part unchanged and in part as different oxidation products 
in different animals; while phenacetin is chiefly eliminated as such 
and as glycuronate of phenetidin. 

Poisoning. — Toxic doses of these drugs cause, in ^ the lower 
animals, nervous excitement and convulsions, and sometimes coma, 
loss of consciousness, staggering gait, muscular failure, sweating, 
rapid, feeble respiration, weak pulse, cyanosis, occasional vomiting 
in dogs, fall of temperature and general paralysis. 

Treatment. — External heat, alcoholic stimulants by the_ mouth, 
rectum, or under the skin ; digitalone, strychnine, and atropine sub- 
cutaneously. 



296 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Administration. — Antipyrin is given in solution by the rnouth, 
rectum, or under the skin, Acetanilid and phenaeetin can be ad- 
ministered in powder, tablet, pill or ball ; or in solution in alcoholic 
liquor. Acetphenetidin is to be preferred for horses on account of 
its being less depressant. The average dose of acetanilid is one 
drachm for a horse, and three to five grains for a dog ; and the dose of 
phenaeetin is twice, and of antipyrin three times greater than that 
of acetanilid. 

Uses External. — Acetanilid is employed as an antiseptic dust- 
ing powder undiluted. A ten per cent, solution of antipyrin may 
be applied as a hemostatic upon bleeding surfaces. 

Uses Internal. — There are three indications for the use of these 
agents : 1. To lower temperature in fever. 2. To relieve pain. 
3. To lessen motor excitement and spasm. 

While these agents are used chiefly in human medicine to relieve 
pain, especially of a neuralgic character, this kind of suffering is 
uncommon in veterinary practice and here acute rheumatism is 
the disease chiefly amenable to their influence. In rheumatism the 
salicylates should be employed with the antipyretics, as sodium 
salicylate in solution with antipyrin. 

Phenaeetin is the most serviceable for dogs, as it is less toxic, 
more sedative, and more permanent in its antipyretic action than 
antipyrin or acetanilid. Dogs suffering from distemper are greatly 
relieved by small and repeated doses of phenaeetin, which lessen 
fever, cough and restlessness. In acute diseases, as pneumonia, in- 
fluenza and laminitis, either of the antipyretics may be employed in 
one or two doses when there is hyperpyrexia. 

Although animals do not seem to be so susceptible to the depres- 
sing influence of the antipyretics yet it is well to combine them with 
caffeine or strychnine. They are generally inadvisable in asthenic, 
febrile diseases, since they are too depressant in their action upon 
the heart and have no effect in removing the cause of the disease. 
The hyperpyrexia of isolation may be treated with these agents, in 
combination with cold, externally and per rectum. Motor disturb- 
ances, including convulsions, chorea and spasm, may be abated by the 
antipyretics, but they are usually inferior to chloral, opium, or other 
antispasmodics. 

Phenaeetin, combined with codeine or heroin, in powder or 
tablet, is a useful remedv for cone-h in dogs. 



CARBOLIC ACID 297 

Class 6. — Antiseptics. 

Acidum Caeboliottm Crudum. Crude Carbolic Acid. 

Synonym. — Acide phenique era, Fr. ; rolie carbolsaure, G. 

Derivation. — A liquid consisting of various constituents of coal 
tar, chiefly cresol and phenol, obtained by fractional distillation at 
•a temperature between 302° F. and 392° F., and twice rectified at 
a temperature between 338° F. and 374° F. 

Properties. — A nearly colorless, or reddish-brown liquid of a 
strongly empyreumatic and creasote-like odor, having a benumbing, 
blanching and caustic effect upon the skin or mucous membrane, and 
gradually turning darker on exposure to the air and light. Soluble 
in 15 parts of water. The aqueous solution has a slight acid 
reaction. 

Phenol (IT. S. P.) 
*Acidum Cakbolicum. Carbolic Acid. C 6 H 5 IT. (B. P.) 

Synonym. — Hydroxybenzene, phenic acid, phenyl alcohol, phen- 
ylicum crystallisatum, E. ; acide phenique, acide carbolique, hydrate 
de phenyle, Fr. ; carbolsaure, phenyl alkohol, G. 

Derivation. — Obtained from crude carbolic acid by agitation 
with caustic soda, heating to 338° F., and adding hydrochloric acid. 
Then by agitation with sodium chloride, digestion with calcium 
chloride, and distillation at a temperature between 336° F., and 
374° F., and finally by crystallization. 

Properties. — Colorless, interlaced, or separate, needle-shaped 
crystals, or a white crystalline mass, sometimes acquiring a reddish 
tint : having a characteristic, somewhat aromatic odor, and when 
copiously diluted with water, a sweetish taste with a slightly burning 
after-taste. Deliquescent on exposure to damp air. Soluble in 
about 19.6 parts of water, and very soluble in alcohol, ether, chloro- 
form, glycerin, fixed and volatile oils. Faintly acid reaction. 

Phenol crystals melt when heated, but solidify again on cooling. 
A 95 per cent, solution of carbolic acid crystals, in alcohol, remains 
fluid at the ordinary temperature. The crystals are also liquified 
by the addition of about 8 per cent, of water. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3ss.-ii. (2.-8.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.x.-xx. (0.6-1.3) ; 
D.. gr.ss.-i. (.03-.06). 



* The U. S. P., 1905, recognizes only "Phenol" as the official name for car- 
bolic acid. 



298 INOKGANIC AGENTS 



PREPARATIONS. 

Unguentum Acidi Carbolici. Ointment of Carbolic Acid. (B. P.) 
Vnguentum Phenolis. (U.S. P.) 

Phenol, 3; ointment, 97 (U. S. P.) ; 4 per cent., B. P. 

Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici. Glycerite of Carbolic Acid. (B. P.) 
Glyceritum Phenolis. (U.S. P.) 

Phenol, 20; glycerin, 80. 

Acidum Carbolicum Liquef actum. Liquified Carbolic Acid. (B. P. ) 
Phenol Liquef actum. (U.S. P.) 

Carbolic acid liquified by addition of 10 per cent, of water. 
Dose. — Same as acidum carbolicum. 

Action External. — Carbolic acid causes burning pain when ap- 
plied to the skin or mucous membranes, and this action is followed 
by local anaesthesia and the production of a dry white spot. If used 
in sufficient quantity, it leads to sloughing, but the escharotic effect 
is superficial, since the acid coagulates albumin, which forms a pro- 
tective coating over the underlying parts. Carbolic acid is an anti- 
septic and disinfectant, and, in proper solution, acts as a sedative 
upon the peripheral sensory nerves, and is one of the most efficient 
agents in relieving itching. It checks the growth of both organized 
(bacteria) and unorganized (digestive) ferments. Strong solutions 
(1-2 per cent.) kill most bacteria, but a considerable time is required 
to destroy the organisms of certain diseases and those relating to 
putrefaction. Some hours are required to kill anthrax spores, by 
even a 5 per cent, solution. Two per cent, solutions destroy the 
digestive ferments. The lower forms of vegetable parasites, grow- 
ing upon the skin, perish by the application of carbolic acid. 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — Carbolic acid exerts a 
local, anaesthetic action upon the sensory nerve endings in the stom- 
ach, and may act to a certain extent in the digestive tract as an 
antiseptic, hindering abnormal fermentation. It is probably con- 
verted into a sulpho-carbolate in the stomach. In concentration, 
carbolic acid is a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant. 

Blood. — Carbolic acid is absorbed into the blood and probably 
circulates in part as an alkaline carbolate of sodium and potassium. 

Heart and Blood Vessels. — Phenol, in poisonous doses, para- 
lyzes the vasomotor centre and later depresses the heart. The 
effect upon the vessels is the more important and prominent, but 
neither action is observed after medicinal doses. 

Respiration. — Therapeutic doses do not influence the respiratory 
functions, but toxic quantities make the respiratory movements rapid 



CARBOLIC ACID 299 

and shallow at first, owing to stimulation of the respiratory centre 
and peripheral vagi, while death occurs after lethal amounts from 
paralysis of the respiratory centre. 

Nervous System. — The brain is depressed by toxic doses of 
carbolic acid, and stupor and coma occur. The convulsions appear- 
ing in carbolic acid poisoning are due to primary stimulation of the 
spinal motor area, which is finally depressed and paralyzed. When 
locally applied, carbolic acid depresses and paralyzes the peripheral 
sensory nerves. 

Temperature. — Carbolic acid, in medicinal doses, slightly low- 
ers temperature both in health and fever, but is not sufficiently 
antipyretic to be suitable for such a purpose in practice. It de- 
presses heat production and increases heat loss. 

Elimination. — Carbolic acid is eliminated by all ordinary 
channels, but mainly by the kidneys. The urine becomes dark 
colored — a very characteristic sign — even after large medicinal doses. 
Phenol normally occurs in small quantities in the urine of man and 
animals. Three grains have been recovered from the urine passed 
in 24 hours by a horse, and phenol is thought to be a product of intesti- 
nal fermentation. In large toxic doses most of the carbolic acid is 
eliminated in the urine unchanged. Part, however, is oxidized into 
two bodies — pyrocatechin and hydroquinone — and these, as well as 
phenol, unite with sulphuric and glycuronic acids in the tissues. 
Thus phenol is eliminated in the urine as double sulphates and 
glycuronates of phenol, pyrocatechin and hydroquinone. The last 
two are unstable and further undergo oxidation into dark substances, 
coloring the urine, which grows darker on exposure to the air. The 
normal sulphates are absent in the urine following carbolic acid 
poisoning. 

Toxicology. — Carbolic acid ranks as one of the most powerful 
poisons — together with prussic acid and nitrobenzole — in existence. 
Several cases of death in man have occurred after the ingestion of 
one-half an ounce of carbolic acid ; and the smallest fatal human 
dose on record appears to be about one drachm. One or two drachms 
are fatal to dogs, and a dose as small as 15 grains is said to have 
caused the death of a dog, while the lethal amount for the horse is 
about one ounce. Many cases of accidental poisoning have occurred 
from absorption of carbolic acid when applied externally for surgical 
purposes in dressings or solutions upon raw surfaces. The symp- 
toms are the same as when absorption occurs from the digestive 
tract. Extensive gangrene, after continuous treatment with moist 
carbolic applications, is occasionally seen. Dogs and cats are 
particularly susceptible to the action of phenol. The milder symp- 
toms of poisoning include dulness, loss of appetite, muscular weak- 



300 INORGANIC AGENTS 

ness and trembling, and dark-colored urine having the odor of car- 
bolic acid. After lethal doses death may be instantaneous through 
respiratory arrest, the heart continuing to beat for a time. The 
more ordinary symptoms in severe poisoning in all animals are: 
trembling, rarely vomiting and purging, restlessness, salivation, loss 
of muscular power (animal reels and falls), diminution of sensi- 
bility, anaesthesia, dyspnoea ; the breathing is rapid, shallow and 
stertorous ; the pulse is weak, irregular, and usually frequent ; the 
temperature is lowered, and there are the usual symptoms of collapse, 
with insensibility, coma, loss of reflex action, general paralysis, oc- 
casional convulsions and death. Sometimes hematuria, albuminuria 
and hemoglobinuria have been observed. The condition resembles 
apoplexy, but the mucous membrane of the mouth is stained white 
in patches after ingestion of pure acid, dark with crude acid, and 
the odor of the poison lingering about the animal, together with the 
dark, green-colored urine, are characteristic of phenol poisoning. 
The urine may be clear when first voided, but becomes dark on stand- 
ing. 

The absence of carbolic acid in the urine affords certain evi- 
dence that the case is not one of poisoning by this drug. Post- 
mortem examination reveals hard, whitish or brownish or black 
patches and sloughs upon the mucous membrane of the mouth, gullet, 
stomach, and even the small intestines. The blood is dark from 
asphyxia, and imperfectly coagulated. There is occasionally fatty 
degeneration of the liver and kidneys. The odor of the acid remains 
not longer than twenty-four hours. 

Treatment. — Unfortunately there is no satisfactory anti- 
dote for phenol. Emetics are usually valueless on account of the 
anesthetic condition of the mucous membrane of the stomach. We 
use, therefore, the stomach tube. Washing the stomach with 10 per 
cent, solution of alcohol has proven most efficient. This follows 
because alcohol is a good solvent for phenol. The alcoholic solution 
of phenol should, therefore, be at once removed from the stomach or 
its use will aid absorption and poisoning. After washing the stom- 
ach with alcohol one should give a strong solution of magnesium or 
sodium sulphate by the mouth or, when lavage is impracticable, one 
of these should be given at once. Concerning their action and value 
there could scarcely be more disagreement. Thus it has hitherto 
been commonly accepted and taught that insoluble sulphocarbolates 
are formed in the stomach. This is now denied by Sollman and 
most authorities. Thornton affirms, as a result of his experiments, 
that harmless but soluble phenosulphates result. This, again, is de- 
nied by Baumann and others. Cushny declares that the employment 
of these sulphates in phenol poisoning is useless, while Hare advises 



CARBOLIC ACID 301 

their use. As the action of Epsom or Glauber's salts is harmless 
and their effect may be beneficial, we recommend their administration. 
For collapse, heart and respiratory failure, — camphorated oil, digi- 
talis, strychnine, atropine, ether, and brandy subcutaneously, are to be 
employed, together with heat externally. Mucilaginous drinks are 
also useful. The local caustic action of carbolic acid on the skin or 
mucous membranes can be prevented by the immediate wash- 
ing of the parts with strong alcohol. Of late years alcohol has also 
been regarded and widely given as a physiological and chemical anti- 
dote in carbolic poisoning. In experiments, cited by Thornton,* on 
dogs with mixtures of toxic doses of carbolic acid and alcohol, and with 
the administration of poisonous doses of the acid followed by alcohol, 
the results go to show that alcohol does not in any way lessen or alter 
the poisonous effect of carbolic acid except in preventing the corrosive 
action on the stomach. His conclusions are somewhat weakened, 
however, by the fact that doses of alcohol were used which in them- 
selves might be toxic (4 to 9 ounces). It is now known that alcohol 
acts only as a solvent ; not as an antidote. 

Administration. — -Carbolic acid is commonly given internally, 
diluted several hundred times with water. 

Uses External. — A solution of carbolic acid (1-20) is frequently 
used in surgery to disinfect the unbroken skin, while a weaker solu- 
tion (1-50) is more suitable as an antiseptic upon raw surfaces and 
mucous membranes. While corrosive sublimate has enjoyed chief 
popularity as a surgical antiseptic for many years on account of its 
cheapness and supposed superior bactericidal properties, recent experi- 
ments (see p. 202) have shown that the value of corrosive sublimate is 
much over-estimated. It has been shown that while a 1 to 2000 
solution of corrosive sublimate requires over thirty minutes to kill 
micro-organisms the same bacteria are killed in less than one minute 
by a 5 per cent, solution of carbolic acid (Post and iSTicoll). So, 
while the antiseptic reputation of phenol has been rehabilitated, yet 
its closely related chemical substitutes, cresol, creolin and lysol, have 
largely replaced phenol on account of their being less toxic and more 
actively germicidal, strength for strength. Pure carbolic acid is 
occasionally used as a caustic to destroy small growths, as warts, and 
the lining membrane of fistula? of the poll, withers, or lateral carti- 
lages ; to swab out a septic uterus, and as a local anaesthetic upon 
the skin. A drop of pure acid, or a line drawn with a brush along 
a proposed path of incision, may render a hypodermic puncture or 
superficial incision painless. Carbolic acid with glycerin (1-16) is 
one of the most excellent preparations for applying to sluggish ulcers 
and old sinuses and fistula?. The glycerin appears to entirely offset 

* Progressive Medicine, p. 345, Dec, 1901. 



302 INORGANIC AGENTS 

the corrosive action of the acid, and the result is a stimulation of 
the pyogenic membrane and promotion of healing which often can 
not be obtained by any other remedy. It is equally effective in 
canker and foul in the foot of cattle, and in foot rot of sheep (1 part 
in 10 of glycerin). Injection of ten to thirty drops of a two per 
cent, aqueous solution into the substance of boils, acne, glandular 
swellings, poisoned wounds, joints affected with chronic synovitis, 
and inflamed bursse, will often assist recovery and may abort the 
lesion. In the two last, ntx.xxx. of the pure acid. 

In acute inflammation, the injections are made twice daily; in 
chronic conditions, once every other day; and if there is a large 
extent of surface involved, several injections are done at one time. 

Erysipelatous patches are best treated by swabbing them with 
pure phenol followed at once by swabbing with pure alcohol. This 
is done not only to the patch itself but the surrounding normal area 
should be somewhat encroached upon. 

Wet dressings, made by saturating aseptic gauze in % to 1 per 
cent, solutions of phenol and applied with a rubber cloth or oil paper 
or silk covering, have been much used in surgery in the treatment 
of septic wounds. Many cases of local gangrene have been reported 
in human surgery following such application to the extremities. It 
is safer and just as effective to use a 1 per cent, lysol (liq. cresolis 
co.) solution for an antiseptic wet dressing. 

Bacelli's treatment of tetanus with carbolic acid is much more 
successful than with antitoxin (90 per cent, cured). One drachm of 
the pure acid in solution (3 to 5 per cent.) should be injected sub- 
cutaneously in the region of the neck and shoulders of the horse 
every two hours during the first 32 hours, and less frequently after- 
ward. As much as 36 drachms may be given to the horse in 24 
hours, for there appears to be a special tolerance for carbolic acid 
acquired in tetanus. 

Instruments are frequently placed in carbolic acid solution 
(1-40) during surgical operations, although it is sufficient to boil 
them in water for ten minutes, and keep them in the boiled water, 
or place them in a pure atmosphere upon boiled towels. Carbolized 
gauze is prepared from unbleached cotton gauze medicated with 
half its weight of a mixture consisting of carbolic acid, 1 ; resin, 3 ; 
and paraffin, 4 parts. Plain gauze, sterilized by baking at a tem- 
perature of 140° G. for two hours, is preferable, and avoids the 
danger of absorption and poisoning. 

The glycerite of carbolic acid is employed as a local application 
in stomatitis, upon the ulcerations of actinomycosis with iodine, and 
also upon the skin to destroy ringworm. It is inferior, however, to 
tincture of iodine for the latter purpose. Two per cent, solutions 



CREOSOTE: 



503 



are recommended to kill lice and the acari of scab and mange. Car- 
bolic acid is the most serviceable remedy we possess to relieve itching. 
Two per cent, solutions may be employed upon the unbroken skin, 
but the strength should not be greater than half this amount upon 
excoriated surfaces. In sub-acute moist eczema of clogs, carbolic 
acid with zinc ointment (gr.5-§. i.), or the following prescription, 
will be found of value in relieving itching and promoting recovery : 

Calaminae S ss - 

Zinci oxidi 3 ii. 

Acid. Carbol gr. xx. 

Liq. Calcis ad 5 1V - 

M. 

Sig. External use. (Shake.) 

Care should always be taken not to apply carbolic preparations 
over any considerable extent of raw surface, and to muzzle dogs in the 
event of an opportunity being afforded them to lick off any undue 
amount of the acid. A solution (1-50) in boiling water forms an 
efficient antiseptic and sedative inhalation for horses suffering from 
catarrh of the upper air passages. One of the most excellent reme- 
dies for burns consists of a one per cent, solution of carbolic acid 
in carron oil. It relieves pain and lessens suppuration, although 
carbolic acid in oil possesses little antiseptic property, because phenol 
is so much more soluble in oil than in the watery protoplasin of 
bacteria. Good results have been reported with intratracheal injec- 
tions in verminous bronchitis of foals and calves, consisting of the 
following : 

Acidi carbolici 1T|.xx. 

01. terebinthinae 3 ii. 

Chloroformi 3 ss. 

M. 

Sig. Give at one injection intratracheally. 

Phenol, 1 part; with camphor, 3 parts; forms a liquid which 
is without the toxic and caustic properties of phenol alone. It makes 
a serviceable application for small burns, wounds and ulcers, as in 
broken knees and in necrosis of the coronary band in horses. 

Phenol is useful as a spray in the form of DobelPs solution 
which is indicated in coryza, in influenza and distemper. 



304 INORGANIC AGENTS 

< 

Sodii bicarb. 

Sodii boratis 55 3 i 

Phenol 3 ss 

Glycerini 3 i 

Aquae ii 

Sig. — DobelFs solution. Apply with atomizer or syringe. 

Crude carbolic acid may be used in 5 per cent, solution to 
disinfect infected buildings and their contents, and, with whitewash,, 
can be applied to walls after cleaning. 

To be more precise, the strength of crude carbolic acid for dis- 
infection depends upon the amount of cresylic acid it contains, which 
may be ascertained from the dealer. The disinfectant solution of 
crude carbolic acid should be such that it will contain 2 per cent, 
of cresylic acid. 

Commercial cresol (containing over 90' per cent, of pure cresol) 
is more effective and cheaper than crude carbolic acid as a disin- 
fectant. It should be dissolved in hot water and used in 2 per cent, 
solution. 

A 5 per cent, cresol solution is useful in the form of a foot bath 
in a shallow trough for foot rot in sheep, which are driven through 
it thrice weekly. 

Uses Internal. — The systemic action of carbolic acid after ab- 
sorption is of value in some general bacterial diseases. 

This is most notable in the case of tetanus, as has been seen.. 
Moreover, the subcutaneous injection of 2 drachms (8 cc.) of a 3 
per cent, aqueous solution of carbolic acid every ten days into all 
pregnant cows during the prevalence of epizootic abortion has been 
extensively employed as a prophylactic measure. Recent reports 
discredit the value of this treatment, however. In the carbuncle 
form of anthrax in man, the injection of carbolic acid has yielded 
successful results and it may be tried in cattle. But speedy destruc- 
tion of anthrax patients in veterinary practice is usually the only 
wise procedure. Locally, carbolic acid may exert an antiseptic and 
anesthetic action in the stomach. Carbolic acid is sometimes of 
service in relieving vomiting and gastric pain caused by flatulence 
in dogs, and in counteracting intestinal fermentation and diarrhea 
in all animals. In diarrhea of dogs, grain doses are combined to 
advantage with bismuth subnitrate in powder, capsule, or pill. 

Creosotum. Creosote. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Kreosotum, P. G. ; kreosote, Fr. ; kreosot, G. 
Derivation. — A mixture of phenols and phenol derivatives,. 



LYSOL 305 

chiefly guaiacol and creosol, obtained during the distillation of 
wood tar, preferably of that derived from the beech, Fagus sylvatica 
Linne. (Nat. ord. cupulif erae. ) 

Properties. — An almost colorless, yellowish or pinkish, highly 
refractive, oily liquid, having a penetrating, smoky odor, and a 
burning, caustic taste. Usually becoming darker in tint on exposure 
to the light. Spec. gr. not below 1.070 at 59° F. Soluble in about 
140 parts of water, but without forming a perfectly clear solution. 
Freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, acetic acid, fixed and 
volatile oils. 

Dose.— H., TTLv.xv. (.3-1.); D., TH.ss.-ii. (.03-.12). 

Action and Uses. — The action of creosote upon animals is prac- 
tically the same as that of carbolic acid in kind, but is much less 
toxic. The antidotes and treatment of poisoning are also similar. 
Externally, creosote is as effective a germicide as carbolic acid, but 
the latter is usually preferred, being much cheaper. Creosote may 
be applied in the same strength for its local antiseptic, parasiticide, 
and local anaesthetic action. It is employed in skin diseases and 
especially those of parasitic origin. In scab 1 part is dissolved in 
65 parts of 50 per cent, alcohol, and in follicular mange of dogs it 
may be applied with olive oil (1 to 14) to which is added two parts 
of potassium hydroxide. Internally, creosote is administered, as 
is carbolic acid, to check vomiting and to act as an intestinal antisep- 
tic in indigestion with fermentation and diarrhea. Creosote is of 
much service as an inhalation (n\xx. to Oi. of boiling water) in 
sub-acute bronchitis, in fetid nasal discharge and in gangrene of the 
lung in horses. It is occasionally given by intratracheal injection 
(creosote, TTLx. in * ss. of 50 per cent, alcohol) in gangrenous pneu- 
monia of horses and to sheep and calves in the same manner in 
parasitic bronchitis (Tit v. in 3 i. 50 per cent, alcohol). It may also 
be given by the mouth in verminous bronchitis so as to kill the 
filaria in its elimination by the bronchial mucous membrane. Neu- 
mann advises creosote (jjj ii.), benzine (§ x.), and water (2 qts.) ; 
of the mixture for sheep, 1 teaspoonful daily, by the mouth, for 
8 days for verminous bronchitis. 

Ceesol. Trikresol. C 7 H 7 OH. 

A mixture [C 6 H 4 (CH 3 ) O H] of the three isomeric cresols 
obtained from coal tar, freed from phenol, hydrocarbons and water. 
It should be preserved in amber-colored bottles from the light. A 
colorless, or straw-colored refractive fluid, having a phenol-like odor, 
and turning yellowish-brown on prolonged exposure to light. Spec, 
gr. 1.032. Cresol is soluble in 60 parts of water at 77° F. ; miscible 



306 INORGANIC AGENTS 

in all proportions with petroleum benzine, benzene, alcohol, ether 
and glycerin; miscible with alkali hydroxide solutions. The three 
cresols are nieta-, ortho- and para-cresol. They are constituents 
of tars and are related to carbolic acid chemically and therapeutically. 
To increase their solubility as antiseptics they are suspended with 
soap (lysol), used in emulsion (creolin), or dissolved by salts 
(solveol). Cresol ranks favorably with phenol as an antiseptic but 
is used more commonly in the form of creolin and lysol. The dose 
of cresol is the same as that of phenol. 

Cbjgolinum. Creolin. (Non-official.) 

Derivation. — Obtained from soft coal by dry distillation. Com- 
position very complex. It is said to contain cresol and higher homo- 
logues of phenol. 

Properties. — Dark-brown, syrupy, alkaline liquid, of a tarry 
taste and odor. Nearly soluble in alcohol ; soluble in chloroform 
and ether. When added to water, creolin forms a white emulsion 
containing in suspension as much as 12 per cent, of the drug. 

Dose. — H. and C, * ss.-i. (15.-30.), in single dose. For con- 
tinuous use — H. and C, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., nii.-v. (.06-.3). 

Action External. — Creolin is a powerful and useful disinfectant, 
antiseptic, and parasiticide. It forms a slippery coating upon the 
skin. Strong solutions are not caustic, but may cause a dermatitis 
when continuously applied. Creolin generally represents carbolic 
acid, but is much more efficient as a germicide, less irritating, and 
does not endanger animal life from absorption.* Aqueous solutions 
(emulsions), containing from !/2 to 1 per cent., are employed for 
antiseptic purposes. 

Action Internal. — Creolin is eliminated by all channels, giving 
the secretions a tarry odor, and coloring the urine brown. One or 
two drachms of creolin (a lethal dose of carbolic acid), when given 
daily to dogs for weeks at a time, produce no bad effects. It is a 
good intestinal antiseptic, and better than carbolic acid. 

Uses. — Creolin is employed mainly outside of the body, and is 
a useful general antiseptic for surgical purposes in 1 per cent, solu- 
tion. Antiseptic poultices, so valuable upon septic sloughing parts, 
are best made by soaking clean gauze in a 1 per cent, aqueous solu- 
tion of creolin, and applying the same, covered by a waterproof 
protective. Creolin solutions are not to be recommended for instru- 
ments during operations, as the fluid is so turbid that they cannot 
he seen by the operator. A 2 per cent, solution is useful for a 



* Creolin, to avoid toxic effects, should be pure. That made by Merck is a 
reliable article. 



FORMALDEHYDE 307 

vaginal or uterine injection ; a 1 per cent, solution for irrigation of 
the bladder in cystitis, or eye in keratitis and conjunctivitis; and a 
1/2 per cent, solution for intestinal irrigation in dysentery. As a 
parasiticide, 2 per cent, solutions, or 10 per cent, ointments or soaps, 
may be used to kill lice, •fleas, and acari of scab and mange. Froh- 
ner advises equal parts of creolin and alcohol, with 8 parts of 
green soap, in mange and scab with occasional use of a 2 per cent, 
bath. The same treatment is useful in chronic mange and grease. 
With alcohol (1-10-20) creolin is remedial in alopcia areata. 

Sheep are dipped to advantage in 2 per cent, solutions, to 
destroy ticks, instead of the more dangerous arsenical liquids. 
Creolin (of Merck) may be used internally, as an intestinal antisep- 
tic and anthelmintic. One ounce given on an empty stomach, in a 
quart of water, is one of the most effective vermifuges for the horse. 

Lysolum. Lysol. 

A preparation, Liquor Cresolis Compositus (U. S. P.), is now official and 
represents lysol. It has the advantage of being cheaper than lysol. 

Derivation. — From that part of tar oil which boils between 
190° and 200° C, by dissolving in fat and saponifying in alcohol. 

Properties. — A clear, brown, oily liquid, of a feeble, creosote- 
like odor. Soluble in water, forming a clear, frothy, soapy fluid, 
and in alcohol, chloroform, and glycerin. Lysol contains 50 per 
cent, of cresol. 

Lysol is used as a substitute for creolin, in % to 2 per cent, 
aqueous solution. It is a powerful antiseptic, and is stated to be 
half as poisonous as creolin, and only Vs as toxic as carbolic acid. 
A 1 per cent, solution of lysol is more effectively antiseptic than 
similar solutions of either phenol, creolin or a 1 to 1000 solution of 
mercuric bichloride. The latter requires over one half hour to kill 
most pathogenic micro-organisms. One per cent, lysol destroys 
streptococci within one minute. Two per cent, solutions are useful 
in irrigating wounds and for making wet dressings and vaginal in- 
jections. Lysol should be bought under its official name (liq. cresolis 
co.), as it is then much cheaper. Solutions do not roughen the 
surgeon's hands, and instruments submerged in them are not injured 
or obscured. 

The drug Liquor Cresolis Compositus is perhaps the most 
widely used and valuable surgical antiseptic and disinfectant at 
our disposal at the present time. 



308 usroKGAjsric agents 

Betanaphthol. Ci H 7 O H. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — JSTaphtol. 

A phenol occurring in wood tar, but usually prepared artificially 
from naphthalin. 

Derivation. — Naphthalin is treated with strong sulphuric acid. 
B-naphthalin sulphonic acid is formed C 10 H 7 H S0 3 ). The latter 
acid is dissolved in water with milk of lime, and the resulting cal- 
cium salt is recovered by crystallization. The crystals are then 
dissolved in water and treated with sodium carbonate, when sodium 
naphthalin-sulphonate (C 10 H 7 S0 3 ]STa) results. The latter is 
mixed with fused sodium hydroxide, when sodium naphtol C 10 H 7 
O Na) and sodium sulphite are obtained. Hydrochloric acid is 
added to the former, and naphtol results, which is further purified 
by sublimation and recrystallization. 

Properties. — Colorless, or pale buff-colored, shining, crystalline 
lamina?, or a white, or yellowish- white, crystalline powder; having a 
faint phenol-like odor, and a sharp and pungent but not persistent 
taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in about 950 parts of water, 
and in 0.61 parts of alcohol; also very soluble in ether, chloroform, 
or solutions of caustic alkalies. 

Dose.— H., 5 ii.-iii. (8.-12.) ; D., gr.i.-x. (.06-.6). 

Actions and Uses. — Naphtol is a powerful disinfectant, anti- 
septic and parasiticide. It is said to be several times more germi- 
cidal than phenol. B-naphtol somewhat resembles carbolic acid in 
its toxic effect. It irritates the mucous membranes, causing sneez- 
ing and coughing in the respiratory tract, nausea and diarrhea when 
swallowed, and acute nephritis, with inflammation of the urinary 
tract and strangury in its elimination. It is a useful application 
externally in 10 per cent, ointment, for mange and ringworm. 

Internally it is employed to kill round and tape worms, and as 
an antiseptic in intestinal fermentation. It should be given in 
keratin coated pill (to avoid irritating the stomach), or capsules, to 
dogs, and in ball to horses. 



jSTaphthalEiNum. Naphthalene. C 10 H s . (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Naphtalin. 

Derivation. — A hydrocarbon obtained from coal tar by distilla- 
tion between 356° F. and 482° F. The impure na.phtalin resulting is 
treated with sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide, and is further 
purified by distillation with steam, and then by mixture with strong 
sulphuric acid, and finally by redistillation. 



FORMALDEHYDE 309 

Properties. — Colorless, shining, transparent laminse, having a 
strong characteristic oclor resembling that of coal tar, and a burning 
aromatic taste; slowly volatilized on exposure to the air. Insoluble 
in water; soluble in 13 parts of alcohol; very soluble in ether, chloro- 
form, carbon disulphide, and fixed and volatile oils. 

Dose.— IT., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15,); D., gr.i.-xx. (.06-1.3). 

Actions and Uses. — Naphthalene produces in poisonous doses 
diarrhea and emaciation, nephritis and retinal degeneration with 
cataract. It is oxidized in the body and eliminated in the urine as 
beta- and alpha-naphtol, but while thus sterilizing the urine neither 
naphthalene nor naphtol should be employed when there is irritation 
of the urinary tract. Naphthalene, like other coal tar products, is an 
diseases. Naphthalene is almost insoluble in the digestive tract, and 
in combination with castor oil. Naphthalene is administered to dogs 
in starch wafers or gelatine capsules ; and to horses in ball or electuary. 

Resokcinol, C 6 H 6 2 . (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Resorcinum. Resorcin. Metadioxybenzol. 

Derivative. — A diatomic phenol formed by the action of fuming 
sulphuric acid upon benzine, whereby benzine metadisulphonic acid 
[C e II 4 (H S 3 ) 2 ] results. The latter is neutralized by milk of 
lime; calcium sulphate is expressed, and sodium carbonate is added. 
The process is continued by filtration, and the filtrate evaporated to 
dryness. The residue is heated with sodium hydrate, with the 
formation of sodium resorcin [C 6 TI 4 (O Na) 2 ]- 

Sulphurous acid is driven off from sodium resorcin by boiling, 
and the result is extracted with ether; impure resorcin is recovered 
by distillation, and is purified by sublimation or by reerystallization 
from water. 

Properties. — Colorless, or faintly reddish, needle-shaped crys- 
tals, or rhombic plates ; having a faint, peculiar odor, and a disa- 
greeable, sweetish, and afterward pungent taste. Resorcin acquires 
a reddish or brownish tint on exposure to light and air. Soluble 
in 0.5 part of water, and slightly more soluble in alcohol ; readily 
soluble in ether or glycerin, and very slightly soluble in chloroform. 

Dose. — IT., 5 iv.-vi. (15.-24.) ; Foals and Calves, o ss.-i. (2.-4) ; 
D.. gr.ii.-v. (.12-.3). 

Action and Uses. — Resorcin was originally employed as an 
antipyretic, but is not now used for this action, being too depressing 
to the heart. It is an efficient antiseptic, externally and internally; 
possesses a slight local anesthetic effect, and is not nearly so irritating 
topically as phenol. Resorcinol is chiefly used in skin diseases to 
cure itching, scaling and induration in subacute and chronic eczema. 



310 INORGANIC AGENTS 

It may be combined with zinc ointment (1 to 8), or is used in solu- 
tion with glycerin and lime water, gr.xv. to xx. to the ounce. In- 
ternally, resorcin is of worth in diarrhea and fermentation. 

Formaldehyde. CI10 II. 
(ISTon-official.) 

Synonym. — Formic aldehyde. 

Derivation. — Obtained by partial combustion of wood alcohol, 
without ignition, by evaporation of the spirit in contact with a hot, 
platinized, asbestos plate. 2 C H 3 O H + 2 = 2 C H O H + 
2 H 2 0. 

Properties. — Formaldehyde is a pungent gas, having a spec. 
gr. of 1.6; soluble in water, forming a clear, colorless, stable solution 
when kept in glass-stoppered bottles, but volatilizing on exposure to 
the air. Formalin was the commercial name for an aqueous solution 
containing 40 per cent, of formaldehyde gas, but is now official. 

PREPARATION. 

Liquor Formaldehydi. (U.S. P.) 
Formalin. Containing not less than 37 per cent, of formaldehyde gas. 

Action and Uses. — -Formaldehyde and formalin are powerful 
microbicides. A 1 per cent, solution of formalin will kill Staphy- 
lococcus pyogenes aureus in about an hour; B. typhosus' in 40 to 50 
minutes ; B. coli communis in 30 to 40 minutes ; B. anthracis and 
S. choleras in less than 15 minutes. Clothes soaked in cultures of B. 
typhosus, S. choleras and Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, and then 
for 24 hours in a 1 per cent, solution of formalin, were found to be 
completely sterile (Slater). Trillat and Bobinson have apparently 
shown that formaldehyde gas has wonderful disinfectant and pene- 
trating properties, destroying all pathogenic bacteria in ordinary 
rooms containing the microorganisms buried under mattresses, be- 
tween blankets, in clothing and other articles, in the air, dust, and 
morbid secretions. Harrington has proved, however, that the pene- 
trating power of formaldehyde is nil in the case of moist substances, 
and that sterilization is not always complete when microorganisms 
are imbedded in, or covered by, dry pervious material. Still, for- 
maldehyde is the best gaseous disinfectant now known for the 
sterilization of infected premises. It does not kill insect pests, animal 
parasites or rats, but burning sulphur is effective for this purpose. 
The gas is most effective between 60 degrees and 70 degrees F. It 
should not be used if air temperature is below 50 degrees F. The 



DILUTED HYDBOCYANIC ACID 



311 



premises containing the gas should be sealed from 4 to 24 hours. 
Formaldehyde vapor is extremely pungent and irritating to the 
mucous membranes, causing running of the nose and eyes in those 
exposed to its influence; but some experimenters have subjected ani- 
mals to formaldehyde vapor (of disinfectant strength) for hours 
without causing their death. In Harrington's experiments two rab- 
bits were killed by formaldehyde in the disinfection of a room, and 
exhibited the following post-mortem appearances: Congestion and 
hemorrhage of the buccal mucous membrane ; intense bronchitis with 
hyperemia, and consolidation of the lung with a purulent and slightly 
fibrinous exudate. There was also congestion of the abdominal or- 
gans, including the liver, kidneys and spleen. As death may occur, 
it is' certainly unwise to attempt the disinfection of premises with 
formaldehyde, when inhabited by men or animals. 

The injection of 2 per cent, formalin in glycerin into badly 
infected and suppurating joints has proved unusually successful in 
human surgery. From 2 to 4 drachms are used, after aspiration, 
and the injection may be repeated 3 times, a week apart. The joints 
are immobilized meanwhile. The solution should never be used 
until it is 24 hours old. . . 

Internal A ction,— Solutions of formaldehyde are intensely irri- 
tant, Nausea, vomiting, coma with slow pulse, and death have fol- 
lowed its ingestion. The red blood cells are altered in form, and 
destructive changes have been noted in the liver and kidneys. For- 
maldehyde escapes unchanged in the urine. 

jj seSm — Formic aldehyde vapor is not injurious to clothing, met- 
als, or other like articles, as are sulphurous anhydride or chlorine gas, 
and it bids fair to supersede all other agents for the gaseous disin- 
fection of premises infected with pathogenic bacteria. Formalde- 
hyde gas may be generated by evaporating formalin in a vessel over 
a lamp, or other form of heating apparatus. 

Harrington states that the evaporation of 110 cc, of formalin 
is sufficient to kill all pathogenic micro-organisms within 2V 2 houre, 
in 1,000 cubic feet air space. Formaldehyde gas may be liberated 
most economically by mixing 8 oz. of potassium permanganate with 
1 pint of formalin in a galvanized iron pail 12 inches deep and 
10 inches in diameter at the bottom and 18 inches at the top. 
The pail should be placed on sand or in water as much heat is 
generated and great frothing occurs. This should be only done m 
deep tin vessels to avoid the effects of great frothing. This quan- 
tity of formalin and potassium permanganate is suitable for the 
disinfection of 1000 cu. ft. of space, if the air is moist and warm, 
but if cold and dry this amount will disinfect only half as much space. 

A solidified formaldehyde is also on the market to which one 



312 INORGANIC AGENTS 

need only hot water, to free the gas. In veterinary disinfec- 
tion one may spray formalin in five per cent, solution with a force 
pump all over the floors, walls, fixtures, etc. 

Rubber gloves should be used to protect the hands. 

Formalin, in Vi to 2 per cent, solution, is perhaps the most 
powerful antiseptic that has been used for surgical purposes, but, 
when used in such strength upon raw surfaces and mucous mem- 
branes it produces pain and irritation and coagulates albumin so as 
to shut off the underlying parts from participating in the antiseptic 
action. These stronger solutions, although formerly employed for 
surgical uses, should be confined to skin disinfection or where an 
escharotic action is desired on sloughing tissues. Ordinarily the 
strength of an aqueous solution should not exceed 1-2000, or at 
most 1-1000, for application to raw surfaces or mucous membranes, 
and even in this dilution applications sometimes produce considera- 
ble pain aud irritation, and, for this reason, are contraindicted for 
ordinary surgical use. 

Success is reported from the use of formalin on sloughing sur- 
faces of malignant growths and foul ulcers. A 4 per cent, solution 
is increased to 10 per cent, and finally to pure formalin, the solu- 
tions being applied on cotton saturated with the drug and retained 
on the part for thirty minutes each day. A 5 per cent, solution of 
formalin is serviceable for sterilizing catheters, instruments and 
sutures, for the preservation of pathological specimens, for the dis- 
infection of stables, and in the treatment of canker of the feet in 
horses. 

PREPARATIONS. 

Hexamethylenamina. Hexamethylenaniine. C s H 12 N 4 . (U. S. P.) 
(Urotropin.) 

Urotropin occurs in colorless, transparent crystals, soluble in 1.2 parts of 
water and in 14 parts of alcShol; odorless, of a sweet, afterward bitter taste, 
and slight alkaline reaction. It is made by combining solutions of ammonia 
and formaldehyde, and was first introduced into medicine by Nicolaier in 1895. 
Urotropin appears to be decomposed in the kidneys with the liberation of 
formaldehyde, and thus disinfects the urinary tract. It is, in fact, considered 
the best urinary antiseptic in human medicine and has been used with the 
greatest success in the treatment of all infectious diseases of the urinary pas- 
sages, especially acute and chronic pyelitis and cystitis. It tends to render 
normal a putrid urine containing pus or mucus, is a solvent for uric acid and 
is slightly diuretic. These actions are of value in similar diseases of animals, 
especially of dogs. The liberation of formaldehyde is favored by an acid urine 
and with an alkaline urine some agent, as benzoic acid, should also be given. 
Very recently it has been shown that urotropin is also eliminated in the bile, 
pancreatic juice, synovia, cerebro-spinal fluid, and in the saliva and milk of 



DILUTED HYDROCYANIC ACID 313 

dogs. Also in middle ear mucus. For this reason the drug is now employed to 
disinfect these parts. After head and spine injuries and in middle ear abscess, 
septic arthritis and cholecystitis the drug is indicated. 

The drug may he given in from 5 to 10 grain doses thrice daily in solution, in 
canine practice. H. & C. 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.). It can now be bought more cheaply 
under its official name than by its trade name, urotropin. In diabetes mellitus 
of the human urotropin is often beneficial in reducing the loss of glucose in the 
urine; it should be tried in this disease in dogs. 



Glutol ( Formalin-Gelatin ) . 

Glutol is a coarse, white powder, without odor or irritating properties, 
and is prepared by dissolving gelatin in water and drying the solution in 
formalin vapor. It is a most valuable antiseptic powder in liberating formalde- 
hyde gas in contact with living cells. Glutol forms a scab when dusted over 
fresh wounds, preventing infection, and is serviceable in the treatment of in- 
fected wounds, abscesses, boils (after paracentesis), sinuses and other surgical 
conditions. It was first brought into use by Dr. C. L. Schleich, in 1S96. 



Class 7. — Miscellaneous Carbon Compounds. 

Actdum Hydkocyajstioum Dilutum. 
Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid. H C K (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Prussic acid, acidum hydrocyanatum, s. borussicinn, 
E. ;* acide cyanhydrique, s. hydrocyanique, Fr. ; cyanwasserstoff- 
saure, blausaure, G. 

Derivation, — A liquid composed of 2 per cent., by weight, of 
absolute hydrocyanic acid, and 98 per cent, of water. Obtained by 
distillation of potassium ferrocyanide, 20 ; sulphuric acid, 8 ; and 
water, 65; into distilled water. The following reaction first occurs: 
K 4 Pe C a ¥ 6 + 2 H 2 S 4 == 2 K 2 S 4 + H 4 Fe C G jST 6 ; then on 
the application of heat, the hydroferroeyanic acid resulting in the 
first reaction reacts with the remaining potassium ferrocyanide and 
sulphuric acid, as follows : H 4 Fe C 6 1S T 6 + K 4 Fe C ]\ T 6 + H, S 4 
= 6HCN T K 2 SO 4T K 2 Fe0 e K 6 ). 

Diluted hydrocyanic acid can also be made by mixing hydro- 
chloric acid, 5 ; with distilled water, 55 ; silver cyanide, 6. Shake 
together in a glass-stoppered bottle. Ag C 1ST + H CI = FT C 1ST + 
Ag CI. When the precipitate of silver chloride falls, pour off the 
clear, supernatant fluid. 

* Scheele's prussic acid contains 4 to 5 per cent, of the pure hydrocyanic 
acid. 



314 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, of a characteristic taste 
and odor, resembling those of bitter almond. It is very unstable 
and is apt to be inert as obtained from ordinary drug stores. It 
should be kept in inverted glass-stoppered dark bottles. 

Incompatibles. — Salts of iron, copper and silver; sulphides and 
red mercuric oxide. 

Dose.— EL & C, TTlxxi-xl. (1.3-2.6) ; Sh., 1TIx.-xv. (.6-1.) ; Sw., 
niii.-v. (.12-.3); D., TTLi.-iii. (.06-.2). 

Action External. — Prussic acid is absorbed to some extent 
through the unbroken skin; paralyzes the peripheral sensory nerves, 
and acts as a local anaesthetic. If the finger is held over a bottle 
containing the acid, it soon becomes anesthetized. Upon mucous 
membranes, or raw surfaces, prussic acid is rapidly absorbed and 
exhibits its usual constitutional action. 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — Hydrocyanic acid exerts 
a sedative effect upon the mucous membrane of the stomach and 
upper portion of the digestive tract. It is absorbed into the blood, 
but we are ignorant of its fate or mode of elimination. 

Blood. — In poisoning, the blood becomes first of a bright ar- 
terial hue, and later assumes a dark, venous color. The first con- 
dition is due to the fact that the tissues do not absorb oxygen owing 
to changes in the protoplasm which interfere with cell respiration; 
probably also in part because the blood is hurried so rapidly through 
the dilated peripheral vessels that it does not have time to yield up 
its oxygen. The dark color of the blood is probably owing to 
asphyxia and accumulation of carbonic dioxide, following the para- 
lytic action of prussic acid upon the respiratory centre. A sub- 
stance called cyanohemoglobin is formed outside the body by hydro- 
cyanic acid when shaken with blood. The acid appears to deoxydize 
the normal oxyhemoglobin, and blood thus treated has no ozonizing 
property. Cyanohemoglobin was thought to account for the action 
of prussic acid, but it does not exist within the body in the blood 
of poisoned animals. The red blood corpuscles are altered in shape 
by the action of prussic acid upon blood withdrawn from the vessels. 
They generally become rounder, then granular, and finally disin- 
tegrate and liquefy. But these changes do not occur in the blood 
during life. The general action of prussic acid is altogether inde- 
pendent of any influence upon the blood, since the same toxic effect 
is produced upon the bloodless, or "salt frog''' (vessels containing 
normal salt solution), as upon the normal batrachian. 

Nervous System and Muscles. — Prussic acid first stimulates the 
hind-brain — as shown by convulsions, and excitation of the vagus, 
respiratory and vasomotor centres — and then paralyzes the whole 
nervous system. The brain, cord and nerves become paralyzed by 



SILVER CYANIDE 315 

large doses. The convulsions occurring in poisoning are shown by 
experiments to be due probably to stimulation of the hind-brain, 
although they have been attributed to altered cerebral circulation 
and to asphyxia. They are, however, present during that period 
of poisoning when the blood is of a bright arterial hue. The spinal 
cord is paralyzed at a period after coma and convulsions have ap- 
peared. The peripheral nerves and muscles are paralyzed directly 
by toxic doses, and not through the mediation of the central nervous 
apparatus. This is proved by shutting off the blood supply con- 
taining the drug, from a frog's leg, and leaving the nervous con- 
nections intact, when no effect of prussic acid is observed upon the 
limb. 

Heart and Blood Vessels. — Death sometimes occurs instantane- 
ously from large lethal doses of prussic acid, owing to diastolic arrest 
of the heart. This action is due probably to paralysis of the heart 
and also to irritation of the vagus centre. Moderate non-toxic 
doses stimulate the vagus centre of the medulla, without diminish- 
ing the force of the heart. When the vagi are previously di- 
vided, this action does not occur, but after large doses slowing 
of the heart is observed whether the vagi are cut or not ; thus 
showing that the heart muscle is directly influenced. Moderate 
doses of prussic acid first stimulate, and then depress the vasomotor 
centre. Arterial pressure is therefore primarily raised considerably, 
but this is followed by a fall to, or below, the normal. 

Toxic doses stimulate the vasomotor centre very briefly, and 
this action is succeeded by profound depression and paralysis of the 
centre, accompanied by a great diminution of blood tension. 

Respiration. — Inhalation of the pure acid will cause death in a 
confined atmosphere, and even inhalation of the medicinal solution 
will induce the physiological symptoms of the drug. The respira- 
tory centre is usually depressed from the beginning, by prussic acid, 
and the respiratory movements are therefore lessened in frequency 
throughout the period of its action. Rarely, there is a primary tran- 
sient stimulation of the centre, so that the breathing is increased in 
frequency. In the latter stage of poisoning, the breathing is feeble 
and shallow, and only occur at long intervals. If death does not su- 
pervene immediately from diastolic arrest of the heart, it comes on 
more slowly by asphyxia. The respiratory movements become less 
frequent and forcible, the animal giving an occasional gasp, until 
finally the breathing ceases altogether, while the heart continues to 
beat for a time. 

Summary. — Prussic acid in any considerable dose exerts a 
transient stimulation upon the hind-brain, followed by depression of 
the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and the three great medullary 



316 INORGANIC AGENTS 

centres controlling the heart, respiration and vessels. Topically ap- 
plied, hydrocyanic acid also paralyzes nerves and muscles, and acts 
therapeutically as a local sedative and anaesthetic. 

Toxicology. — Prussic acid is one of the most powerful poisons 
in existence. Death may be instantaneous, or life may be prolonged 
for over an hour after a lethal dose. More commonly the animal 
survives for a few minutes, and we observe the following symptoms 
in dogs: The animal falls, froths at the mouth, the respiration is 
of a gasping character and occurs at infrequent intervals. There is 
unconsciousness, the pupils become dilated, there are muscular 
tremblings and clonic or tonic spasms. Defecation and micturition 
occur, and erections often ensue in the male. Respiration ceases 
before the cardiac pulsations. 

Three stages may be distinguished in fatal poisoning. First: 
a very short period elapses before the symptoms appear. There 
are giddiness, difficult breathing, and slow pulse in this stage. Sec- 
ond : the pupils dilate, vomiting may occur, and the animal utters 
loud cries. Spasmodic defecation, micturition and erections may 
be present, with convulsions and unconsciousness. Third : the last 
stage is characterized by collapse, spasms, general paralysis and 
death. The subacute form of poisoning may ensue and prove fatal, 
or, owing to the volatile character of the drug, complete recovery 
may take place within one-half or three-quarters of an hour. Oc- 
casionally dogs continue to be paralyzed for several days and get 
well. The minimum fatal dose recorded in man is %o of a grain 
of pure acid, or about 50 drops of the medicinal solution. Four to 
five drachms of the diluted acid frequently, but not invariably, 
cause subacute poisoning and death, in horses, within an hour. One 
to two drachms of the pharmacopoeial preparation usually kills dogs 
within ten minutes. 

Prussic acid is commonly used to destroy the domestic animals, 
"but the subcutaneous injection of strychnine is preferable for the 
destruction of the smaller animals (p. 368). Two to four drachms 
of the medicinal acid are to be given to dogs and cats of the ordi- 
nary size, and certain, painless, and rapid death will occur if a 
fresh preparation of the drug can be obtained. The unopened, 
half-ounce vial, kept by druggists, is recommended. Big dogs, 
horses, and the other larger animals are not killed rapidly, nor 
sometimes at all, by great quantities of the diluted acid. Hence, 
shooting is a more humane and preferable mode of death for them. 
For the destruction of clogs the use of strychnine subcutaneously is 
often preferable (see p. . .). In the experience of the writer, one 
to two drachms of prussic acid saturated with potassium cyanide, 
failed to kill a horse, when injected directly into the jugular vein. 



ETHYL CHLOEIDE 317 

The odor of the acid lingers about the animal for a few hours] after 
death; the eyes are fixed and staring; the pupils dilated; the teeth 
are clinched tight and covered with froth, while the blood is of a 
very dark color. The treatment embraces emptying the stomach by 
large doses of promptly acting emetics, or by the stomach tube, or 
pump ; atropine, ether and brandy subcutaneously, and inhalations 
of ammonia, together with artificial respiration, and hot and cold 
douches upon the chest. 

Uses. — Prussic acid is indicated for three therapeutic purposes: 

1. To relieve gastric pain and vomiting, by its paralyzing action 
upon the peripheral sensory nerves of the stomach. 

2. To stop coughing. 

3. To allay itching by means of its local, sedative action upon: 
the cutaneous sensory nerve-endings. 

As a medicine it is not of much value, but is used in veterinary 
practice as a cough remedy, when the symptom is of reflex origin,, 
or is caused by chronic or verminous bronchitis; and the acid is 
often conjoined with chloroform, or opium, in some form. In ver- 
minous bronchitis the medicinal acid may be given by inhalation 
(5 ss. in § i. of water) to calves, or internally (nixv.) to assuage 
coughing and to kill the strongyles. Prussic acid is a dangerous 
remedy for use in relieving itching unless the dose is carefully regu- 
lated. Ten minims of the acid, with gr. % of corrosive sublimate to 
the ounce of water, is efficient in pruritus in the larger animals in 
amounts not larger than this for single applications, and not larger 
than half this for the smaller patients. 

Potassii Cyanidtjm. Potassium Cyanide. KCK 
(XL S. & B. P.) ' 

Synonym. — Cyanure de potassium, Fr. ; cyankalium, G. 

Derivation. — Made by heating together potassium ferrocyanide 
and carbonate. 

Properties. — White, opaque, amorphous pieces; or a white, 
granular powder, odorless when perfectly dry, but in moist air exhal- 
ing the odor of hydrocyanic acid. Taste sharp and alkaline, and in 
moist air the salt deliquesces. Reaction very strongly alkaline. 
Solutions stain and destroy clothing. Soluble in about 2 parts of 
water; sparingly soluble in alcohol. 

Dose.— H., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; D., gr. Yio (.006). 

Action and Uses. — Potassium cyanide is transformed, in the 
stomach and blood, into prussic acid, and resembles the latter in its 
action, but is much slower. Death has been caused in man by 5 
grains of the salt. 



318 INORGANIC AGENTS 

Argenti Cyanidttm. Silver Cyanide. Ag C 1ST. (IT. S. P.) 

A white, insoluble, tasteless, odorless powder, used for making 
prussic acid. 

Prunus Vlrginiana. Wild Cherry. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Ecorce de cerisier de Virginie, Pr. ; wildkirscken- 
rinde, G. 

The bark of the wild cherry, indigenous in the United States, 
contains a ferment (emulsin) which, in the presence of water, acts 
on a glucoside (amygdalin, C 20 H 27 1ST O n ) contained in the bark, 
with the formation of hydrocyanic acid, glucose and a volatile oil. 
A fluidextract, infusion and syrup of prunus virginiana are official. 
The latter preparation is sometimes employed in cough mixtures for 
dogs, on account of its sedative action. The entire value of the 
drug depends upon the minute amount of prussic acid formed in it. 
The official hydrocyanic acid is more reliable, but syrupus pruni 
virginiana? (U. S. P.) may be used as a vehicle for more efficient 
remedies. 

Petrolatum. (U. S. P.) 

(Three varieties.) 

1. — Petrolatum Liquidum. Liquid Petrolatum. (IT. S. P.) 

Derivation, — A mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the marsh- 
gas series, obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile por- 
tions from petroleum, and purifying the residue when it has the 
desired consistence. 

Properties. — A colorless, or more or less yellowish, oily, trans- 
parent liquid, without odor or taste; or giving off, when heated, a 
faint odor of petroleum. Spec. gr. about 0.875—0.945. Insoluble 
in water; scarcely soluble in cold or hot alcohol, or cold absolute 
alcohol; but soluble in boiling absolute alcohol, and readily soluble 
in ether, chloroform, carbon clisulphide, oil of turpentine, benzin, 
benzol, and fixed and volatile oils. 

2. — Petrolatum.* Petrolatum. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Vaseline, cosmoline. 

Derivation. — A mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the marsh- 



* The 1905 edition of the U. S. P. does not now recognize, as formerly, the 
varieties Petrolatum Molle and Spissum. 



PETROLATUM ALBUM 319 

gas series, obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile 
portions from petroleum, and purifying the residue when it has 
reached the desired melting point. 

Properties. — A fat-like mass of about the consistence of an oint- 
ment, varying in color from yellowish to light amber, having not 
more than a slight fluorescence, even after being melted ; transparent 
in thin layers, completely amorphous, and without odor or taste ; or 
giving off, when heated, a faint odor of petroleum. 

The melting point of petrolatum ranges between 45° and 48° 
C. (113° and 118.4° F.). In other respects soft petrolatum has 
the solubility of liquid petrolatum. 

Petrolatum Album. White Petrolatum. 

A colorless mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the methane 
series, obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile por- 
tions from petroleum, and purifying the residue. A white, unctuous 
mass, of about the consistency of an ointment, transparent in thin 
layers, completely amorphous ; without odor or taste. Otherwise it 
resembles, in solubility, petrolatum. 

Action and Uses. — Petrolatum is a valuable emollient. It 
soothes, protects and softens parts to which it is applied, and is su- 
perior to animal and vegetable fats and oils in not becoming rancid, 
and therefore irritant and malodorous. Petrolatum may be used 
alone, or as an excipient in the preparation of ointments, but does 
not aid the absorption of drugs (as do alcohol, glycerin, chloroform, 
and animal oils and fats), for it is not itself absorbed even when 
administered internally. Petrolatum exerts a demulcent action upon 
the mucous membrane of the alimentary tract, and may be prescribed 
in electuary or capsule in inflammation thereof. Liquid petrolatum 
is useful given internally in piles (D. o ss. twice daily) to soften the 
feces. It is also very seviceable with menthol and camphor (aa gr. 
xv. to § i.) dropped in the nostrils (with a medicine dropper) for 
dogs with coryza. Petrolatum is sold universally under the pro- 
prietary names of vaseline and cosmoline, and is often combined 
with antiseptics for medicinal and surgical purposes in skin diseases 
and upon inflamed mucous membranes, blistered and abraded sur- 
faces and sores. It is one of the most useful agents in lubricating 
instruments, protecting metal from rust, preserving leather, and is 
sometimes employed as a vehicle for electuaries. 

Phigolene. ( JSTon-ofiicial. ) 
Rhigolene is a petroleum product prepared by repeated distilla- 



320 INORGANIC AGENTS 

tion until the liquid boils at 64.4° F. It evaporates at a lower 
temperature than any other substance, except cymogene, and is em- 
ployed as a spray to induce numbness and local anaesthesia of a part 
in minor surgical operations, such as paracentesis of an abscess or 
the use of the actual cautery. 

Aethylis Chloridum. (U. S. P.) C 2 H 5 01. 

Ethyl chloride is in more common use for the same purposes. 
It is a colorless, mobile, very volatile liquid ; slightly soluble in 
water but readily soluble in alcohol. It is made by the action of 
HC1 gas upon absolute ethyl alcohol. It is usually sold in glass 
tubes with a screw or lever-spring metal top enabling the fluid to be 
sprayed upon the surface of the body in any desired amount. 

On account of its great volatility and rapid evaporation it 
abstracts) heat and freezes a part, and so acts as a local anaesthetic. 
It is convenient for minor surgical operations, as opening abscess or 
boil, or for aspiration. The vapor is very inflammable. Ethyl 
chloride is also used to produce transient, general anesthesia. 1 or 2 
drachms may be used for dogs. It is exceedingly rapid in its effects 
and a safe anaesthetic for short periods. It is sprayed into the neck 
of a funnel, the large end being partly filled with absorbent cotton and 
held tightly over the nose. Recovery is also extremely rapid. Ethyl 
chloride is often sold under the name of "kelene." It is used fre- 
quently as a preliminary to ether in human practice and is more 
agreeable to inhale. Plenty of air should be allowed, except at the 
outset. 



PART II. 
VEGETABLE DRUGS. 



SECTION I.— DRUGS ACTING UPON THE BRAIN. 

Opium. Opium. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — The concrete, milky exudation obtained by incis- 
ing the unripe capsules of Papaver somniferum Linne (Nat, ord. 
Papaveracese), and yielding in its normal, moist condition, not less 
than 9 per cent, of crystallized morphine, when assayed by the official 
process (U. S. P.) Opium is procured from Turkey, Asia Minor, 
Persia, India and Egypt. The Smyrna, or Turkey opium is the 
more common variety used in the United States. It occurs in ir- 
regular, globular masses, covered with poppy leaves and capsules of 
a species of dock, weighing from l/o to 1 pound. 

Properties. — In irregular, flattened, more or less rounded masses 
of variable size, externally grayish-brown, covered with remnants of 
poppy leaves and with occasional fruits of a species of Rumex; more 
or less plastic when fresh, but becoming hard on keeping ; internally 
dark brown, somewhat lustrous; odor strong, narcotic; taste bitter 
and characteristic. It yields its medicinal properties to water, al- 
cohol, and diluted acids, forming dark brown solutions. Ether ex- 
tracts its principles in part. 

Constituents. — There are nineteen or more alkaloids ; the three 
first are used in human medicine, but narceine is of no value in 
veterinary medicine. 



Morphine. 


2.5 — 22 8 per cent. 


Thebaine. 


.15— 1. 


per cent. 


Codeine. 


.2— .7 " " 


Narcotine. 


1.3 —10. 


U (( 


Narceine. 


.1— .7 " " 


Papaverine. 


1. 


» a 



In addition to these, the following exist in minute quantity, but 
some are merely "pharmaceutical curiosities" : — 

321 



322 



VEGETABLE DEUGS 



Protopine. 

Cryptopine. 

Oxynarcotine. 

Hydronarcotine. 

Laudanosine. 

Laudaine. 

Phceadine. 

Codamine. 

Meconodine. 

Gnoscopine. 

Lanthopine. 

Water. 

Neutral Bodies. 

Meconin. 

Meconoisin. 



15. — 25. per cent. 



Organic Acids. 

Meconic Acid. 

Lactic Acid. 

Pectin. 

Gum. 

Resin. 

Glucose. 

Fixed Oils. 

A Volatile Oil. 

Odorous Bodies. 

Caoutchouc. 

Ammonium Salts. 

Calcium Salts. 

Magnesium Salts 



50. per cent. 



Impurities. — Starch, molasses, leaves, fruit, stones and water. 

Incompatibility. — Solutions of lead acetate and subaeetate, and 
of copper and arsenic salts, precipitate meconates, sulphates and 
coloring matters, but the opium remains physiologically active. 
Ferric chloride produces a deep red color with opium, by its union 
with meconic acid. Tannin compounds precipitate codeine tannate. 
Alkalies, their carbonates and ammonia precipitate morphine and 
narcotine. 

Dose. — Ii., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; C, o ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh., gr.x.-xxx. 
(.6-2.); Sw., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3); D., gr.ss.-iii. (.03.2). 

Opii Pulvis. Powdered Opium. (U. S. P.) 

Opium dried at a temperature not exceeding 85° 0. (185° F.), 
and reduced to a fine powder. Powdered opium, for pharmaceu- 
tical or medicinal purposes, when assayed should yield not less than 
twelve (12) nor more than twelve and a half (12.5) per cent, of 
crystallized morphine. Any powdered opium of a higher percentage 
may be brought within these limits by admixture with powdered 
opium of a lower percentage in proper proportions. Only those are 
mentioned here which are applicable to veterinary practice. 

Dose. — Same as for opium, but preferable to the crude drug 



PREPARATIONS. 

Eoctractum Opvi. Extract of Opium. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Powdered opium, 100; distilled water, 1000; sugar of milk, a sufficient 
quantity. Made by trituration, nitration, and evaporation. Assayed to con- 
tain 20 per cent, of morphine. (U. S. P.) 



MORPHINE HYDROCLORIDE 323 

Dose. — About one-half that of powdered opium. H., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); C, 
3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); Sh., gr.v.-xv. (.3-1.); Sw., gr.ii.ss.-x. (.15-.6) ; D., gr.14-i.ss. 
(.015-. 09). 

Pulvis Ipecachuanhce et Opii. Powder of Ipecac and Opium. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Dover's powder, E.; pulvis ipecacuanha? opiatus, s. pulvis Doweri, 
P. G. ; poudre de Dower, Fr. ; Dower'sches pulver, G. 

Ipecac, 10; powdered opium, 10; sugar of milk, 80. The most diarphoretic 
compound of opium. 

Dose.— H., I ss.-i. (15.-30.); D., gr.iii.-xv. (.2-1.). 

Tinctura Ipecacuanhce et Opii. Tincture of Ipecac and Opium. 
(U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Liquid Dover's powder. 

Tincture of deodorized opium, 1000; fluid extract of ipecac, 100; diluted 
alcohol, a sufficient quantity to make 1000. Made by evaporation and filtration. 
Dose. — Same as Dover's powder. 



Tvnctura Opii. Tincture of Opium. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Laudanum, tinctura meconii, tinctura thebaicse, E.; tinctura opii 
simplex, P. G.; teinture d'opium, teinture thebai'que, Fr.; einfache opium- 
tinktur, G. 

Granulated opium, 100; alcohol, 400; water, 400; diluted alcohol to make 
1000. Made by trituration, maceration with precipitated calcium phosphate, 
and percolation. Assayed and standardized to contain between 1.2 and 1.25 
gm. of morphine in 100 c.c. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., I i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; C, I ii.-iii. (60.-90.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 ii.-vi. (8.-24.) ; 
D., TTtiii.-xx. (2-1.3.). 

Tinctura Opii Camphorata. Camphorated Tincture of Opium. 
(U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Tinctura camphors composita, B. P.; paregoric, elixir pare- 
goricum, paregoric elixir, E.; tinctura opii benzoica, P. G.; elixir paregorique, 
Fr. ; benzoesaurelialtige opiumtinktur, G. 

Powdered opium, 4; benzoic acid, 4; camphor, 4; oil of anise, 4; glycerin, 
40; diluted alcohol to make 1000. Made by maceration and nitration. (U S 
P-) 

Dose.— D., 3i.-iv. (4.-15.). 



Opium Deodoratum. Deodorized Opium. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Opium denarcotizatum. 

Powdered opium (containing 12-12.5 per cent, of morphine), 500; purified 
petroleum benzin, q. s. Made by repeated maceration, agitation and percolation 



324 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

with purified petroleum benzin. The petroleum benzin removes narcotic and 
odorous principles, which cause nausea and disagreeable after-effects in opium. 
Contains 12-12.5 per cent, of morphine. 
Dose. — Same as powdered opium. 

The eighth (last) edition of the U. S. P. has introduced Opium Grarmlatum 
(granulated opium) ; made by drying opium at a temperature not exceeding 
85° C. (185° F.) and reducing it to a coarse (No. 20) powder. It should 
not yield less than 12 nor more than 12.5 per cent, of crystallized morphine. 
Dose, same as deodorized opium. 

Tinctura Opii Deodorata. Tincture of Deodorized Opium. (U. S. P.) 

Granulated opium, 100; purified petroleum benzin, 75; alcohol, 200; water 
to make 1000. Made by percolation with water, agitation with purified pe- 
troleum benzin, and evaporation. Assayed and standardized to contain between 
1.2 and 1.25 gm. of morphine in 100 c.c. 

Dose. — Same as tincture of opium, but less nauseating. 

Extractum Opii Liquidum. ( B. P. ) 
(Contains % per cent, of morphine.) 
Dose. — Same as laudanum. 

Vinum Opii. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — Same as laudanum. 



Morphea. Morphine. C 17 H 19 N" Oo -4- H 2 O. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — An alkaloid obtained from opium. 

1. Macerate opium in cold water, forming a solution of mor- 
phine meconate. 2. Add calcium chloride to precipitate calcium 
meconate and resins. 3. Evaporate solution remaining, which con- 
tains morphine hydroehl orate, till it crystallizes ; press in flannel to 
remove narcotine and coloring matter ; redissolve ; filter ; evaporate 
and crystallize repeatedly. 4. Decolorize by digestion with char- 
coal. 5. Precipitate with ammonia and wash, when pure morphine 
is separated from codeine. 

Properties. — Colorless or white, shining prismatic crystals, or 
fine needles, or crystalline powder ; odorless and having a bitter taste ; 
permanent in the air; soluble in 3330 parts of water. 

Dose. — Same as salts of morphine, but the latter are preferable 
on account of their solubility. 

MorphintE Hydrochoridtjm. Morphine Hvdrochloride. 
C 17 H 19 N 3 H CI + 3 H 2 0. (II. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Morphine is stirred with hot distilled water, to 



OPIUM AND MORPHINE 325 

which hydrochloric acid is gradually added. Morphine hydrochlorate 
crystallizes out on cooling. 

Properties. — White, silky, glistening needles or microcrystalline 
cubes, or a white, crystalline powder, odorless, and having a bitter 
taste; permanent in the air. It loses its water of crystallization at 
100° C. (212° F.). Soluble in in 17.2 parts of water, and in 42 
parts of alcohol at 25° C. (77° F.) ; soluble in 0.5 part of water at 
80° C. (176° F.), and in 35.5 parts of alcohol at 60° C. (140° F.) ; 
insoluble in ether and in chloroform. 

Incompatibility . — Incompatible with all agents containing tan- 
nin, alkaline carbonates, lime water, salts of copper, mercury, zinc 
and lead ; and with Fowler's solution of arsenic. 

Dose.— H. & C, gr.iii.-x. (.2-.6) ; SL, gr.ss.-ii. (.03-.12) ; Sw., 
gr. Yio-V2 (.006-.03) ; D., gr. i/ s -i/ 2 (.008-.03). 

Subeutaneously. — H., gr.iii.-iv. (.2-.24) ; D., gr. Vs- 1 /^ 
(.00S-.03). 

124 parts of morphine hydrochloride correspond to 100 parts 
of morphine. 

Morphine Acetas. Morphine Acetate. 
C 17 H 19 K 3 C 2 H 4 0o + 3 H 2 0. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation.- — Morphine is dissolved in acetic acid and water, 
and the solution evaporated and crystallized. 

Properties. — A white, or faintly yellowish-white, crystalline, 
amorphous powder, having a faint, acetous odor and bitter taste. It 
slowly loses acetic acid on exposure to the air, and should be kept 
in dark, amber-colored, well-stoppered vials. Soluble, when freshly 
prepared, in 2.25 parts of water, and in 21.6 parts of alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as morphine hydrochloride. 



MoRPHiNiE Sulphas. Morphine Sulphate. 
(C 17 H 19 N 3 ) 2 H 2 S O, + 5 H 2 0. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Morphine is stirred into boiling distilled water; 
diluted sulphuric acid is added until neutralization is attained, and 
the sulphate crystallizes out on cooling. 

Properties. — White, feathery, acicular, silky crystals, or in 
cubical masses, odorless, permanent in the air, and having a bitter 
taste. It loses three molecules of water of crystallization at 100° 
C. (212° F.), and the remaining two at 130° C. (266° F.). Solu- 
ble in 15.3 parts of water, and in 465 parts of alcohol at 25° C. 
(77° F.) ; soluble in 0.6 part of water at 80° C. (176° F.), and in 



326 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

187 parts of alcohol at 60° C. (140° F.) ; insoluble in ether and 
chloroform. 

Dose. — Same as hydrochloride. 125 parts of morphine sul- 
phate correspond to 100 parts of the pure alkaloid. 

The official salts of morphine may be used interchangeably. 
The acetate is more soluble, but less stable, than the sulphate, which 
is sufficiently soluble for practical purposes, and is in more common 
use. 

Liquor Moephinje Hydrochloride (B. P.) 
One per cent. 

Dose.— LL, o vi.-g ii. (24.-60.) ; D., TT\x.-3 i. (.6-4.). 

Liquor Morphine Acetatis. (B. P.) 
Same strength and dose as above. 

Injectio Morphlsle Hypodermica. (B 1 . P.) 
One per cent. 

Dose. — Same as liquor morphini hydrochloride 

Suppositoria Morphine. (B. P.) 
(Gr. 1/2 morphine.) 

Dose. — Bog, 1 per rectum. 

Codeina. Codeine. C 18 H 21 NO s + H 2 0. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — An alkaloid obtained from opium by evaporation 
of the ammoniacal liquid, after the precipitation of morphine. The 
residue is added to water, precipitated by potassium hydrate, and 
redissolved in ether, from which codeine crystallizes out on evapora- 
tion. 

Properties. — White, or nearly translucent, orthorhombic prisms, 
octahedral crystals, or a crystalline powder ; odorless, and having a 
faintly bitter taste; slightly efflorescent in warm air. Soluble in 88 
parts of water, 1.6 parts of alcohol, 12.5 parts of ether, and 0.66 
part of chloroform at 25° C. (77° F.) ; soluble in 59 parts of water 
at 80° C. (176° F.), and in 0.92 part of alcohol at 60° C. (140° F.). 

Dose.— D., gr. %-ii. (.015-.12). 



opium and morphine 327 

Heroin. 
( Diacety nalorphine. ) 

This remedy, derived from morphine, was first introduced by 
Dreser, in 1898, and is now used extensively in human medicine as 
a substitute for morphine and codeine. Heroin occurs as a white, 
odorless, crystalline powder, possessing a slightly bitter taste and 
alkaline reaction. Practically insoluble in water, but readily solu- 
ble in weak acidulous solutions. 

Heroin hydrochloride is a white, crystalline, odorless powder, 
soluble in 2 parts of water. Heroin surpasses both morphine and 
codein therapeutically in many ways. It increases markedly the 
inspiratory and expiratory force, while lessening the number of the 
respiratory movements, and exerts a special sedative influence on 
the respiratory mucous membranes. The drug acts also as a general 
motor depressant hypnotic and analgesic, but is not comparable to 
morphine in these respects. Heroin is said to be five times more 
toxic for dogs than morphine. The after-effects of small medicinal 
doses (nausea, constipation, etc) are slight. Heroin is particularly 
valuable in the treatment of all varieties of cough, affecting the hu- 
man subject, and should prove useful in canine practice. 

Heroin may be administered in powder, pill or tablet, the 
hvdrochloride in solution, every few hours. 

The dose of either is, for the dog, gr. 1 / 24 - 1 /6 (.0025- 01). 

Opium and Morphine, 

The action of morphine and opium is practically the same, with 
some exceptions to be noted. 

Action External. — Opium may be absorbed to a slight extent 
from the unbroken skin, and causes a mild, anodyne action. Ab- 
sorption readily occurs from mucous membranes and raw surfaces, 
with resulting characteristic effects. 

Action Internal — Digestive Tract. — Opium diminishes the two 
principal activities of the digestive organs, namely, secretion and 
motion. Secretions all over the body are decreased, except that of 
sweat. The action upon the alimentary tract in lessening secretion, 
is partly a local one and partly constitutional, following the ab- 
sorption of the drug. The mouth is made dry, thirst is increased 
and appetite impaired. Opium is absorbed rather slowly from the 
stomach and bowels, and stimulates the splanchnic nerve centre of 
the sympathetic system, which inhibits the movements of the stomach 
and intestines, and thus lessens peristaltic action of these organs. 



328 VEGETABLE. DRUGS 

Opium is directly opposed to belladonna in this respect, as the latter 
drug paralyzes the intestinal inhibitory apparatus (splanchnic end- 
ings), and so increases peristalsis. 

In diminishing both secretion and motion, opium causes con- 
stipation in health, but is most useful in relieving vomiting and 
diarrhoea. In toxic doses, opium may induce diarrhoea from paraly- 
sis of the splanchnic inhibitory centre. 

Blood and Elimination. — Morphine circulates in the blood as 
sueh. The greater part of opium is decomposed in the body, a por- 
tion being destroyed by the liver, while some is probably burned 
up in the blood. The smaller part is eliminated, chiefly by the 
kidneys, but also in the other secretions. It is found in the gastric 
juice after hypodermic injection, and therefore washing out the 
stomach assists elimination and recovery in opium poisoning. 

Nervous System. — The most important action of opium is ex- 
erted upon the nervous system. It is necessary to study the drug 
from the comparative standpoint in order to obtain a full under- 
standing of its effects. The brain of man, being more highly de- 
veloped and sensitive, in comparison with other parts of the nervous 
system, than the brain of the lower animals, it follows that this 
organ is more powerfully influenced in man, while the spinal cord 
is often mainly impressed in the lower animals. 

We may take the action of opium on the frog, at one end of 
the scale, as exhibiting the most active spinal symptoms ; while in 
man, at the other end of the scale, cerebral phenomena predominate. 
The other animals occupy an intermediate position; the action upon 
the horse and ruminants is something between that exerted upon the 
frog and man, and the influence upon dogs approaches more nearly 
that seen in human beings, only that a relatively greater dose is re- 
quired to produce the same result, as the brain is not so highly 
organized or sensitive to the action of medicines. The brain of the 
horse is only one-twelfth as large as that of man, in proportion 
to their respective body weights, and it follows that the spinal cord 
of the horse is more readily affected by opium, in accordance with 
the general law that the more highly developed a part is, the more 
easily is it influenced by therapeutic agents. 

Opium exerts first a stimulating, and then a depressing action 
upon the brain and spinal cord, and in studying the action compara- 
tively it will be noted that the influence upon the cord in the frog, 
horse, ruminant, and to some extent in the dog, preponderates fre- 
quently over the effect of the drug upon the brain, for the reasons 
stated above. 

Action on the Frog. — In non-poisonous doses, sleep is pro- 
duced and diminished spinal reflex activity, followed by a period of 



OPIUM AND MORPHINE 329 

reflex excitement. Toxic doses of 1 or 2 grains of morphine, in- 
jected under the skin, causes at first a condition where convulsions 
occur, if the animal is artificially irritated; later they come on 
spontaneously. This state is followed by general paralysis, respira- 
tory failure and death. The convulsions are shown to be due mainly 
to stimulation of the receptive and transmitting cells of the spinal 
cord, as in strychnine poisoning. 

Action on Horses. — Three grains of morphine, injected sub- 
cut aneously, occasion sometimes drowsiness, and at other times pro- 
duce no visible effect. Four to six grains, given in the same way, 
cause restlessness, a rapid pulse, and moisture of the skin. The 
animal paws the ground and walks in a rhythmical manner about the 
stall. The pupils are dilated. Large doses (12 grains) are fol- 
lowed by increased excitement aggravated by noises, sweating, 
ptyalism, muscular rigidity, staggering gait, trembling and delirium ; 
while still larger doses (four drachms of the extract of opium) cause 
violent trembling, convulsions, insensibility to pain and external irri- 
tation, without coma; or (morphine, gr. 36 under the skin), rarely, 
stupor for several hours (3 hours), dilated pupils and blindness, 
followed by delirium and restlessness, continuing for a longer time 
(7 hours) and ending in recovery. Horses have recovered from an 
ounce of opium, but 2V 2 ounces of the drug, and 100 grains of 
morphine have proved fatal. The action of opium upon the horse 
differs from that upon man and dogs in the more frequent occurrence 
of restlessness and motor excitement due to stimulation of the cere- 
bral and spinal motor centres; and in dilatation instead of con- 
traction of the pupil. The rationale of the latter phenomenon has 
not been discovered. 

Action on Ruminants. — These animals are comparatively 
insusceptible to opium. Ounce doses of the drug cause, in cattle, 
restlessness, excitement, hoarse bellowing, dry mouth, nausea, indi- 
gestion and tympanites. Sheep are affected in much the same man- 
ner. One to two drachms of morphine have led to fatality in cattle. 
Fifteen to thirty grains of the alkaloid comprise a lethal dose for 
sheep. Swine are variously influenced; sometimes excited, some- 
times dull and drowsy. 

Action on Birds. — Birds, as represented by chickens, ducks 
and pigeons, are exceedingly insusceptible to opium. This is chiefly 
due to the slow absorption from the crop. Pigeons cannot be given 
enough opium by the mouth to cause death, but 8 to 10 grs. of 
morphine per orem, or 2 or 3 grs, hypodermaticalfy, will prove fatal. 
The toxic symptoms in birds are exhibited by unsteadiness, difficult 
breathing and failure of respiration, convulsions and death. The 
pupils are unaffected, and sleep does not ensue. 



330 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Action on Dogs. — When 8 or 10 grains of morphine arc- 
given to a moderate sized dog, coma comes on, from which the animal 
may recover. One half a grain injected under the skin of a dog 
weighing 25 lbs., causes nausea, vomiting and perhaps purging, sleep 
deepening into coma, contracted pupils, and shallow breathing; the 
condition lasting for several hours and followed by recovery. Opium 
rarely exerts an hypnotic action upon cats, but rather motor excite- 
ment. - Lethal doses (average, Yq grain of morphine sulphate sub- 
cutaneously to the 2.2 pounds, live weight, for dogs ; 2 to 3 grains 
sometimes kill small dogs), increase the frequency of the pulse, 
cause vomiting, unsteadiness, contracted pupils, motor excitement, 
as twitching of the limbs, followed by coma, respiratory failure and 
death. Recovery from full doses of opium is accompanied in dogs by 
general physical and mental depression and lassitude, as in man. 
There are muscular weakness, loss of natural spirit, timidity, and 
nausea, lasting for several hours. The action of opium on dogs 
differs from that on man only in degree. The dose required is 
proportionately larger. There is often more preliminary excitement 
and symptoms of reflex irritation, as muscular twitching. These 
animals do not sweat, and the pupils are not so continuously con- 
tracted in poisoning. Failure of the drug to produce sleep, and 
the presence of nausea, retching, dreams, delirium, hallucinations, 
occasionally observed in dogs, are common to man. Convulsions 
rarely occur in either men or dogs. 

Action on Man, — Tn man, a small dose of morphine (i/s gr.) 
causes usually a sense of well-being, together with itching of the 
nose, and later, of the skin generally, dryness of the mouth (oc- 
casionally there may be nausea, vomiting and faintness), followed 
by sleep, or a pleasant, dreamy state. After-effects may be absent, 
or consist of nausea, headache, coated tongue and constipation. If 
the dose is larger, sleep comes on quickly, the pupils are contracted, 
the respiratory movements and pulse become slow, and the skin is 
moist. 

With lethal doses, sleep deepens into coma, from which the 
patient can at first be aroused ; the coma becomes profound, the pulse 
feeble and rapid, the respiration stertorous, slow and imperfect. The 
mucous membranes are cyanotic, the face livid, the pupils dilate, 
and the surface is covered with clammy sweat. Death occurs from 
respiratory failure, occasionally preceded by convulsions. One- 
eighth of one grain of morphine subcutaneously is the smallest fatal 
human, dose recorded. (Average dose for man, gr. Vi-) The action 
of opium upon man, as compared with that upon the horse and rumi- 
nants, is characterized by its predominant depressing effect upon the 
higher mental functions. The motor centres of the brain and cord 
are only slightly influenced. 



INDICATIONS FOR THE INTERNAL USB OF OPIUM 331 

General Action of Opium Upon the Nervous System. — The 
action of opium on the nervous system may be summarized as fol- 
lows : 

1. On the Cerebrum. — The predominant action of opium on 
man and the dog consists in depression of the higher brain centres 
with the production of nervous sedation and sleep. In the hind- 
brain depression of the perceptive centres gives relief from pain. In 
the fore-brain depression of the centres for intellect — especially of 
will and attention — causes sleep. The middle or motor area of the 
brain is commonly not affected until paralyzed in fatal poisoning. 
In horses and cats, however, toxic doses do stimulate the cerebral 
motor centres. A primary stimulant stage in the action of opium 
on the brain of man is sometimes evident. 

In this there is a feeling of well-being and enhanced mental 
powers. But the stimulation is brief and rarely uniform, imagina- 
tion being increased at the expense of reason and judgment. This 
stage is often wholly absent. In the lower animals — other than dogs 
— the sedative and hypnotic effect of opium is less certain and may be 
completely wanting. 

In a general way small and moderate doses cause cerebral de- 
pression, while large doses give rise to spinal reflex excitability in 
the lower animals — especially in the horse, ass, cattle and cats. 

2. On the Spinal Cord. — Small medicinal doses depress the 
motor cells, but large and toxic amounts stimulate the motor cells 
indirectly and cause convulsions — probably — as in strychnine poison- 
ing — by increasing the activity of the receptive and transmitting 
cells of the cord. 

Convulsions, caused by spinal and cerebral motor stimulation, 
rarely occur in man or dogs but are common after toxic amounts in 
horses, cattle and cats. The result of a fatal dose is paralysis of 
the central nervous system, including the respiratory and, to much 
less degree, the vagus and inhibitory centres. 

The unique and inestimable value of opium depends upon its 
anodyne action. Eelief from suffering is often induced without the 
production of sleep. 

Muscular weakness is present in man and dogs, but even this 
evidence of depression may be absent in horses and ruminants, yet 
pain be effectually relieved. 

Initial stimulation of the vomiting centre may cause emesis ; 
but, as depression of the centre rapidly ensues, the act becomes later 
improbable. The excitability of the motor and sensory nerves is 
slightly increased, but otherwise the nerves are not affected except 
in poisoning, when the sensory, and later the motor nerves are para- 
lvzed. The muscles remain uninfluenced. 



332 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Respiration, — Opium does not influence the respiratory func- 
tions in small therapeutic doses, but large doses make the respiratory 
movements slower and feebler, and death occurs from the direct 
depressing and paralyzing action of the drug upon the respiratory 
centres in the medulla. 

Circulation, — Small doses commonly produce little effect upon 
the heart. Large doses first increase the force and then slow the 
heart's action, while toxic quantities depress the organ. The cardiac 
muscle is primarily stimulated, with acceleration of the pulse, but 
depression soon follows more or less synchronously with stimulation 
of the vagus centre and endings, so that the pulse becomes infre- 
quent. Finally, before death, depression of the inhibitory apparatus 
occurs, and this, coexisting with depression of the heart itself, pro- 
duces a feeble, rapid pulse, characteristic of the last stage of opium 
poisoning. Death occurs with diastolic arrest of the heart owing 
to failure of the cardiac muscle, although fatality is mainly due to 
the more powerful effect of the drug upon the respiratory centre. 

The action of opium upon the vasomotor system is unimpor- 
tant. Immediately after the administration of large doses there is 
a slight primary stimulation, followed in the toxic stage by some 
depression of the vasomotor centres in the spinal cord and medulla. 

Pupil. — The pupil of the horse is widely dilated by large doses 
of opium. The pupil in the dog occasionally remains unchanged, 
and often dilated before undergoing contraction. Contraction of 
the pupil is a characteristic physiological effect of large doses of 
opium in man and the dog. In birds the pupil is unaffected. These 
various contradictory phenomena are at present inexplicable. 

In man, contraction of the pupil is brought about by stimula- 
tion of the pupillary centre in the floor of the aqueduct of Sylvius 
and, through it, the oculomotor nerves. Dilatation, preceding death, 
occurs from depression of the centre. 

Kidneys and Metabolism. — The excretion of urea appears to be 
diminished by opium in man, but varies greatly in animals. Tem- 
j)orary retention of urine may follow the administration of a con- 
siderable dose of opium, owing to diminished sensibility of the 
bladder. The amount of urine voided may be greater or less than 
normal; more commonly the latter. Opium lessens the secretion of 
bile. 

The elimination of carbonic dioxide is diminished by the hyp- 
notic action of opium, but is increased if there is general excitement 
and muscular activity following the use of the drug. 

Skin. — Opium induces mild diarphoresis in man ; occasionally 
sweating occurs in horses, but not at all in dogs. 

Temperature. — The bodily temperature may be slightly in- 



INDICATIONS FOR THE INTERNAL USE OF OPIUM 333 

creased by large medicinal doses of opium, but is diminished by 
toxic quantities. 

Toxicology. — The symptoms of poisoning have already been 
sufficiently described in previous sections. The treatment embraces 
irrigation of the stomach, or the use of emetics, as apomorphine 
hydrochlorate under the skin, and the subcutaneous injection of 
strychnine, enemata of hot, strong, black coffee ; leading the animal 
about, slapping him, or using the faradic current. Dr. Moor, of 
Xew York, has apparently found in potassium permanganate the 
most efficient antidote for opium and morphine. Ten to fifteen 
grains, dissolved in eight ounces of water, should be given by the 
mouth, to large dogs. One to two drachms of potassium perman- 
ganate may be administered to horses in two or three pints of water. 
Permanganate solution oxidizes and destroys morphine, and should 
be acidulated with a little vinegar or diluted sulphuric acid, after 
the ingestion of morphine salts. The antidote has been recom- 
mended to be given subcutaneously after absorption, or hypodermic 
injection of morphine, but this is not of the slightest use. 

Morphine Contrasted with Opium. — Opium is more constipat- 
ing, more sudorific, and more apt to disturb the digestion than mor- 
phine. Morphine is more anodyne and soporific; more readily ab- 
sorbed and more suitable for use under the skin. 

Synergists. — Belladonna aids the action of opium and yet is 
antagonistic to it. It assists opium in its anodyne action and lessens 
nausea, indigestion, and constipation following the action of the 
latter drug. Belladonna and atropine are antagonistic to opium in 
stimulating the brain and respiration, and increasing peristalsis. 
Small closes of belladonna combined with opium do not interfere 
with the soporific action of the latter, notwithstanding the exciting 
influence of the former upon the brain. The bromides also promote 
the sedative and hypnotic action of opium, and lessen the depression 
and nausea following its administration. Opium often acts pro- 
foundly when combined with chloral, and this combination is oc- 
casionally used to induce anaesthesia (p. 292). Chloroform and 
ether are frequently prescribed with opium to secure an additional 
antispasmodic and anodyne action in colic. The astringents and 
mineral acids enhance the effect of opium in diarrhceal disorders. 

Codeine. — Codeine in large doses causes motor excitement and 
convulsions in dogs and cats, but physiological experiments con- 
ducted by various observers have otherwise yielded diverse results. 
This is explicable, since so-called codeine is frequently in part mor- 
phine. Codeine is inferior to morphine as an anodyne and hyp- 
notic, but is a useful sedative in relieving bronchial irritation and 
cough, and in the doses commonly employed does not induce indi- 



od4 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

gestion, nausea or constipation. The writer would particularly 
recommend it for dogs suffering with bronchitis, combined with 
phenacetin in powder or tablet. The other alkaloids of opium are 
not of sufficient therapeutic value to warrant their consideration in 
this work. 

Administration. — Morphine sulphate is employed under the 
skin where an immediate effect is required. The preparations more 
frequently used in veterinary practice include laudanum and the 
deodorized tincture, powdered opium, extract of opium, and the salts 
of morphine. One-quarter grain of the latter is equivalent to one 
grain of opium. Paregoric is useful in canine practice for cough 
mixtures. Dover's powder combines the expectorant and dia- 
phoretic action of ipecac with the sedative, antiphlogistic and sudo- 
rific influence of opium, but the former drug has little effect upon 
the horse. The preparation may be serviceable, however, in the first 
stage of catarrhal affections of the respiratory tract in dogs. 

Fluid preparations are generally desirable in securing .more 
rapid absorption, but opium produces the best result in diarrhea, 
when given in pill or ball. Enemata composed of thin, boiled starch 
solution and laudanum at the body temperature are to be recom- 
mended in diarrhea of the young, dysentery and pain arising from 
strangury or disease of the genito-urinary organs. Opium sup- 
positories are of value in canine practice for the same purposes, and 
will relieve irritation and pain caused by piles. 

Uses External.— Opium is applied externally in various ways. 
In the form of laudanum it is sprinkled on poultices and prescribed 
in liniment (laudanum and soap liniment, equal parts) for its ano- 
dyne action, but has probably little medicinal virtue upon the un- 
broken skin. On raw surfaces, sores and ulcers, opium does relieve 
pain, and for this purpose laudanum may be conjoined advantage- 
ously with lead water (1-25). 



INDICATIONS FOE THE INTERNAL USE OF OPIUM. 

1. To relieve pain and spasm. 

2. To lessen secretions. 

3. To allay motor excitement, diminish muscular action, and 
prevent hemorrhage. 

4. To abort inflammation. 

5. To act as a stimulating and supporting agent. 

The sudorific action of the drug upon the lower animals is slight 
and comparatively unimportant. Among the preceding indications 
the first three naturally follow from the physiological action of 



APOMORPHINE 335 

opium, while the latter two are deduced solely from clinical experi- 
ence. 

1. Although the anodyne and sedative action of opium is not 
so marked in its influence upon veterinary patients as in human 
subjects, yet it is by far the most valuable agent we possess for 
relieving pain of any description, particularly when combined with 
atropine. In spasmodic colic of horses, opium arrests pain by pre- 
venting irregular and violent peristaltic action. It may be given as 
morphine (with atropine), subcutaneously ; or as laudanum, with 
ether and chloroform in a drench, simultaneously with an aloes ball. 
In this affection opium actually assists the action of the purgative 
by overcoming spasm. Pain directly antagonizes the effect of opium, 
and repetition of the dose is both justifiable and necessary until 
relief is obtained. Hypodermic medication is therefore safer when 
the dose has to be repeated, in enabling the practitioner to decide 
that failure to relieve pain is due to insufficient dosage rather than 
to delayed absorption from the digestive canal. 

Opium is indicated in all forms of pain and in motor excite- 
ment in cerebritis and meningitis. The pains and spasmodic con- 
tractions resulting from acute or traumatic meningitis are benefited 
by opium ; also neuralgic and rheumatic pains. The spasms of 
eclampsia and tetanus are eased when opium is combined with chloral 
in enema, or when morphine is injected under the skin. The in- 
jection of morphine under the skin may prove antidotal in strych- 
nine poisoning. Five grains saved a collie dog which had supposedly 
received a fatal dose of strychnine. Clonic spasm of the diaphragm 
in horses (" Thumps") is also treated successfully with opium. 
Morphine under the skin is useful in asthma in dogs. 

The subcutaneous use of morphine sulphate (gr.ss-i) in dogs 30 
minutes before operation is of the greatest service in causing easy 
ether anesthesia and permitting the use of the minimum amount of 
ether. After the animal has once been etherized the author has fre- 
quently done gastrojejunostomy and even partial gastrectomy without 
any further ether being required. 

2 and 3. Opium is invaluable in lessening secretion, motion 
and pain in -various digestive disorders. Gastric digestion is in- 
hibited by the action upon secretion and motion, and opium should 
not be administered immediately after the ingestion of food, unless 
the demand for it at that time is imperative. Laudanum or mor- 
phine are also valuable in preventing threatened abortion, and in 
the treatment of after-pains and post-partum hemorrhage in mares, 
cows and bitches. 

Excessive vomiting in dogs may be combated with opium and 
bismuth, or with morphine hypo derm atically. Opium quiets peris- 



336 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

talsis and secures rest of the canal in gastritis and gastroenteritis. 
In superpurgation and in all forms of diarrhea and dysentery, opium 
is the remedy par excellence. (Laudanum in dose of 5-10 drops 
for large birds is an efficient remedy for diarrhea in poultry.) Its 
administration in these disorders should be accompanied, or preceded, 
by an oleaginous (horse), saline (herbivora) or mercurial (horse 
and dog) purgative ; and its action may be assisted by astringents, 
alkalies, mineral acids, and intestinal antiseptics in various com- 
binations suited to the particular case. The following formulas are 
useful in diarrhea of horses and cattle. Laudanum and spirit of 
camphor, each % i, with tine, capsicum, 5 i. in drench thrice daily; 
or o i. each of pulv. opium and catechu, with § i. each of chalk, 
ginger and sodium bicarbonate in flour gruel twice daily. One third 
of this prescription is suitable for calves. For dogs 5 to 10 minims 
of laudanum may be added to a tablespoonful of mistura cretae ; or 
to half a dram of bismuth suspended in water. 

Peritonitis, enteritis, and acute obstruction of the bowels are 
treated most successfully with opium, which quiets the bowels, re- 
lieves pain and facilitates the vis medatrix naturae, besides acting 
as an antiphlogistic in the first-mentioned diseases. By preventing 
muscular activity and allaying general excitability, opium is the 
most effective hemostatic in all internal hemorrhages, and it quiets 
the heart most effectively in acute endocarditis. 

Cough, as a symptom of irritation within the respiratory tract, 
is more commonly treated by some form of opium than by any other 
drug. When cough is irritative or excessive, and is not remedial in 
removing secretion, then it is very properly controlled by opium. 
If. on the other hand, respiratory movements are weak, or cyanosis 
threatens from retained secretions, opium is distinctly contraindi- 
cated, since it depresses the respiratory centres and lessens the irri- 
tation produced by the secretions in the bronchial tubes, which would 
otherwise cause coughing and expulsion of the exudate. Morphine 
sulphate (gr. Ko to gr. %) may be given in chloroform water every 
3 hours in troublesome cough in house dogs. 

Opium, especially when combined with belladonna, notably di- 
minishes secretions, so that this combination is peculiarly appropri- 
ate in the treatment of cough and exudation, and it is only when 
increasine; moist rales are found to exist during this medication that 
it should be stopped. Pleuritic cough causes intense pain and ac- 
complishes nothing, so that opium here affords great relief without 
inducing bad results. 

4. Opium possesses antiphlogistic action in aborting and com- 
bating inflammation. Reflex excitability is lessened by opium, and 
therefore irritation of nerve centres, which would otherwise cause 



BELLADONNA ROOT 337 

vascular dilatation, stasis, and inflammation, is prevented by the 
drug. This is at least the theory. Opium and quinine are the two 
remedies having the most popular clinical reputation for aborting 
colds and inflammation, and the latter agent also diminishes reflex 
excitability. Inflammation of serous membranes is thought to be 
that form most favorably influenced by opium, as peritonitis, en- 
teritis and meningitis, for which purpose the drug is frequently com- 
bined with calomel. But opium is also an extremely useful anti- 
phlogistic remedy in coryza, bronchitis, pneumonia and pleurisy, 
and in inflammations of the mucous coat of the digestive canal, as 
gastritis and dysentery. A single full dose should be given at the 
earliest possible stage of these disorders, and the patient should be 
kept as quiet as possible to secure the best result. 

5. Opium stimulates and supports the system in a manner not 
explicable on physiological grounds. It often conserves life in a 
remarkable way in patients weakened by long continued disease and 
in those suffering from shock, loss of blood following surgical opera- 
tion, parturition, or other natural causes. Opium in some form 
(often as codeine) is the most useful remedy in diabetes mellitus, in 
dogs, in jeducing the loss of glucose in the urine. 

Contra-indications. — In respiratory diseases associated with 
cyanosis or excessive exudation, in very high fever and obstinate 
constipation. The drug must be used with caution in the treatment 
of the aged and very young. 



Apomorphine, Hydrooiiloridttm. Apomorphine Hydrochloride. 
C 17 H 17 K 2 H CI. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — The hydrochloride of an artificial alkaloid, ob- 
tained by heating morphine (or codeine) in hermetically closed tubes, 
with an excess of pure hydrochloric acid. The morphine thus loses 
one molecule of water; C 17 H 19 ]Sr 3 = C 17 H 17 N 2 + H 2 0. 

Properties. — Minute, grayish-white, shining, monoclinic prisms, 
without odor, having a faintly bitter taste, and acquiring a greenish 
tint upon exposure to light and air. Soluble in about 39.5 parts of 
water, and about 38.2 parts of alcohol; very little soluble in ether 
or chloroform. It should be kept in small, dark, amber-colored vials. 
(IT. S. P.) 

Do.se.— Subcutaneously. H., gr. % (0.045). Foals, gr. l/ 2 
(.03). Sh. & Calves, gr. V 2 (.03). Cows, gr. 1% (.09). D., gr. 
Vio-Vs (.0O6-.012). By the mouth, D., gr. % -%5 (.0015-.0024) as 
expectorant. 



338 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

PREPARATION. 

Injectio Apomorphinw Hypodermica. (B. P.) 
One per cent. 

Dose. — H. m. 75. Sh. & Calves, m. xl. D. ra. x.-xx. 

Action Internal. — Small doses (gr. %o-%o) cause vomiting in 
dogs, while larger doses produce salivation and trembling in addi- 
tion to vomition. Very large quantities (gr. 4-5) occasion first great 
excitement; the dog howls, runs and jumps about, the pupils are 
dilated and the slightest noise excites great alarm. Then the animal 
weakens in the hind legs, becomes paraplegic, falls and goes into 
convulsions. The breathing, at the beginning rapid, becomes weak 
and slow. Death ensues from respiratory failure. 

Nervous System.- — The drug primarily stimulates the brain and 
induces delirium and excitement, but secondarily causes cerebral 
paralysis. The origin of the convulsions is not ascertained. Apo- 
morphine is a direct local paralyzant to the muscles, acting upon 
their substance or upon the motor nerve endings. 

Circulation.- — Medicinal doses do not alter the force, but may 
increase the rate and tension of the pulse by stimulation of the 
cardiac accelerator nerves and vasomotor centres. Toxic doses 
paralyze the heart muscle and lower blood pressure. 

Respiration. — The respiratory movements are at first markedly 
increased by large doses of apomorphine. The reason for this is 
uncertain. Lethal doses depress and paralyze the respiratory centre. 
The breathing then becomes feeble and infrequent. The agent 
causes a copious outpouring of a watery fluid from the blood vessels 
of the respiratory mucous membrane, and is, therefore, an expec- 
torant. 

Vomiting Centre. — This is stimulated by therapeutic doses of 
apomorphine, but paralyzed by toxic doses, so that vomiting may 
not occur in poisoning. Apomorphine does not act locally upon the 
stomach. 

Uses. — Apomorphine is a reliable, prompt and powerful emetic. 
The alkaloid is generally given under the skin and can be adminis- 
tered along with zinc sulphate or other emetic in poisoning. Tn 
narcotic poisoning, as with chloral or opium, apomorphine — like 
other emetics — may fail to act efficiently. In the first stage of acute 
bronchitis, apomorphine is useful in canine practice, and again in 
the later stage, when the animal becomes choked with exudation. 
The drug, in a mild emetic dose, will aid recovery by causing vio- 
lent expiratory efforts during vomition, and these tend to expel se- 



ACTION" OF BELLADONNA ANI> ATROPINE 339 

cretions, which is furthermore assisted by the action of the alkaloid 
in rendering the secretions less viscid. Chronic dry bronchitis of 
dogs is likewise benefited by apomorphine. In pica in cattle, 1% 
gr. may be given on three consecutive days or in recent cases, gr. iii. 
are given subcutaneously in the same way. 

Apomorphine hydrochloride sometimes relieves choking in 
animals by its relaxing spasm and increasing secretion of the 
gullet. Three-quarters of a grain may be injected under the skin 
in horses. It should be tried before using a probaug. as, if suc- 
cessful, it will act within fifteen or twenty minutes. 

In pica in foals, sheep and calves the drug is equally effective 
in smaller closes. Even in parrots and other birds gr. iy 2 in water 
by the mouth may cure the habit of plucking out the plumage. 

Apomorphine must be used with some caution in foals and 
horses since F. Smith has reported an alarming condition in the 
horse produced by the giving of two grains under the skin attended 
with delirium, great restlessness, constant movement of the limbs, 
excitement and sweating. 

The alkaloid decomposes in crystal, and rapidly in solution, 
becoming toxic and of a green hue. Solutions should be freshly 
prepared. 



Class 2. — Stimulating the Brain. 

Belladonna Folia. Belladonna Leaves. (U. S. & B. P.) . 

Synonym. — Deadly nightshade, E. ; folia S. herba belladonna, 
feuilles de belladonne, Fr. ; tollkraut, tollkirschen blatter, wolf- 
kirschen-blatter, G. 

Derivation. — The dried leaves of Atropa Belladonna Linne 
(Fam. Solanacew), yielding, when assayed by the U. S. P. process, 
not less than 0.35 per cent, of mydriatic alkaloids. 

Usually of a dull brownish-green color, the leaves much wrinkled 
and matted together, frequently with the flowering tops intermixed ; 
leaves from 6 to 20 Cm. long, 4 to 12 Cm. broad, broadly ovate, apex 
acute, margin entire, narrowed into the petiole, upper surface brown- 
ish-green, lower surface grayish-green, epidermis more or less papil- 
lose, particularly on the under surface; odor distinctly narcotic, espe- 
cially on moistening ; taste somewhat bitter and acrid. 

The powder is characterized by few hairs and numerous, small, 
arrow-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate. 

Constituents. — Two alkaloids; 1, atropine, the chief one, rep- 
resenting the action of belladonna; and, 2, hyoscyamine. 



340 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Atropine is now considered to be an artificial product of 
hyoscyamine, and therefore the latter to be the natural alkaloid. 
Belladonna leaves should contain not less than 0.35 per cent, atropine. 

Dose.— H, & C., 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; D., gr.i.-v. (.06-.3). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Extractum Belladonnce Foliorum. Extract of Belladonna Leaves. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporation to pilular consist- 
ence. Used in preparing the unguentum belladonna?. Contains 1.4 per cent, of 
mydriatic alkaloids. 

Dose.— H. & C, gr.x.-xx. (.6-1.3); Sh. & Sw., gr.ii.-iv. (.12-.24.); D., gr.&-£ 
(.008-.03). 

Tinctura Belladonna; Foliorum. Tincture of Belladonna Leaves. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Belladonna leaves, 100, diluted alcohol to make 1,000. Made by maceration 
and percolation. (U. S. P.) 

Dose. — D., nIv.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

Unguentum Belladonna:. Belladonna Ointment. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Extract of belladonna leaves, 10; diluted alcohol, 5; hydrous wool fat, 20 j 
benzoinated lard, 65. (U. S. P.) 



Beixadonnje Radix. Belladonna Boot. 

Synonym. — Bacine de Belladonne, Fr. ; wolfskirschenwurzel,. 
tollkirschen-wurzel, G. 

Derivation. — The dried root of Atropa Belladonna Linne 
(Fam. Solanacece), yielding, when assayed as directed below, not 
less than 0.5 per cent, of mydriatic alkaloids. 

In cylindrical or somewhat tapering', longitudinally wrinkled 
pieces, 1 to 2.5 Cm. thick, the bark somewhat incurved at the edges 
of roots which have been split before drying ; externally pale brown- 
ish-gray, dusty or mealy, outer layers of the periderm rather soft,, 
frequently abraded, and thus showing lighter patches ; fracture nearly 
smooth, mealy, and emitting a characteristic puff of dust ; internally 
whitish, the older roots showing medullary rays near the bark ; nearly 
inodorous; taste sweetish, afterwards bitterish and strongly acrid. 

Constituents. — Same as leaves. Contains not less than 0.5 per 
cent, atropine. 



ACTION OF BELLADONNA AND ATROPINE 341 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidexlractum Belladonnce Radicis. Fluidextract of Belladonna Root. 

(U. S. P.) 

Made by percolation with alcohol and water, and evaporation. One cc. of 
the extract = one gm. of belladonna root. Standarized so that 100 cc. of the 
fluidextract contain 0.5 gm. of mydriatic alkaloids. The most reliable prepara- 
tion. 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); C., 3 ii.-iii. (8.-12.); Sh. & Sw., nix.-xv. (.6-1.); 
D., Tlli.-iii. (.06-.2). 

Linimentum Belladonnw. Belladonna Liniment. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Camphor, 50; fluidextract of belladonna to make 1,000. (U. S. P.) 

Atkopina. Atropine. C 17 Hon jST0 3 . 
(II. S. &B. P.) 

An alkaloid obtained from belladonna. As it occurs in com- 
merce, it is always accompanied by a small proportion of hyoscya- 
mine extracted along with it, from which it cannot readily be sepa- 
rated. 

Derivation. — Atropine is obtained from a strong tincture of the 
root. Slaked lime is added, which splits np atropine malate and 
precipitates lime malate. The excess of lime is precipitated by sul- 
phuric acid, and coloring matters by potassium carbonate, which also 
sets free atropine. The atropine is dissolved in chloroform, recov- 
ered on evaporation, and purified by digestion with warm alcohol 
and charcoal. 

Properties. — White, acicular crystals, or a more or less amor- 
phous white powder; without odor, having a bitter, acrid taste, and 
gradually assuming a yellowish tint on exposure to air. Soluble in 
4-50 parts of water, 1.46 parts of alcohol, 16.6 parts of ether, 1.56 
parts of chloroform, and about 50 parts of glycerin. At about 
113.8° C. (237° F.) it melts, forming a colorless liquid. At about 
140° C. (284° F.) it begins to give off white, acrid fumes, and when 
ignited, it is consumed without leaving a residue. It has a mark- 
edly alkaline reaction ; its saturated aqueous solution acquires a pink 
color upon the addition of a drop of phenolphtalein. 

Incompatibles. — Decomposed by sodium or potassium hydrate. 

Dose. — H., gr.ss.-iss. (.03-.09) ; average dose, gr.i. (.06) ; C, 
gr.i.-ii. (.0'6-.12); Sh. & Sw., gr. 1 / 2 <r 1 /i2 (.003-.005) ; D., gr. 
yi20-%o (.0005-.001). 



342 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Atropine Sulphas. Atropine Sulphate. (C 17 H 23 E"0 3 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 . 

(U. S. &..B..P.) 

Derivation. — Atropine is dissolved in sulphuric acid and treated 
with ether, when the insoluble sulphate settles out. 

Properties. — A white crystalline powder or microscopical needles 
and prisms (the form of the latter being probably due to the 
hyoscyamine present) ; odorless, having a very bitter, nauseating 
taste, and permanent in the air. // should he tasted with the utmost 
caution., and only in dilute solution. Soluble in 0.38 part of water, 
3.7 parts of alcohol, 2140 parts of ether, and in 620 parts of chloro- 
form at 25° C. (77° F.). At about 189.9° C. (373.5° F.) Atro- 
pine Sulphate melts ; when free from hyoscyamine it melts at about 
118° C. (370.4° F.). When ignited it chars, emits acrid vapors, 
and is rapidly and completely consumed. 

Dose.— 11., gr.i.-iss. (.06-.O9) ; C, gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; Sh. & Sw., 
gr. Ks-%2 (.004-.005) ; I)., gr. YwYso (.0005-.00OS), average dose, 
gr. i/ioo (.0006). 

ACTION OF BELLADONNA AND ATROPINE. 

External. — Belladonna is ordinarily not absorbed from the un- 
broken skin, but when applied to raw surfaces and mucous mem- 
branes, or, to a less extent, when rubbed into the skin with camphor 
(linimentum belladonnse), chloroform, alcohol, etc, it depresses the 
sensory nerve endings and produces a local anodyne action. Thus 
applied it also depresses the peripheral motor nerve fibres, and is 
sometimes injected into spasmodically contracted muscles for relief 
of spasm. The vessels are said to be first contracted and then dilated 
by the local action of the drug, and the secretions of the skin are 
diminished. 

Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Belladonna (atropine) apparently 
diminishes the gastric secretion and is largely used to lessen gastric 
hyperacidity. In the intestines atropine prevents undue griping 
produced by drastic cathartics by some unknown action, since the 
inhibitory sphlanchnic endings are not depressed as has hitherto been 
taught. Large doses of atropine excite peristalsis through stimula- 
tion of Auerbach's plexus (Magnus). 

Circulation. — Belladonna is readily absorbed into the blood, but 
has no particular action upon this fluid within the body. Dilute 
solutions of atropine paralyze and stop corpuscular movement in the 
blood withdrawn from the vessels. The characteristic action of bella- 
donna upon the circulation consists in depression of the peripheral 
pneumo gastric fibres in the heart, with greater frequency of the 



ACTION OF BELLADONNA AND ATROPINE 



543 



pulsations. There is also, probably, a slight stimulation of the car- 
diac muscle. Belladonna is therefore a heart stimulant, by increas- 
ing the number of its beats without diminishing their force. Large 
doses sometimes give rise to primary slowing of the pulse, ^ owing to 
stimulation of the inhibitory apparatus. Blood pressure is exalted 
synchronously with the increased frequency of the heart, and is due 
to cardiac stimulation and also to stimulation of the spinal and 
medullary vasomotor centres, with constriction of blood vessels of 
the abdomen, f 

In poisoning, vascular tension is considerably lowered because 
of paralysis of the vasomotor centres, smooth muscles (or ganglia), 
of the vessel walls (with vascular dilation), and the heart muscle 

itself. 

Nervous System. — Cerebrum. — Belladonna is classed as a, de- 
lirifacient by some authorities, — notably Wood. It stimulates the 
brain incoordinately, and large doses produce restlessness, nervous 
excitement and delirium in man, and occasionally delirium in the 
lower animals. Stimulation is succeeded by exhaustion and some 
depression, with stupor rather than coma. 

Spinal Cord. — Belladonna appears to exert a double action 
(stimulant and depressant) upon the spinal cord. The spinal 
vasomotor and respiratory centres are stimulated. Large doses cause 
complete loss of motion and reflex action in the frog, lasting for sev- 
eral days, and followed by reflex excitability and convulsions. Poi- 
soning 'in mammals is exhibited by less paralyzant action accompanied 
by more convulsive movements. Various explanations haye been 
offered to reconcile these phenomena. The prevalent theory is, that, 
following complete paralysis of the spinal cord, the motor and sensory 
tracts recover before the inhibitory centres, so that normal stimuli 
pass through the latter unrestrained and result in convulsions. ^ 

Nerves. — The action of belladonna upon the nerve endings is 
extremely important, and represents, to a considerable degree, the 
therapeutic value of the drug. The peripheral motor nerve ter- 
minations, and, to a less extent, their trunks, are depressed and para- 
lyzed. This is never so complete, however, but that there is some 
voluntary power left in an animal fatally poisoned. Depression 
and loss 'of function of the afferent nerves come on more slowly, and 
exist to a less degree. Belladonna, then, when applied locally or 
given internally, is an anodyne, but is far inferior in this respect to 
opium; and, whereas opium acts centrally, belladonna acts periph- 



t Dilatation of the vessels of the skin occurs at the same time but this is 
insufficient to reduce blood' pressure. In man this is shown by flushing of the 
skin and a bright rash on the face and neck after large doses. 



344 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

erally. The terminations of all secretory nerves are also depressed 
and paralyzed by belladonna, and secretions are therefore diminished. 

Secretions. — Dryness of the mouth is one of the first physiolog- 
ical symptoms following the administration of belladonna. This is 
due to paralysis of the peripheral terminations of the secretory nerve 
(chorda tympani) of the submaxillary gland, and of the secretory 
nerve endings of the other salivary and mucous glands in connection 
with the mouth. Another characteristic effect of belladonna consists 
in the production of dryness of the skin, which follows the action 
of the drug in paralyzing the peripheral nervous filaments supplying 
the secretory cells of the sudoriparous glands. In the same manner 
the tracheal and bronchial secretions are diminished, and also the 
secretion of milk (anti-galactagogue action), by depression of the 
terminations of the secretory nerves. The drug does not exert any 
decided influence upon the secretions of the intestinal tract, but the 
secretion of gastric juice is diminished or arrested and, to a less de- 
gree, that of the pancreatic juice and bile. The HC1 in the gastric 
juice is much more reduced than the pepsin or fluid as a whole. The 
amount of urine is sometimes increased after the ingestion of small 
doses of belladonna, but is considerably lessened, or suppressed, in 
poisoning by the drug. Experiments upon man show that the uri- 
nary solids are increased : urea and uric acid to a slight extent ; sul- 
phates and phosphates to a considerable degree. 

Muscles and their Nerves. — Atropine is antispasmodic in its 
effect upon involuntary muscle. It depresses both the unstriped 
fibres and their motor nerve endings. Toxic doses cause paralysis 
of the smooth muscles. Voluntary muscles are not affected by any 
doses of atropine, although the motor nerves controlling them are 
depressed by toxic amounts of the alkaloid. Small doses of atropine, 
given experimentally to animals, do not appear to affect peristalsis at 
all and do not alter the normal influence of the vagus or splanchnic 
nerves. Its action in preventing griping and the violent peristaltic 
movements of pilocarpine can not be explained except by its effect 
on some unknown mechanism. After large doses, as has been noted 
above, intestinal action is stimulated and vomiting and purging occur 
in poisoning by the drug. 

Atropine has been used successfully to produce three diverse 
actions on the bowel: (1) to quiet intestinal movement in inflamma- 
tion of the bowels; (2) to relieve spasm in colic and spastic condi- 
tions generally ; ( 3 ) very commonly to aid catharsis in sluggish states 
of the intestines. In practice, small doses will often move the bowels 
effectively, while, on the other hand, enormous doses (gr. Yi2, in- 



* It is probable in. these cases that the obstruction was due to spasm, and 
not mechanical. 



USES OF BELLADONNA 34:5 

stead of the usual dose of gr. Moo) have recently proved success- 
ful in moving the bowels in obstinate constipation (in human pa- 
tients) clue to obstruction,* when all other means failed. Con- 
versely, it is, and has been, the common practice to give atropine 
with morphine to prevent peristalsis in peritonitis and with appar- 
ently satisfactory results. The cathartic action of atropine in small 
doses is not explicable by its known physiologic effect, but its sedative 
influence is noted in experimental work in preventing griping of 
drugs. The predominant action of belladonna in paralyzing the 
peripheral vagi in the heart has been described. 

The pneumogastric terminations are depressed in the heart by 
moderate doses, while the heart muscle is paralyzed by large quanti- 
ties of belladonna. 

A like depressing influence is believed to be exerted upon the 
efferent nerve endings of the unstriped muscles of the bladder, 
urethra, uterus and vagina, as well as upon the muscles of these 
organs. Belladonna acts medicinally as an antispasmodic in relation 
to the muscles. 

Respiration. — Small doses of atropine do not affect the respira- 
tion. Large therapeutic doses make the respiratory movements 
quicker and deeper, by stimulation of the medullary and spinal 
respiratory centres. Fatal doses produce respiratory failure and 
asphyxia, owing to paralysis of the respiratory centre and the 
peripheral vagus filaments concerned with the respiratory move- 
ments. Belladonna also paralyzes the peripheral fibres of the pneu- 
mogastric nerve in the bronchial tubes and acts therapeutically as 
follows: 1. As a respiratory stimulant; the drug is generally in- 
ferior to strychnine in this respect. 2. As an antispasmodic, by 
depressing the efferent vagus endings in the bronchial tubes and re- 
laxing spasm of the smooth muscle of their walls. 3. As a seda- 
tive, by depressing the afferent vagus fibres and diminishing the 
irritation produced by secretion, so that cough is allayed. 4. As 
an agent lessening secretion. 

Temperature. — Moderate doses of belladonna cause a rise of 
temperature, while fatal doses lessen bodily heat. The first phe- 
nomenon is produced by stimulation of the spinal thermogenic cen- 
tres, while the latter effect follows the vasomotor paralysis which 
occurs after lethal doses. 

An elevation of 2i to 5.4-° F. has been noted in dogs after full 
doses of atropine, while a greater fall of temperature has been 
observed in the same animal in fatal poisoning. Elevation of tem- 
perature is accompanied by increased heat loss, caused by radiation 
from the dilated cutaneous vessels. 



346 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Eye. — The action, of belladonna upon the eye affords another 
illustration of the depressing action of the drug upon the nerve ter- 
minations. The myoneural junctions of the third (oculomotor) 
nerve in the circular muscle are paralyzed, which leaves the radi- 
ating fibres free to act and they therefore draw back the edges of the 
iris and dilate the pupil. The nerve terminations in the radiating 
fibres do not seem to be influenced by atropine. The mydriatic 
action is exhibited, whether the drug be given by the mouth or 
dropped directly into the eye. In the former case, the drug does 
not act through the nervous system, but locally upon the peripheral 
filaments of the third nerve through the medium of the blood. The 
muscular fibres of the iris are unaffected by belladonna. The ter- 
minations of the sympathetic and the trigeminus may be stimulated, 
which would also produce dilation of the pupil. These latter actions 
are not definitely determined, while it is known that the dominant 
effect consists in depression of the oculomotor nerve endings, as 
before stated. Paralysis of accommodation follows paralysis of the 
terminations of the third nerve in the ciliary muscle, and therefore 
vision is disturbed. Intraocular tension is increased by large and 
continuous dosage of belladonna, and an artificial glaucoma may be 
thus produced. 

Elimination. — Belladonna is eliminated by the kidneys and 
bowels ; traces have been found in the milk. It is, however, chiefly 
oxidized in the body. 

Summary. — It will be observed that belladonna, generally 
speaking, first stimulates and then depresses the nerve centres, while 
it chiefly paralyzes the motor nerve terminations, including the in- 
hibitory (vagus), the secretory (chorda tympani, etc.), and, to a less 
extent, the sensory nerves. Secondary depression of the cerebrum 
is not so profound as that of the great medullary centres, especially 
the respiratory centre, and there is sometimes a slight and brief 
stimulation of the motor nerves of the smooth muscles, viz., vagus, 
splanchnic, and possibly vasomotor nerves. 

Full medicinal doses depress the peripheral filaments of the 
inhibitory and secretory nerves and the motor nerves of the unstriped 
muscles, as well as the muscles themselves, lessen the functional 
activity of the voluntary motor system, and, to a less degree, that of 
the afferent nerves. The pulse becomes quickened because of paraly- 
sis of the peripheral vagus endings and stimulation of the heart; 
the blood tension is augmented because of the increased cardiac 
action and stimulation of the vasomotor centres ; and the respiration 
is accelerated because of excitation of the respiratory centres. The 
temperature is elevated owing to the circulatory exaltation and 
stimulation of the heat-producing centres. Slight delirium may be 



USES OF BELLADONNA 



347 



present from the exciting action of the drag upon the cerebral motor 
centres. 

The spinal cord is unaffected by therapeutic doses. Locally 
applied, belladonna is a direct paralyzant to nerves, muscles, vessels 
and cells. 



PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF BELLADONNA TO OTHER DRUGS. 

A medicinal dose of atropine stimulates, while morphine de- 
presses, the brain, respiratory functions, and intestinal peristalsis. 
This antagonism ceases when poisonous doses of the two drugs are 
combined, and therefore atropine should be given with caution in 
the treatment of opium narcosis, so as not to aggravate the already 
existing central nervous depression, particularly of the respiration. 
Morphine relieves pain, causes sweating, and contracts the pupil 
centrally. Atropine dilates the pupil, produces dryness of the skin, 
and depresses the functions of sensory nerves through its peripheral 
action. Atropine antagonizes physostigma in so far as the latter 
stimulates the peripheral oculomotor nerve fibres, the vagi, diminishes 
blood pressure, depresses the respiratory centres, and stimulates, the, 
unstriated muscle of the intestines, and the secretions of the stomach, 
bowels and bronchial tubes. 

Atropine is antagonistic — in part — to pilocarpine, which stimu- 
lates secretory nerve terminations in the sweat and salivary glands, 
the peripheral oculomotor filaments, and the nerve endings in the 
involuntary muscle of the heart, stomach, intestines and uterus. 
Atropine counteracts the influence of aconite and muscarin (the 
poison of fungi) upon the heart, and the action of the latter prin- 
ciple in producing spasm of the pulmonary vessels. 

Toxicology. — Toxic doses of belladonna cause in animals dryness 
of the mouth, increased frequency of the pulse and respiration, ele- 
vation of temperature, dilation of the pupil and partial blindness, 
restlessness, nervousness, delirium, twitching of the muscles (oc- 
casionally erythema), and frequent micturition. These symptoms 
are succeeded, in fatal poisoning, by fall of temperature, retention 
of urine, muscular weakness, staggering gait, partial anaesthesia, con- 
vulsions and paralysis (one preponderating over the other), weak, 
slow, irregular respiration, feeble, rapid pulse, paralysis of the 
sphincters, stupor and death. Death occurs mainly from asphyxia, 
but is clue in part to cardiac failure. The physiological test consists 
in placing a drop of the urine (secreted by the poisoned animal) into 
the eye of a healthy animal, when mydriasis should follow if the case 
be one of belladonna poisoning. Three-quarters of a grain of 
atropine under the skin has proved fatal to dogs. Two grains of 



348 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

atropine produce mild toxic symptoms in the horse. Small dogs are 
slightly poisoned by gr. Yso of atropine; medium sized dogs by gr. 
Vqo given hypodermatically. Cattle are as susceptible as horses, al- 
though herbivora are not so easily influenced as carnivora. The pulse 
in dogs is greatly accelerated, sometimes as high as 400, while the 
pulse rate of the horse is not generally more than doubled. Rodents, 
as guinea pigs and rabbits, and pigeons, are particularly insuscepti- 
ble to belladonna, in regard to its effect upon the pupil, circulation, 
etc. 

The treatment of poisoning includes the use of the stomach 
tube, emetics, pilocarpine, chloroform or ether in the stage of excite- 
ment ; and cardiac stimulants, as caffeine, and artificial respiration in 
the later depression. Also external heat and general faradism. 

Post-Mortem Appearances. — These are not generally character- 
istic, except of asphyxia. The blood is dark and poorly coagulable. 
There is congestion of the lungs, general passive hyperemia, and 
sometimes ecchymoses in the brain, cord, and their membranes. 
Congestion of the retina is said, however, to be pathognomonic of 
belladonna poisoning. 

Administration. — The fluidextract of belladonna root is the 
official preparation more commonly used for horses. The alcoholic 
extract of the leaves is given in pill or suppository to dogs, and in 
electuary to horses. Atropine sulphate is employed under the skin 
when a rapid effect is desired. 

Uses External. — Local application of belladonna is more ef- 
fective when combined with internal medication of the same drug. 
Belladonna is used for mammitis, applied by massage in the form 
of liniment, and given by the mouth. It relaxes spasm, contracts 
the blood vessels, and lessens inflammation and congestion ; para- 
lyzes the secretory nerves and so diminishes the amount of milk, 
vascular tension, pain and glandular activity. In fissure of the 
rectum, and in hemorrhoids, belladonna (with opium) in ointment 
or suppository, allays spasm and pain. Liniment of belladonna is 
useful in rheumatic or neuralgic pain, and rubbed upon the throat, 
in cases of pharyngitis and laryngitis, affords a serviceable appli- 
cation, when combined with the internal administration of the drug. 
Uses in Connection "With the Eye. — In examination of the 
fundus of the eye, the media, or lens, for cataract, the pupil may 
be dilated to advantage with a weak solution (gr. /4o-!B *■) 0I " atropine 
sulphate. A drop will suffice, and no trace of its effect will remain 
after the second day. A strong solution (gr.iv.-§ i.) is essential to 
completely paralyze the iris and ciliary muscle. In the normal ani- 
mal, accommodation is paralyzed and vision disturbed for 8 or 12 
days after the use of this solution. Atropine is particularly useful 



IIYOSCYAMINE SULPHATE 349 

in keratitis and iritis. In the former disease, photophobia and 
blepharospasm are diminished by the paralyzing action of atropine 
upon the trigeminus, and pain, congestion and inflammation are 
diminished by contraction of the peripheral blood vessels. In central 
perforating ulcer of the cornea, with protrusion of the iris, atropine, 
by dilating the pupil, draws the iris away and prevents its perma- 
nent adhesion (anterior synechia) to the cornea, while the perfora- 
tion is becoming filled with lymph and the anterior chamber is being- 
restored. Strong solutions of atropine instilled at frequent intervals, 
are useful in iritis by (1) paralyzing and securing rest of the iris 
and ciliary muscles; (2) in lessening local blood supply, congestion 
and inflammation, and in preventing adhesions of the posterior sur- 
faces of the iris to the anterior capsule of the lens (posterior 
synechias), which both limits the normal variation in the pupillary 
diameter and interferes with the nutrition of the lens, and so pre- 
disposes to cataract. Atropine is contraindicated in glaucoma. 

Uses Internal. — The general indications follow directly from 
our knowledge of the physiological action of the drug. They are 
as follows : — 1. To stimulate the respiration and circulation. 2. To 
diminish secretion. 3. To relieve spasm and pain. 

1. Acute diseases, as pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, cerebro- 
spinal meningitis, etc., are frequently treated at the outset with bella- 
donna, with the intent of cutting short the inflammatory process by pro- 
ducing general vascular contraction. This applies more particularly 
to pharyngitis, laryngitis and coryza where there seems good evidence 
to prove that sometimes a full dose of belladonna at the outset of 
these disorders may actually abort them. Besides there are the 
beneficial effects of the drug in relieving cough, spasm and obstructed 
breathing noted below. In the second stage of acute diseases, as pneu- 
monia, belladonna is a valuable agent in combination with strych- 
nine, to stimulate respiration, prevent effusion and vasomotor and 
cardiac depression. Belladonna is of service also as a respiratory, 
cardiac and vasomotor stimulant in poisoning by various drugs, in- 
cluding opium, chloroform, ether, aconite, prussic acid, physostigma 
and pilocarpine. Experiments by Reichert (Therapeutic Monthly, 
May, 1901) and others show that atropine, while stimulating the 
respiratory centre exerts a powerful depressing action on the pul- 
monic motor fibres of the vagi, and that in opium poisoning atro- 
pine, instead of strengthening, actually lessens respiratory power. 
Strychnine and caffeine are undoubtedly much better antidotes in 
this condition. Belladonna is an antidote in poisoning by antimony. 
In surgical shock, with low temperature, owing to vasomotor paral- 
ysis and vascular dilatation, and in collapse from injury and disease 
atropine is a most potent remedy, combined with camphor subcu- 



350 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

taneously. In pneumonia, especially, belladonna is of great value 
following the crisis. 

2. Belladonna is employed therapeutically to diminish exces- 
sive sweating and salivation, mercurial or otherwise. It is recom- 
mended in serous, or watery diarrhea. Edema of the lungs is com- 
bated most successfully with atropine (combined with strychnine) 
subcutaneously. In the second stage of acute respiratory diseases, as 
bronchitis, influenza, canine distemper, and pneumonia, belladonna di- 
minishes secretion, irritability and cough, and stimulates the heart 
and respiration. It may be associated with opium to increase the 
sedative effect. Atropine is the best remedy, apart from antacids, 
to counteract gastric hyperacidity. 

3. Belladonna does not have much influence over spasm of the 
voluntary muscles, unless injected (atropine) into their substance. 
Rheumatic lameness, neuralgia, and cramps and spasm due to in- 
jury of nerves, may be treated in this manner. Belladonna liniment 
or a local injection of atropine are indicated in that condition of the 
tender skin and muscles seen in horses and dogs after severe exercise. 
Spasm of involuntary muscle is, however, more easily overcome, and 
this action is of exceeding therapeutic importance. Intestinal spas- 
modic colic of horses succumbs most readily when atropine is given 
with morphine under the skin. In peritonitis and enteritis, full 
and repeated doses of atropine, with morphine, assist in paralyzing 
the smooth muscular fibres of the intestines, and in quieting peris- 
taltic movement. Large doses of atropine have been recently used 
in human medicine, and with remarkably good results, in the treat- 
ment of intestinal obstruction from impacted feces, and even in in- 
vagination and twist. 

Cough, stridulus breathing, and spasm, associated with acute 
pharyngitis and laryngitis, are influenced favorably by belladonna, 
in the first stage. The drug acts locally to paralyze the ends of the 
motor nerves in the throat, relieves spasm, and also contracts the 
peripheral vessels and overcomes congestion and inflammation. It 
may be given to horses in electuary, and also applied in liniment 
or ointment externally. The following prescription is suitable for 
horses suffering from pharyngitis or laryngitis. 

Fluidextr. Belladonna} Rad 3 i- 

Pulv. Potassii Chloratis 3 ii. 

Pulv. GlycyrrhiziE E v. 

Syrupi Fusei Q. S. 

M. et f. electuarium. 

Sig. Give \ ounce every two hours. (Furnish \ ounce 
for sample dose.) 



HYOSCYAMINE SULPHATE 



351 



In bronchitis and asthma, belladonna also allays spasm and 
lessens secretion, irritation and cough. Other spasmodic conditions 
benefited by belladonna are, "thumps," lead colic, convulsions (with 
bromides), "spasm of the rectum owing to fissure or other causes, and 
incontinence of urine clue to spasm of the neck of the bladder. Pal- 
pitation of the heart is relieved by the sedative action of the mydriatic 
upon the unstriated cardiac muscle. Tetanus is favorably influenced 
by extract of belladonna given in electuary. In this section may be 
included the effect of small doses of belladonna in acting as a laxa- 
tive in constipation, and thus assisting the action of peristaltic 
stimulants, as aloes and strychnine. Pills containing aloin (gr. hi), 
extractum belladonnas alcoholicum foliorum (gr. Vs), and extractum 
cascarse sagradse (gr. %)', form a useful laxative combination in 
chronic constipation of dogs. 

Hyoscyamus. Hyoscyamus. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Hyoscyami folia, B. P. ; henbane, herba hyoscyami, 
E. ; feuilles de jusquiame noire, Er. ; bilsenkrant, G. 

The dried leaves and flowering tops of Hyoscyamus niger Linne 
(Fam. Solanacece), collected from plants of the second year's growth, 
and yielding, when assayed, not less than 0.0S per cent, of mydriatic 

alkaloids. 

Habitat. — Indigenous to England, the Continent, and Asia, and 
naturalized in the northern part of the United States. 

Description. — Leaves ovate or ovate-oblong, the lower with a 
short petiole, the upper sessile, 5 to 25 Cm. long, 2 to 10 Cm. broad, 
acute, coarsely and angularly toothed or lobed, grayish-green, glandu- 
lar-hairy, particularly on the lower surface; flowers nearly sessile, 
with an urn-shaped, unequally 5-toothed calyx and a campanulate, 
purple-veined corolla, which in the fresh state is yellowish; fruit 
capsular, 2-cellecl, and enclosed in the calyx ; odor, heavy, narcotic ; 
taste somewhat bitter and nauseous. The powder is grayish-green 
and contains calcium oxalate in single or twin monoclmic prisms 
about 0.010 Mm. in diameter. 

Constituents. — Two alkaloids: hyoscyamine C 17 H 2 oN <J 3 , and 
hyoscine. The first resembles atropine is composition and action 
Impure, amorphous, commercial hyoscyamine is_ a dark-brown fluid 
and contains as its active principle mainly hyoscine. 

Incompatibility. — Incompatible with caustic alkalies and vege- 
table acids, lead acetate and silver nitrate. Hyoscyamus may be 
o-iven in pill with the two latter mineral salts. 

Dose.— H. & C, I ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; D. } gr.v.-xv. (.3-1.). 



352 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

PEEPABATIONS. 

Extractum Hyoscyami. Extract of Hyoscyamus. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by evaporation of the fluidextract to pilular consistency. The extract 
should contain 0.3 per cent, of mydriatic alkaloids. , 

Dose.— H. & C., gr.xx.-3i. (1.3-4.); D., gr.ss.-ii. (.03-. 12). 

Fluidextractum Hyoscyami. Fluidextract of Hyoscyamus. 
(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration, percolation with alcohol and water, and evaporation, 
so that 1 cc. = 1 gm. of hyoscyamus. Each 100 cc. of fluidextract contains 
0.075 gin. of alkaloids from hyoscyamus. 

Dose.— H. & C, Bss.-i. (15.-30.); D., fllv.-xv. (.3-1.). 

Tinctura Hyoscyami. Tincture of Hyoscyamus. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Hyoscyamus, 100; diluted alcohol to make 1000. Made by maceration and 
percolation. Standardized to contain 0.007 gm. of mydriatic alkaloids in each 
100 cc. of the tincture. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— D., 3i.-iv. (4.-15.). 

The dose of hyoscyamus preparations is generally two to four times that 
of similar belladonna preparations. 

Succus Hyoscyami. Juice of Hyoscyamus. ( B. P. ) 
Dose. — Same as tincture. 



PIyoscyamiw^e Sulphas. Hyoscyamine Sulphate. 
(C 17 H 23 N 3 ) 2 H 2 S 4 . 

The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from Hyoscyamus 
and other plants of the Solanacece. It should be kept in amber- 
colored, well-stoppered vials. 

Derivation. — Hyoscyamine is derived from hyuscyamus seed. 
The latter are treated with ether to extract fat, and then distilled 
with alcohol and sulphuric acid. The liquid residue is neutralized 
with caustic soda and precipitated with tannic acid. The precipitate 
is mixed with lime and extracted with alcohol. The resulting al- 
coholic solution is first treated with sulphuric acid, then with caustic 
soda, and finally with ether, which dissolves the alkaloid. The lat- 
ter is recovered by distillation. 

Properties. — White, indistinct crystals, or a Avhite powder; 
odorless, having a bitter, acrid taste; deliquescent when exposed to 
the air. Very soluble in water, and in 6.4 parts of alcohol; very 
slightly soluble in ether or chloroform. 

Dose.— H., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; D,, gr. % -%o (.001-.002). 



indian cannabis 353 

Hyoscyaminje Hydeobeomidum. 
liyoscyamine Hydrobromide. C 17 H 23 N 3 H Br. (IT. S. P.l 

The hydrobromide of an alkaloid obtained from Hyoscyamus 
and other plants of the Solanacece. It should be kept in amber- 
colored, well-stoppered vials. 

Properties. — White, prismatic crystals, or a yellowish, amor- 
phous, resin-like mass-, having, particularly when damp, a tobacco- 
like odor, and an acrid, nauseous, and bitter taste ; deliquescent on 
exposure to the air. Very soluble in water; soluble in 2 parts of 
alcohol, 1600 parts of ether, and in 2.5 parts of chloroform at 25° 
C. (77° F.). 

Dose.— H., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; D., gr. V&q-Yso (.001-.002). 

HvosciNiE Hydrobeomidum. Hyoscine Hydrobromide. 
C 17 H 21 X 4 H Br. (XL S. P. & B. P.) 

The hydrobromide of an alkaloid obtained from hyoscyamus. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, rhombic crystals ; odorless 
and having an acrid, slightly bitter taste. Permanent in the air. 
Soluble in 1.5 parts of water, and in 16 parts of alcohol; very 
slightly soluble in ether or chloroform. 

Dose.— H., gr. VqM (.001-.015) ; D., gr. Yioo-Yso (.0006-.002). 

Action Internal. — The action of hyoscyamus is a resultant of 
that of its two alkaloids, hyoscine and liyoscyamine. The latter is 
practically atropine, except that its mydriatic action is shorter. 
Hyoscine, in poisonous doses, is a. powerful depressant to the 
cerebrum, respiratory centre, spinal reflex centres, and motor tract. 
It differs from atropine in being a cerebral sedative, and in its greater 
paralyzant action upon the spinal cord. The tetanic stage succeed- 
ing spinal paralysis, observed in atropine poisoning, does not ensue 
with hyoscine. The latter alkaloid slightly depresses and slows the 
heart, and does not paralyze the vagus terminations, nor depress the 
motor and sensory nerves or muscles. The circulation is but slightly 
influenced, and vasomotor depression only occurs in the latter stage 
of lethal poisoning. Death occurs from paralysis of the respiratory 
centres. Poisoning in animals is exhibited by loss of muscular 
power, slowing and failure of respiration, dryness of the mouth, 
stupor and asphyxia. The pulse may be infrequent, the pupils are 
dilated and the skin is moist rather than dry. Delirium and con- 
vulsions sometimes occur in man. The effect of the combined action 
of liyoscyamine and hyoscine in hyoscyamus is shown when we com- 
pare the drug with belladonna. Hyoscyamus is more of a cerebral 



354: VEGETABLE DRUGS 

sedative and hypnotic, and less of a heart and respiratory stimulant. 
It is said to possess more power in overcoming spasm, and griping 
of cathartics, and in aiding intestinal movement. Hyoscyanms is 
also thought to exert a more pronounced antispasmodic action than 
belladonna upon the smooth muscles of the bladder and urethra. 

Uses. — Hyoscyamus is generally applicable in the same dis- 
orders for which belladonna is indicated. In relieving some sorts 
of spasm, hyoscyamus is more efficient than belladonna, as in 
spasmodic colic, spasm of the bladder, and griping caused by 
cathartics. Tetanus, chorea, and epileptic convulsions in dogs, are 
benefited by henbane, but the drug does not possess a curative 
action. Hyoscyamine may be combined to advantage with strych- 
nine, subcutaneously, in impaction of the bowels in horses. The 
former drug relaxes intestinal spasms, and assists the stimulant 
action of strychnine upon the intestinal muscle. Repeated small 
doses of oil will facilitate peristalsis in this condition. Hyoscine 
hydrobromide is indicated in spasmodic affections and in nervous and 
sexual excitement. It is a powerful drug and should be employed 
at the outset in small doses. To avoid contamination with hyos- 
camine is difficult, and the preparation of Merck is to be recom- 
mended. Hyoscine has not been employed to any extent in vet- 
erinary practice. It is used in human medicine as a hypnotic and 
sedative in mania and delirium of the insane. It causes no un- 
pleasant after-effects. Scopolamine is identical with hyoscine and is 
so named because obtained from Scopola atropoides. Scopolamine, 
or hyoscine, with morphine under the skin (after KorfT) have been 
employed to some extent as general anaesthetics in human surgery to 
replace ether or chloroform. To aid in obstetric operations in cows, 
as in replacing an inverted uterus, scopolamine hydrobromide (gr. 
Yq) with morphine sulphate (gr.i.) may be injected subcutaneously, 
and the dose repeated in twenty minutes. Hyoscine (or scopola- 
mine) is sometimes given to horses to aid the action of chloroform 
and prevent its excitement. One hour before operation gr. %-% 
may be injected under the skin for this purpose. To produce gen- 
eral anaesthesia in dogs, morphine is given with hyoscine in 2 doses — 
one 2 hours, and the other 15 minutes, before operation. Thus (for 
each dose) morphine, gr. ss., with hyoscine, gr. %oo, are injected sub- 
cutaneously and will generally suffice for the performance of 
ordinary operations — although a few whiffs of ether may be required 
in addition. Dogs are comparatively insusceptible to scopolamine. 
It has been estimated by Bemardini that morphine may be given to 
the extent of gr. Vq to each 2.2 lbs. of live weight; and hyoscine from 
gr. M20 to gr. M.5 to each 2.2 lbs. live weight for clogs. 



CAFFEINE 355 

Cannabis Indica. Indian Cannabis. (U. S. & B. P.) 

_ The dried flowering tops of the pistillate plants of Cannabis sativa 
Lmne (Fam. Moracece), grown in the East Indies and gathered 
while the fruits are jet undeveloped, and carrying the whole of their 
natural resin. 

Synonym.— Indian hemp, E. ; chanvre indien, Fr. ; indischer 
hanf, G. ; herba cannabis indicse, P. G. 

Haschisch is a confection of the drug. Arabian habitues of 
this preparation are frequently impelled by its influence to deeds 
of violence. They are called "haschaschins" ; hence the English, 
assassins. Gunjab, or ganga, is the dried plant used in India for 
smoking. Churrus is the resin and epidermis scraped off the leaves. 
Bhang consists of the young leaves, flowering and fruiting tops and 
resin resulting from the first season's growth.- 

Habitat. — The official cannabis is indigenous to Asia, but the 
common hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) grows in America and many 
other parts of the world. 

Description. — In dark green or more or less brownish com- 
pressed masses, consisting of the densely paniculate branchlets, about 
5 Cm. or more in length, and the inflorescence more or less ag- 
glutinated with a resinous exudation; commonly with a few unde- 
veloped digitate leaves of one or more linear-lanceolate leaflets; 
clothed with numerous sheathing, pointed bracts, each containing 
two small mature but unfertilized pistillate flowers; odor agreeably 
narcotic ; taste characteristic. In the powder few or no pollen grains 
or stone-cells should be present. 

Incompatibly. — Water precipitates the active resinous prin- 
ciples. Lemon juice and other vegetable acids are the most efficient 
antidotes. 

Constituents. — The active principle of cannabis indica is Can- 
nabinol (O II C 20 IT 28 C H), a red oil or resin boiling at a high 
temperature, which apparently exerts the characteristic action (Mar- 
shall) of cannabis indica on man and animals. But the therapeutic 
value of the principle has not been sufficiently studied to enable it 
to be used as a substitute for the crude drug or its preparations. 
Thedrug yields various other bodies such as: 2. Cannabene, C 18 H 20 , 
or oil of Indian hemp, which is very toxic. 3. Cannabin, a resinoid. 
4. Cannabindon, C 8 II 12 0, a dark, red syrup. 5. Cannabine, an 
alkaloid. 6. Cannabinone, a resin. The last three are given 
medicinally but have no advantage over the crude drug. 7. Can- 
nabitetanine, a convulsant alkaloid. 



356 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



PREPARATIONS. 

Extractum Cannabis Indicw. Extract of Indian Cannabis. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, and by evaporation to 
a pilular consistence. 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., gr.^-i. (.015-.06). 

Fhiidextractum Cannabis Indicw. 
Fluidextract of Indian Cannabis. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation. The alcohol is distilled off from the 
last part of the percolate, and the residue is dissolved in the first part (700 
Cc. ) , and enough alcohol is added to make 1 Cc. of the fluid extract equal 1 
gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H., 3iv.-vi. (16.-24.);. D., TTl.ii.-x. (.12-. 6). 

Administration. — The extract is given in ball, pill, electuary or suppository; 
or the fluid preparations may be used. 

Tinctura Cannabis Indicaz. Tincture of Indian Cannabis. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Indian cannabis, 100; alcohol to make 1,000 Cc. Made by maceration and 
percolation. (U. S. P.) 

Dose. — D., TTLxx.-xxx. (1.3-2.). 

Action External. — Cannabis indica exerts a considerable irri- 
tant action when applied to mucous membranes. This is followed 
by local anaesthesia. 

Action Internal. — Indian hemp is a distinct depressant to the 
functions of the brain and cord in poisonous doses, although thera- 
peutically stimulating these organs in small quantities, and produc- 
ing in man a kind of intoxication and mild delirium. The reflex 
activity of the spinal cord is primarily increased, but this is succeeded 
by diminution of reflex movement, and, after large doses, by anes- 
thesia and loss of voluntary motion. The sensory tract (centres and 
nerves) is depressed by considerable therapeutic doses. Polyuria is 
seen after the ingestion of cannabis indica in dogs. The pulse is 
sometimes slowed by the drug through stimulation of the vagus and 
depression of the heart muscle and death is said to occur from the 
latter cause. 

Death is extremely rare after the largest doses, however. Our 
knowledge of the detailed physiological action of the drug is imperfect. 
The action of cannabis comes on slowly and continues for a long 
time. A horse receiving, under the direction of the writer, at the 
Harvard Veterinary Hospital, V2 ounce of the solid extract, became 
drowsy. Sleep after a few hours deepened into stupor, and stupor 



CAFFEINE 



357 



into coma. The respiration became slow, the pulse slightly accel- 
erated, and the animal so anesthetic that amputation of the penis 
was done on the following day without producing the slightest pain 
or struggling. The animal had to be supported in slings, and only 
recovered after three days. Frequently neither constipation, 
anorexia, or other deleterious after-effects follow the action of this 
drug. 

The following are extracts from experiments of Muir* with 
cannabis indica : 

Gelding, 8 years old; condition poor. Gave two doses of fluidextract (Park 
Davis & Co. normal fluid) undiluted of 12.5 cc. each (about 3 drachms) intra- 
jugularly, twenty minutes apart. Became rapidly nervous and excitable, in- 
creased by sounds or touch. In half an hour from first dose he became sleepy 
and stupid. A third dose of 15 cc. (V 2 ounce) was injected into the jugular 
about an hour after the first and caused sweating and a sleepy condition, in 
which the animal jerked and twitched his head as if dreaming. The tem- 
perature dropped to 96° F., and the sleepy state, alternating with excitement 
when annoyed lasted three hours, when delirium supervened and continued for 
six hours, at which time all the symptoms disappeared. 

Pony, 575 pounds; condition fair. Received 15 cc. (% ounce) of the fluid- 
extract intravenously. In two minutes became delirious: in ten minutes was 
asleep against stall. In half an hour fell to floor and slept there for eighteen 
hours and could not be aroused. Temperature fell to 92.5° F. Respiration reg- 
ular; pulse from 42 to 30 during experiment. 

Gelding, 1050 pounds; in good condition. Given 45 cc. of fluidextract in- 
travenously. In three minutes rearing, kicking, snorting and going on like 
one mad. He ran back and forth along one side of his stall like a caged tiger 
with sweat rolling off him and cutting and bruising himself, being apparently 
anesthetic. He endeavored to bite or strike anyone approaching and remained 
delirious and excitable for twelve to twenty-four hours. 

Gelding, 650 pounds, 30 cc. of fluidextract injected into jugular. In four 
minutes became unsteady; in twelve minutes he was asleep; in half an hour 
he fell and so slept for eighteen hours. Temperature dropped to 91.° F. from 
normal; the pulse was accelerated and the respiration slightly so. 

Muir deduces from his experiments that as much as 50 cc. 
(g iss.) of the fluidextract may be given with safety intravenously. 

In the human being, cannabis induces very peculiar mental 
phenomena, including hallucinations, a sense of double consciousness, 
and great prolongation of time, so that minutes are drawn out into 
hours, and hours into days. Sometimes sexual excitement, exalta- 
tion, and hilariousness are exhibited ; at other times a dreadful 
premonition of impending death seizes the human subject. The 
drug is not fatal, except in colossal doses, but the effects may appear 

* Jour. Comp. Med. and Vet. Archives, April and May, 1900. 



358 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

alarming. Intra jugular injection into a small dog, of five drachms 
of the fluidextract (10 minims of which proved active in man) 
only caused death after several hours (Hare). Preparations of 
Indian hemp vary greatly in strength, many being entirely inert, and 
this fact constitutes one of the principal objections to its use. The 
practitioner is recommended to experiment until he secures a reliable 
preparation, and use no other thereafter. 

Uses. — Cannabis is indicated for the relief of: 1, pain; 2, 
spasm ; 3, nervous irritability. It is not comparable to morphine 
as an analgesic, on account of the uncertainty and slowness of its 
action, and because ansesthesia is only produced by an unwarrantably 
large dose. It is only superior to opium in not causing constipation, 
anorexia and indigestion. It has been used therefore in single doses 
of an ounce of the extract in enteritis and colic and in laminitis, and 
often combined with chloral. The permanency of the action of 
Indian hemp suggests its use in conditions of long continued pain 
or spasm. In thirty-five cases of tetanus in the human being, treated 
with cannabis, twenty-one recovered and fourteen died. The results 
reported in veterinary practice have been almost as favorable; over 
half the cases have recovered when subjected to this medication. 
'No drug, however, approaches phenol in its success in the cure of 
tetanus. Cannabis Indica is occasionally employed as a sedative for 
irritable cough, and to relieve the spasms of chorea and quiet the 
delirium of parturient apoplexy. It is also very serviceable in blad- 
der irritation and cystitis in overcoming spasm. 

The intra jugular injection of 10 to 15 cc. of a filtered reliable 
fluidextract of cannabis indica (Park, Davis) in horses willpro- 
duce a rapid and safe general anesthesia for surgical operations. 
The animal will often lie down and is both, relaxed and uncon- 
scious for a considerable period. This method is particularly 
valuable for operating without hospital facilities. 



Caffehsta. Caffeine. C s H 10 lSr 4 O2 + H 2 0. 
(IT. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Theine, guaranine, E. ; coffein, G. ; cafeine, Fr. 

A feebly basic, proximate principle, obtained from the dried 
leaves of Thea sinensis Linne (nat. ord. ternstroemiacese) , or from 
the dried seeds of Coffea arabica Linne (nat. ord. rubiaceffi), and 
found also in other plants. 

Habitat. — Indigenous to Africa, and cultivated in other tropical 
countries. 

Derivation. — Crushed coffee is treated with successive portions 
of boiled water, and the resulting solution is precipitated with lead 



NUX VOMICA 359 

acetate and filtered. Hydrogen sulphide decomposes the excess of 
lead acetate remaining in the filtrate. The latter is then concen- 
trated by evaporation and neutralized with ammonia water. Caf- 
feine crystallizes on cooling. The alkaloid is purified by charcoal 
and recrystallization. 

Properties. — White, flexible, silky, glistening needles, usually 
matted together in fleecy masses, permanent in the air ; odorless, and 
having a bitter taste. If crystallized from water, it contains one 
molecule of water of crystallization, but if crystallized from alcohol, 
chloroform, or ether, it contains none. Soluble in 45.6 parts of 
water, 53.2 parts of alcohol, 375 parts of ether, and 8 parts of chloro- 
form at 25° C. (77° F.) ; soluble in 5.2 parts of water at 80° C. 
(176° F.), and in 17.1 parts of alcohol at 60° C. (140° F.). Its 
solubility in water is increased by the presence of certain salts, — e.g., 
potassium bromide, sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate, and others. 
Caffeine is neutral to litmus paper.. Caffeine exists, curiously 
enough, as the active principle of the national non-alcoholic bever- 
ages in use all over the world. Coffee contains .6 to 2.2 per cent, of 
caffeine, together with glucose, fat, vegetable casein, tannic acid, 
and an empyreumatic oil developed by roasting, i.e., caffeone. Tea 
contains 1.36 to 3. per cent, of caffeine, or theme, and also a volatile 
oil and tannic acid. Guarana (the seeds of Paullinia cupana) con- 
tains 4 to 5 per cent, of caffeine ; mate, or Paraguay tea (the leaves 
of Ilex paraguayensis), contains .45 to 1.2 per cent. Caffeine is 
found in kola nut (the fruit of Sterculia acuminata), used as a bev- 
erage in Africa, and now as a nervous stimulant in human medicine, 
and is allied to theobromine, occurring in chocolate beans, and to 
cocaine, existing in coca leaves. 

Incompatibility . — Caffeine is incompatible with mercury salts, 
potassium iodide and tannic acid. 

Dose. — H. and C., 5 ss.-ii. (2.-8.) ; D., gr.-ss.-iii. (.03-.2), ac- 
cording to size. H., gr. xxx. subcut. 



Caffeijsta Citrata. Citrated Caffeine. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Dissolve citric acid (50) in hot, distilled water 
(100) ; add caffeine (50) and evaporate the resulting solution, on 
a water bath, to dryness, constantly stirring towards the end of the 
operation. Reduce the product to a fine powder and transfer it to 
well-closed bottles. 

Properties. — A white powder, odorless, having a slightly bitter, 
acid taste and an acid reaction. One part of Citrated Caffeine forms 
a clear, syrupy solution, with about 4 parts of hot water. Upon 



360 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

dilution with 5 parts of water, a white, crystalline precipitate (caf- 
feine) separates, which redissolves when about 25 parts of water 
have been added. It is also soluble in a mixture of equal volumes 
of chloroform and alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ii.-iv. (S.-15.) ; D., gr. i.-vi. (.06-. 36). 

Action Internal. — Caffeine has no particular action upon the 
digestive tract, except in large quantities, when it may cause gastro- 
intestinal irritation. The effect of caffeine and raw coffee is identi- 
cal, but when the latter is roasted, aromatic oils, or an empyreumatic 
oil, are developed (caffeone). It is impossible to separate completely 
the action of caffeine from caffeone in boiled coffee. Recent inves- 
tigations appear to show that the oil (caffeone), of which there is 
from one to one-half drachm in a cup of the beverage, has no 
physiological action except to disturb digestion and cause bilious- 
ness. This result is not in accord with the general belief, and it is 
probable that caffeone possesses a transient action in stimulating 
intestinal peristalsis, the cerebral functions, and in lessening vas- 
cular tension. 

Circulation. — Caffeine stimulates the heart muscle and vasomo- 
tor centres. The action of the heart is strengthened and accelerated 
after moderate doses in most cases. Sometimes the stimulating 
action on the vagus centre overcomes that on the heart and the pulse 
is somewhat slowed. Blood tension is enhanced. In poisoning the 
pulse becomes weak and irregular and the heart stops in diastole. 

Nervous System. — Caffeine is a certain and direct stimulant, 
to the higher nervous centres. In moderate doses it produces wake- 
fulness and restlessness (action of tea and coffee at night on man), 
and increases the capacity for mental and physical work (see mus- 
cles). In the lower animals caffeine often causes the most intense 
cerebral excitement and mania in large doses. The alkaloid affects 
the spinal cord like strychnine, and toxic quantities produce rest- 
lessness, increased reflex excitability and convulsions in the lower 
animals. It is undetermined whether the convulsions are of cerebral 
or spinal origin. The motor and sensory nerves are unaffected by 
medicinal doses. Caffeine opposes the depressant action of opium 
and alcohol. It antagonizes alcohol in stimulating the highest or 
controlling functions of the brain, the reasoning faculties, perception 
of sensory impressions and association of ideas, and greater accuracy 
of touch and capacity for physical exertion. 

Muscles. — The injection of caffeine solution into a frog's leg 
causes a stiffness and hardness of the muscles like that seen in rigor 
mortis. On muscle fibres, removed from the body, it acts in the 
same way by coagulating the muscle proteids. In small quantities 
in the body it stimulates the muscle to contract and increases 



STRYCHNINE SULPHATE 361 

its capacity and endurance for work. The action of tea and 
coffee, in enabling men to perform more physical work, has hitherto 
been ascribed to the action of caffeine on the nervous system, but is 
now attributed to its effect on the muscles themselves. 

Kidneys. — The kidneys primarily contract for two or three 
minutes with corresponding diminution in the flow of nrine, after 
the subcutaneous injection of small doses of caffeine. This effect is 
independent of the general vascular condition, and is followed by an 
increase in the volume of the kidneys, with accompanying augmen- 
tation of the urinary secretion, as shown by experiments with Roy's 
oncometer. The renal cells are directly stimulated, and it is thought, 
that caffeine also increases the blood supply of the malpighian bod- 
ies. The drug is therefore a local diuretic and (with theobromine) 
is the most efficient and powerful. No other drug can produce such 
a flow of urine. 

Respiration. — The respiratory centres are stimulated (along 
with the vagus and vasomotor) by caffeine in moderate doses, and 
depressed by toxic amounts. 

Metabolism. — Caffeine increases tissue change and therefore the 
elimination of urea and carbonic dioxide — contrary to the time hon- 
ored teaching. 

Toxicology. — Caffeine is a spinal and muscle poison to the frog. 
Tetanic convulsions occur in the batrachian similar to those pro- 
duced by strychnine, but there is also muscular rigidity. These 
phenomena follow the direct stimulation of the spinal motor tract 
and muscles, and are succeeded by paresis. In man, stimulation 
of the cerebral cortex occurs, while both stimulation of the brain 
and cord are observed in the domestic animals. The symptoms of 
poisoning in dogs, cats and mammals generally, are restlessness, 
occasionally vomiting in clogs, rapid breathing, primary reduction 
followed by rise in temperature, clonic or tonic convulsions, mus- 
cular weakness, and general paresis. Death occurs from respiratory 
failure. The minimum fatal dose is about 1 gr. to 1 lb. of live 
weight in the cat. 

Administration. — Caffeine and" its ordinary salts are decomposed 
by water and therefore should not be given subcutaneously. The 
alkaloid is best administered in solution with sodium salicylate, or 
benzoate, for use under the skin as follows : — 

Caffeinse 

Sodii salicylatis aa gr.xxx. 

Aquse 3 ii. 

M. 

S. Give at one dose hypodercnically to horse. 
Ten drops to dog. 



362 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Caffeinae 

Sodii benzoinatis aa gr.xxx. 

Aquae 3 ii. 

M. 

S. Give at one dose under the skin, to horse. 

The soluble citrate may be given internally, but it is not a 
definite or reliable preparation, and inferior to caffeine, which may 
be administered in solution with a little citric acid, or as above. 

Uses. — Three indications for the use of caffeine may be deduced 
from our knowledge of its physiological action. 1. To stimulate 
the brain. 2. To stimulate the heart. 3. To cause diuresis. 

1. Its application as a cerebral stimulant is very limited in 
veterinary medicine. It acts thus as an antidote to opium poisoning. 
One and a half grains of caffeine will save cats poisoned by the mini- 
mum fatal dose (gr. 1%) of morphine. 

2. Caffeine possesses particular value in the treatment of dropsy 
of cardiac origin in dogs, because of its diuretic action, as well as 
stimulant effect upon the heart. The therapeutic indications are 
much the same as for digitalis, but caffeine differs from digitalis in 
the following particulars : 

Does not slow the heart. Is not cumulative. 

Nor regulate the heart. More transient in its effect. 

Caffeine, in combination with acetanilid and other modern coal 
tar products, is useful in preventing their depressing action upon 
the heart. Furthermore, caffeine, tea and coffee are serviceable in 
the treatment of acute asthenic diseases in the horse (influenza), dog 
(distemper), and in foals and calves, acting as nervous and cardiac 
stimulants and perhaps restraining tissue waste. Caffeine is valua- 
ble in emergencies demanding immediate stimulation of the heart, 
respiration and vaso-motor centres as in belladonna, opium and co- 
caine poisoning. 

3. The diuretic property of caffein renders it appropriate in 
aiding the absorption of pleuritic effusion, ascites, and dropsies, 
particularly of cardiac and renal origin, and in the hepatic form as 
well. 



STRYCHNINE SULPHATE 363 



SECTION II.— DRUGS ACTING ON THE SPINAL 

COED. 

Class 1. — Stimulating the Inferior Cornua. 

Nux Vomica. Nux Vomica. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Semen nucis vomicae, poison nut, Quaker button, 
E. ; noix vomique, Fr. ; krahen-augen, brechnuss, G. 

The dried, ripe seed of Strychnos Nux-vomica Linne (Fam. 
Loganiaceod) , yielding, when assayed by the process given below, not 
less than 1.25 per cent, of strychnine. 

Description. — Orbicular, nearly flat, sometimes irregularly 
bent, 15 to 30 Mm. in diameter, 3 to 5 Mm. thick; externally grayish 
or greenish-gray, the surface covered with short, closely appressed, 
satiny hairs ; rounded or somewhat acute at the margin, with a slight 
ridge extending from the centre of one side to the edge; internally 
whitish-gray, horny, very tough, the endosperm in two more or less 
regular concavo-convex halves, between which, at one end, lie the 
heart-shaped, palmately nerved cotyledons ; inodorous ; taste intensely 
and persistently bitter. 

Constituents. — Two alkaloids. 1. Strychnine, 0.2-0.6 per cent. 
2. Brucine (C 23 1T 26 N 2 4 ), 0.5-1.0 per cent. Similar in action to 
strychnine, but weaker and slower. Both alkaloids exist in com- 
bination with igasuric acid. Brucine occurs in rectangular octo- 
hedral crystals; is soluble in alcohol, in 7 parts of chloroform, and 
possesses a bitter taste. With sulphuric and nitric acids a beautiful 
blood-red color is developed. There are also, 4. Igasuric acid 
with which strychnine and brucine are combined. 5. Loganin, 
C 2g H ;34 14 , an inert glucoside occurring in colorless prisms. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.); Sh., gr.xx.-xl. (1.3-2.6); Sw., 
gr.x.-xx. (.6-1.3) ; D., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Extractum Nucis Vomicw. Extract of Nux Vomica. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration with alcohol, water and acetic acid; percolation with 
alcohol and water, and evaporation. Standardized to contain 5 per cent, of 
strychnine. (U. S. P.) 

Dose. — H. & C, gr.vii.-xv. (.5-1.) ; Sh., gr.ii.ss.-v. (.15-.3) ; Sw., gr.i.-ii. 
(.06-.12); D., gr.H (.008-.016). 



364 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Fluidextractum Nucis Vomicce. Fluidextract of Nux Vomica. 
(U. S. P.) 
Made by digestion and percolation with alcohol, water and acetic acid. 
The alcohol is distilled off and the solution evaporated. Alcohol and water 
are added so that the fluidextract shall contain 1 per cent, of strychnine. 

Dose.— H. & C... 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); Sb., Tn.xx.-xxx. (1.3-2.); Sw., nlx.-xx. 
(6-1.3) ; D., nli.-ii. (.06-.12). 

Tinctwra Nucis Vonvicce. Tincture of Nux Vomica. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by solution of the extract of nux vomica, 20, in alcohol, and water 
to make 1,000. (U. S. P.) Contains 0.1 per cent, strychnine. 
Dose.— D., Ttiv.-x. (.3-.6). 

Strychnina. Strychnine. C 21 H 22 N 2 2 . (U. S. & B. P.) 

An alkaloid obtained from mix vomica, and also obtainable from 
other plants of the natural order Loganiacese. 

Derivation. — ISTux vomica seeds are powdered and strychnine is 
extracted with water acidulated with hydrochloric acid. The solu- 
tion is concentrated and strychnine precipitated with lime. It is 
then redissolved in boiling alcohol and the crystals are deposited 
upon concentration of the solution. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent, prismatic crystals, or a 
white crystalline powder ; odorless, and having an intensely bitter 
taste, perceptible even in solutions of 1 in 700,000. Strychnine 
should be tasted with extreme caution. Permanent in the air, 
Soluble in 64-00 parts of water, 110 parts of alcohol, 5500 parts of 
ether, 6 parts of chloroform, 150 parts of benzene, and in 180 parts 
of amvl alcohol at 25° C. (77° F.) ; soluble in 3000 parts of water 
at 80° C. (176° F.), and in 28 parts of alcohol at 60° C. (140° F.). 
Upon ignition, it is consumed, leaving no residue. 'No coloration 
is produced with nitric or sulphuric acid, but a drop of the latter 
and a grain of potassium bichromate, added to a crystal of strych- 
nine upon a porcelain plate, yields a beautiful violet, changing into 
purplish-red and cherry-red, and finally to orange or yellow. 

Dose. — Same as strychnine sulphate or nitrate (minimum quan- 
tities), which are preferable on account of their greater solubility. 

Strychnine Sulphas. Strychnine Sulphate. 
(C 21 H 22 J\t 2 2 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 + 5 H 2 0. (TJ. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Made by the action of sulphuric acid on strych- 
nine. 

Properties. — Colorless, or white, prismatic crystals, odorless, 
and having an intensely bitter taste, perceptible in highly dilute (1 in 



STRYCHNINE SULPHATE 365 

700,000) solution. Efflorescent in dry air. Soluble in 31 parts of 
water and in 65 parts of alcohol; 2 parts of boiling water and in 
8.5 parts of boiling alcohol. Almost insoluble in ether. Upon 
ignition, it is consumed, leaving no residue. Sulphuric acid should 
produce no color with strychnine sulphate, but on adding a fragment 
of potassium dichromate, a blue color should be formed, changing 
to deep violet, then to purplish-red, cherry-red, and finally to orange 
or yellow. Sulphuric acid containing 1 per cent, of ammonium 
vanadate produces a deep violet-blue color, changing to deep purple, 
and finally to cherry-red. 

Dose.—K., gr.ss.-i.ss. (.03-.09) ; C, gr.i.-iii. (.06-.18) ; Sh., 
gr. Vi-Vo (.015-. 03) ; D., gr. V^o^Ao (.0005-.0015). The smaller 
doses are to be used when strychnine is given subcutaneously. 

Strychninw Nitras. — Strychnine Nitrate, occurring in colorless, 
odorless, glistening needles, is now official. Has very bitter taste; 
soluble in 42 parts of water. Dose same as Strychnine Sulphate. 
Strychninw Hydrochloridum (B. P.). Dose same as Strychnine 
Sulphate. 

The dose of strychnine should be proportioned to the weight 
in {he case of all animals, but more particularly dogs. Otherwise, 
convulsive attacks or a fatal result may occur. The close can be 
accurately determined, according to Feser, by the following data : 

Dose per kilo (21bs. 3oz. 119.9gr. avoirdupois) live weight: 

Horse, sheep and cattle 0001-.0002 (gr.i/ 600 -y 300 ) 

Swine 0002-.0003 (gr.J&>o46oo) 

Dogs 0001 (gr-Veoo) 

In accordance with the foregoing figures, the dose for the 

Horse weighing 1,000 lbs. is .045-.09 (gr.|-l|) 

Dog " 100 " " .0045 (gr.l/is) 

50 " " .00225 (gr.% 6 ) 

25 " " .00112 (gr.l/ 52 ) 

10 " " .00045 (gr.i/ 133 ) 

Moreover, these doses may be given every three hours without 
producing poison by their cumulative action. Notwithstanding the 
foregoing figures, caution should be exercised in prescribing strych- 
nine to dogs, as these animals appear sometimes extremely sus- 
ceptible to strychnine, and it is therefore advisable to begin with a 
minimum close (gr. Yi2o) in small animals. 

The dose of one grain should not be ordinarily exceeded in the 
case of horses, as one and one-half grains proved fatal in an excep- 
tional case. If animals are depressed by disease, poison, or shock, 



366 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

they will often bear much larger doses than could ordinarily be ad- 
ministered with safety. 

Action External. — Strychnine is a powerful antiseptic, but is 
of no practical value on account of its poisonous properties. Brucine 
is a local anaesthetic. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Strychnine and mix vomica 
act as bitter stomachics in increasing vascularity, appetite, gastric 
secretion and motion. In addition to this they improve the local 
tone of the alimentary canal ; probably by exciting the various spinal 
centres. Strychnine also stimulates the intestinal muscular tunic 
and therefore increases peristaltic action. 

Circulation. — Experiments on animals show that the chief action 
of strychnine on the circulation consists in stimulation of the vasomo- 
tor centres with slight increase of blood pressure. Clinically, how- 
ever, strychnine appears to accelerate and strengthen the heart-beat 
and this is thought to result from excitation of the cardiac muscle. 
There is, however, no experimental evidence to show that medici- 
nal doses of strychnine influences directly the mammalian heart 
(Cushny). The heart is accelerated by muscular activity in con- 
vulsions. Very large doses slow and weaken the heart. In poison- 
ing, blood tension is still further enhanced through asphyxia and 
muscular movements occasioned by convulsions forcing the blood out 
of the abdomen. 

Nervous System and Muscles. — The effect of strychnine, which 
stands preeminent before all others, consists in the production of 
greatly exaggerated reflex action. Under its influence slight sensory 
stimuli result in the most marked and uncontrollable motor impulses 
(convulsions). It is proved also that afferent impulses must reach 
the cord through the sensory tract for convulsions to occur. Section 
of the spinal cord from the brain in animals shows conclusively that 
strychnine convulsions are of spinal origin. 

Ingenious experiments furthermore indicate that the tract in 
the spinal cord — which is acted upon to cause increased motor re- 
sponses to sensory stimuli — is situated between the entrance of the 
sensory roots into the cord and the motor cells of the inferior cornua. 
Or, more precisely, the seat of strychnine action appears to be im- 
mediately adjoining the afferent side of the inferior comual cells. 

Increased reflex excitability produced by strychnine has been 
heretofore attributed to the direct stimulating action of the drug on 
the motor tract of the cord. This is apparently not the case, for, 
when a solution of strychnine is applied to the cord at the level of 
the cells controlling the forelegs, and the forelegs are irritated, there 
is increased contraction of the hind as well as the fore limbs. The 
motor cells of the hind limbs, in this experiment, are not directly 



STKYCHNINE POISONING 367 

acted upon by strychnine at all. The action of strychnine on the 
cord is thought to be indirect. 

That in some way it removes the natural resistance to the pas- 
sage of afferent impulses to the motor cells and therefore a greater 
force remains to be expended on the motor cells (Cushny). To put 
it more briefly, strychnine increases the conductivity of the cord for 
sensory impulses. 

In fatal strychnine poisoning general paralysis ensues through 
depression of the spinal sensory and motor centres. This may be 
immediate after enormous doses, with absence of convulsions ; or 
appear at the end of fatal poisoning. The motor nerve endings are 
also paralyzed but this is secondary in mammals to the more impor- 
tant paralysis of the motor and sensory spinal centres. The volun- 
tary muscles and afferent nerves are unaffected by strychnine. 

Respiration. — It is probable that strychnine is the most power- 
ful and effective respiratory stimulant we possess. Through its in- 
fluence the respiratory movements are quickened and strengthened 
by therapeutic doses. It is likely the action, as upon other spinal 
centres, is indirect, i.e., the respiratory centres are made to respond 
more forcibly to sensory stimuli. 

Organs of Special Sense. — The sense of sight, smell, hearing 
and touch is rendered more acute by strychnine. 

Elimination, — Strychnine escapes to some extent unchanged, 
and also as strychnic acid, in the urine. It appears within half an 
hour of ingestion and may be discovered in the urine from 3 to 8 
days thereafter. The greater part of strychnine is probably oxidized 
in the body. While the drug is not cumulative, in the sense of 
producing sudden and violent action following its continual use in 
gradually increasing doses, yet a tolerance for it can not be acquired. 

Administration. — For tonic purposes, strychnine may be given 
to dogs in pills or tablets, and to horses in solution dropped on the 
tongue. Nux vomica is given to horses upon the food in the form 
of powder, or in fluiclextract upon the tongue ; while the tincture 
is more appropriate for dogs. When large doses of strychnine are 
used, or an immediate action is desired in acute diseases and emer- 
gencies, the alkaloid should be given under the skin. 

Toxicology.- — One-twentieth of a grain of strychnine nitrate, in- 
jected subcutaneously by the writer into a dog weighing 25 lbs., caused 
uneasiness and excitement, with protrusion of the eye-balls, and in 
the space of ten minutes, tetanic convulsions. The breathing was 
shallow and almost imperceptible, the pulse rapid and irregular, the 
lips were covered with foam, the tail was stiff and extended, the 
ears laid back, and there was general muscular rigidity, the animal 
lying on his side in a state of opisthotonos. This condition lasted 



368 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

about three minutes, and was followed by a period of relaxation. 
But the slightest noise or irritation of the skin brought on convulsions. 
The convulsions became less frequent and violent, and ceased alto- 
gether within half an hour. The same animal was given gr. %o 
of the alkaloid on the following day, but without producing any ap- 
preciable result. One-tenth of a grain, given on another day and in 
the same manner, caused immediate uneasiness and restlessness, and 
in ten minutes induced a severe convulsion, lasting for three min- 
utes, in which the animal was so rigid that he could be lifted bodily 
without bending. The ears were drawn back, the limbs were extended 
and stiff, the tail was straight and rigid, and there was twitching of the 
muscles of the jaw and limbs. The comers of the mouth were drawn 
back (risus sardonicus), the mouth was covered with foam, and there 
was some trismus. The breathing was nearly suppressed, owing to te- 
tanic spasm of the respiratory muscles. Following this convulsion, the 
jaw dropped, the muscles relaxed and another attack could not be 
produced by noises or external irritation. Some twitching of the 
temporal muscles persisted. Evidently the second stage of poisoning 
had ensued, and the motor nerves and cells of the inferior cornua 
had become paralyzed. Death occurred in general paralysis within 
half an hour, and without any recurrence of convulsions or tetanic 
condition. Death takes place more commonly in strychnine poison- 
ing from asphyxia, during a convulsion, and is caused by spasm of 
the respiratory muscles, or, more rarely, by spasm of the glottis. 
Sometimes death ensues, after enormous doses, in general paralysis 
from depression of the spinal nerve centres — without the occurrence 
of convulsions. Rarely death occurs from exhaustion between the 
paroxysms. When strychnine is given medicinally in large doses the 
appearance of restlessness, excitement, and muscular twitchings, 
should warn one of the danger of approaching poisoning. 

The lethal dose for dogs has been set at gr. %-gr. % (Kauf- 
mann). This is much too large, as evidenced by the experiment 
mentioned above. The fatal amount varies greatly in accordance 
with the weight of an animal ; probably less than gr. V20 by the mouth 
would kill toy terriers, and cases are reported where they have been 
destroyed by gr. Yqo of the alkaloid. The therapeutic dose should 
therefore be proportioned as advised, to the weight of the animal. 
Five to eight grains of mix vomica will kill dogs. 

The minimum fatal dose of strychnine for man is one-half a 
grain. Usually four to seven grains constitute a lethal quantity, but 
recovery has ensued following the ingestion of 22 grains, after a 
full meal. 

Horses. — The toxic symptoms in horses resemble those already 
described in the dog. They do not appear for some time (20 min- 



PHYSOSTIGMINE SULPHATE 369 

utes to 6 hours), depending on the rapidity of absorption when the 
drug is swallowed, and include excitement, muscular spasm and con- 
vulsions, increased frequency of the pulse, and difficult respiration. 
Death occurs in convulsions or in the interim between them. The 
minimum fatal dose of strychnine, when given under the skin, is 
about ll/o to 3 grains, and when swallowed, 3 to 5 grains of the alka- 
loid, or 1 to 2 ounces of mix vomica. 

Cattle are similarly affected with horses and dogs. There are 
exhibited muscular spasms, frequent pulse, difficult respiration, sensi- 
tiveness to light, sounds and external stimuli, protrusion of the eye- 
balls and convulsions. The fatal dose, by the mouth, varies greatly 
owing to difficulty of absorption in the complicated and capacious 
digestive apparatus of these ruminants. This is true of all medi- 
cines. When given under the skin, the lethal dose is a little larger 
than that for horses. The fatal dose for swine is said to be from 
gr. %-gr. %. Chickens are comparatively insusceptible; also guinea 
pigs and some monkeys. 

Strychnine poisoning differs from tetanus in the fact that mus- 
cular rigidity is continuous in the latter, but disappears to a consid- 
erable degree, if not completely, in the periods between the con- 
vulsions, in the case of strychnine poisoning. Moreover, in tetanus 
the body and limbs are less, and the jaw more affected; while in 
strychnine poisoning the condition is reversed. 

Treatment.- — The treatment embraces the use of chemical anti- 
dotes, as iodine or its salts, or tannic acid ; animal charcoal and 
emetics or the stomach tube, before absorption has occurred. The 
best physiological antidote is chloral in large doses per rectum. 
Chloroform and nitrite of amyl may also be given by inhalation, and 
quiet and rest enforced. Artificial respiration is of service in paraly- 
sis, but not in convulsions, unless air be forcibly driven into the 
trachea through a canula. Calabar bean and gelsemium both depress 
the inferior cornua, but neither are of much value in strychnine 
poisoning. 

Post-Mortem Appearances. — These are simply those of as- 
phyxia, with the usual congestive lesions and dark fluid blood, except 
that spinal hyperemia is observed. 

Uses Internal. — The indications for the employment of strych- 
nine may be directly deduced from its physiological actions. The 
indications are as follows: 

1. To stimulate the respiratory and vasomotor centres and 
nervous system. 

2. To stimulate the spinal cord ; more particularly the motor 
cells of the inferior cornua. 



370 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

3. To stimulate appetite, digestion, and intestinal peristalsis in 
atonic conditions. 

4. To destroy dogs and other small animals. 

1. Strychnine is a good remedy to stimulate the heart, respi- 
ration, vasomotor centres and nervous system, and to promote 
appetite and digestion in acute diseases. It is commonly em- 
ployed in the treatment of pneumonia and influenza and in all acute 
diseases when the necessity arises. Strychnine should not be used 
continuously, but only to bridge over a period of weakness or collapse, 
and it is not indicated in pneumonia until evidence of heart weakness 
arises. It should be realized, however, that strychnine is not in any 
way comparable to digitalis as a heart stimulant and in heart weak- 
ness in pneumonia, or other diseases, digitalis is infinitely preferable. 
Strychnine is useful in influenza by counteracting nervous depres- 
sion and improving the appetite and digestion. In collapse and 
shock, following surgical operations, or in ether, chloroform and 
opium poisoning, strychnine is usually prescribed as a cardiac and 
respiratory stimulant, given in large doses subcutaneously. In surgi- 
cal shock Crile finds strychnine of no value and it is undoubtedly 
true that adrenalin is much more effective. Strychnine has been 
popularly regarded as the heart stimulant, but the fashion of so 
regarding and using it is departing since physiological experiments 
do not substantiate this view. While Cabot does not find it useful 
in raising blood pressure in disease yet strychnine is undoubtedly of 
service in some cases of chronic cardiac trouble. The alkaloid has 
proved extremely serviceable in chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and 
in that combination of these disorders, often associated with asthma 
and known as "broken wind" or "heaves," in horses. It is also use- 
ful in asthma and chronic bronchitis of dogs. 

The beneficial effect in these diseases is explained by the stimu- 
lating action of the drug on the respiratory centres, and the favor- 
able influence exerted on digestion. Strychnine is also appropriate 
in convalescence from acute diseases for the same reason. 

2. In mild cases of chorea in dogs, strychnine is prescribed to 
advantage with Fowler's solution. In accordance with its physio- 
logical action, strychnine is indicated in various paralyses of spinal 
origin, but should not be nsed where there is irritation or inflamma- 
tion of the spinal motor tract. It is employed in hemiplegia and 
paraplegia, resulting from hemorrhage, after the lapse of several 
weeks, when irritation produced by the clot has passed away. 
Strychnine is said to be efficacious in the after-treatment of cerebro- 
spinal meningitis of horses, and also in the paraplegia of cattle 
(from parturient fever, and in the paraplegia coming on before 
parturition in weak cows and not disappearing after labor) and that 



PHYSOST1GMINE. 371 

of dogs resulting from various and often undiscovered causes. 
Strychnine is serviceable in the paralysis of lead poisoning, and in 
that form caused by traumatism or toxemia following influenza, dis- 
temper in dogs, and rheumatism. When injected into the muscular 
tissue, the alkaloid is believed to stimulate the peripheral nerves and 
muscular fibres, and is employed with benefit in localized paralyses 
affecting groups of muscles before atrophy has occurred, as in "roar- 
ing" in horses. 

Either retention or incontinence of urine, resulting from atony 
or paralysis of the bladder, may be relieved by strychnine ; also pro- 
lapse of the rectum induced by similar causes. Strychnine has 
proved curative in some cases of amaurosis, when injected in the 
region of the temple. 

3. Strychnine or mix vomica, associated with iron and arsenic, 
form the most generally satisfactory tonic combination for the horse 
and dog, particularly with reference to the digestion. Atonic forms 
of indigestion and constipation, the accompaniments of anemia, are 
those amenable to the influence of the drug, which stimulates peris- 
talsis, and therefore hinders fermentation, prevents relaxation, and 
so over-secretion from loss of vascular tone. 

Strychnine is a valuable remedy in overloaded rumen and 
omasum, and chronic tympanitis of cattle; or in overloaded and 
impacted large intestines of the horse. It should be given sub- 
cutaneously in these conditions, and frequently in combination with 
pilocarpine and esserine. 

Constipation, and, on the other hand, diarrhoea, are benefited 
by strychnine when they are due to atony of the intestinal muscular 
coat. It is more commonly in the former disorder that the drug 
finds its usefulness. The aloin, strychnine and belladonna pills, 
with cascara sagrada, are useful in habitual constipation in dogs, 
but the weaker formula, containing gr. M.20 of strychnine, should be 
employed. The value and application of strychnine in anorexia 
and atonic digestive disorders has been sufficiently treated above. 

4. There is no more convenient, certain or humane agent for 
destroying dogs and cats and other small animals than strychnine 
injected into the gluteal muscles (gr. ss. to gr. i.). 

Death occurs instantaneously without struggling, pain or con- 
vulsions, and in less than a minute in most cases. 



372 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

Class 2. — Depressing the Inferior Cornua. 

Physostigma. P'hysostigma. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Physostigmatis semen, B. P'. ; Calabar or ordeal 
bean, faba physostigmatis, S. faba Calabarica, E. Tbe ripe seed 
of Physostigma venenosum Balfour (Fain. Leguminosce), yielding, 
when assayed by the process given below, not less than 0.15 per cent, 
of alkaloids soluble in ether. 

Habitat. — Calabar and the region of the mouth of the Niger, in 
Western Africa. 

Description. — Oblong, somewhat reniform, 15 to 30 Mm. long, 
10 to 15 Mm. thick; externally reddish- or chocolate-brown, smooth, 
somewhat roughened near the brownish-black groove which extends 
almost the entire length of the convex edge, its reddish, rounded 
margins elevated and somewhat thickened ; embryo whitish, with a 
short, curved hypocotyl and two large, concavo-convex cotyledons ; 
having a bean-like and heavy odor when crushed ; taste at first 
starchy, afterwards acrid. 

Constituents. — The principal constituent is the alkaloid physos- 
tigmine, or eserine. There are also the alkaloids calabarine, a 
product resulting from the decomposition of eserine, and eseridine, 
similar to action in eserine, but weaker; and a neutral principle, 
physoterin, resembling cholesterine. 

Calabar Bean Dose. — IT., gr.xv.-xxx. (1.-2.) ; D., gr. 14-i. 
(.015-.06). 

The official preparations are the extract and tincture of 
physostigma, but physostigmine is solely used in veterinary medicine, 
since it is more certain and generally free from calabarine, which 
produces, in toxic doses, a tetanic condition followed by paralysis. 



Physostigmine Saeicylas. Physostigmine Saliclyate. 
C 15 N 21 N 3 2 C 7 H 6 3 . "(XL S. P.) 

Synonym. — Eserine salicylate. The salicylate of an alkaloid 
obtained from physostigma. 

Derivation. — Physostigmine is obtained from the alcoholic ex- 
tract of Calabar bean by dissolving the extract in water, adding 
sodium bicarbonate, shaking the mixture with ether, and evaporating 
the ethereal liquid. The salicylate of the alkaloid — the most stable 
salt — is made by adding physostigmine to a solution of salicylic acid 
in boiling distilled water, when the salt crystallizes on cooling. 



PHYSOSTIGMINE 6(6 

Properties. — Colorless, or faintly-yellowish, shining;, acicular, 
or short, columnar crystals ; odorless, and having a bitter taste. 
Soluble in 72.5 parts of water, and in 12.7 parts of alcohol; in 30 
parts of boiling water, and very soluble in boiling alcohol. 
(II. S. P.) 

Dose.—R. & C, gr.i.ss.-iii (.09-.18) ; D., gr. Vwo-Vso (.0006- 
.002). 

Given usually subcutaneously, intravenously or intratracheally 
to horses. 

PiiTSOSTiGMiiSi^: Sulphas. Phvsostigmine Sulphate. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Eserine sulphate. 

The sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from physostigma. 

Properties.- — -A white, or yellowish-white, micro-crystalline 
powder, odorless, and having a bitter taste. It is very deliquescent 
when exposed to moist air, and gradually turns reddish by exposure 
to air and light. Very soluble in water, chloroform and in alcohol. 

Dose.— S. & C, by the mouth, gr. iy 2 -3 (.09-.18) ; D., gr. Vqq- 
y 10 (.001-.006) ; H., subcut., gr. 1-1% (.06-. 09) ; intratracheally, 
gr. V 2 (.03) ; foals and calves," subcut,, gr. K 2 -% (.005-.002) ; D., 
subcut, gr. Vioo-yso (.0006-.002). 

Given usually subcutaneously, intravenously or intratracheally 
to horses. 

PHYSOSTIGMHSTE. 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Tract.- — The flow of saliva is at 
first stimulated, whether by direct excitation of the salivary cells 
or not, is undetermined. Salivation ceases when the gland is de- 
prived of blood by general vascular contraction. The peristaltic 
action of the stomach and bowels is increased by the direct local 
action of the alkaloid on the muscles or ganglia of their walls. There 
are three stages, in reference to this action, observed in poisoning. 
First, there is stimulation of peristaltic action, then tetanic con- 
traction and diminution of the intestinal calibre, and finally relaxa- 
tion and dilatation of the bowels. The secretions in the digestive 
tract are augmented by the expulsion of considerable mucus per 
rectum. When the alkaloid is given to horses, under the skin, 
within the trachea or intravenously, defecation and expulsion of 
gas commonly occurs in the space of half an hour, occasionally in 
a few minutes, and is often considerable in amount (11-20 lbs. of 
faeces). 

Circulation. — Eserine is readily absorbed, but exerts no influ- 
ence on the blood. Moderate doses render the cardiac pulsations 



374 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

slower and more forcible, and increase vascular tension. Large 
toxic doses cause the heart to beat more rapidly and less forcibly. 
The first effect is due probably to stimulation of the peripheral vagi 
and heart muscle, and possibly the involuntary muscular fibres in 
the vessel walls. The second phenomenon follows depression of the 
heart and peripheral vagi, and terminates in cardiac paralysis and 
diastolic arrest. The action on the circulation is entirely subordi- 
nate to the influence of the drug upon the nervous system, and is 
unimportant from a therapeutical standpoint. 

Nervous System and Muscles. — The essential physiological ac- 
tion of physostigmine consists in depressing the cells of the inferior 
cornua. This has been abundantly and directly proved by applica- 
tion of the alkaloid to the spinal cord. The superior columns are 
finally depressed ; perception of pain is wanting, but that of touch 
persists. The sensory nerves are not affected, and the motor nerve 
trunks but slightly. The muscular tremors are due to stimulation 
of the voluntary muscles themselves, or to the motor nerve endings. 
These are characteristic of physostigma poisoning in animals, but 
are not so frequently observed in man. Calabarine may be present 
in old preparations of physostigma, from decomposition of physos- 
tigmine, and acts like strychnine on the spinal cord. In poisoning 
by such, calabarine may induce convulsions. The involuntary mus- 
cles throughout the body are stimulated, including those of the stom- 
ach, intestines, bronchial tubes, heart, blood vessels ( ?), spleen, 
uterus, bladder and iris. In the case of some of these organs, it 
has not been decided whether the muscles themselves, or the motor 
nerve terminations, are affected. 

Respiration. — The respiration is not disturbed by medicinal 
doses. Toxic quantities at first quicken, and then retard the res- 
piratory movements, and death occurs from asphyxia, before cessa- 
tion of the heart, owing to paralysis of the medullary and spinal 
respiratory centres. The acceleration of breathing is due to the 
stimulation of the pulmonary vagal endings, and possibly to the 
constriction of the unstriped muscle of the bronchial tubes. 

Secretions. — Secretion is generally increased, including that 
of the salivary, gastric, intestinal, sudoriparous and lachrymal 
glands. In this respect eserine is antagonistic to atropine. 

Eye. — Physostigmine is a myotic, applied locally or adminis- 
tered internally. Intraocular tension is diminished and there is 
spasm of accommodation (see footnote, p. 40). In all probability 
contraction of the pupil is brought about by stimulation of the cir- 
cular muscular fibres of the iris or of the oculomotor nerve endings. 
Eserine is thus directly antagonistic to atropine in its effect upon 
the eye, but they resemble each other in that they both exert a local 



GELSEMIUM 375 

action and do not affect the irides of birds. Enormous doses of 
physostigmine paralyze the oculomotor nerves and dilate the pupil. 

Elimination. — Eserine is rapidly absorbed and eliminated, 
mainly by the urine, but also in the other secretions. 

Toxicology. — Physostigma has been called "ordeal bean," be- 
cause native Africans suspected of crime are given the crude drug. 
Vomiting it, they are proved innocent and survive the ordeal. Re- 
taining it, they die, and so are properly and primitively punished. 
Animals poisoned by Calabar bean exhibit muscular tremors which 
continue throughout the toxic period, and are often so violent as to 
simulate convulsions. Soon there is loss of muscular power and 
the animal falls or lies down. The respiration becomes rapid, 
labored, and sterterous ; the pulse is increased in frequency by large 
toxic doses, and the temperature slightly elevated. There are 
salivation and sweating. The pupil is sometimes contracted and. 
when enormous lethal doses have been injected, dilated. Vomiting 
occurs in animals capable of the act, and loud peristaltic noises are 
heard, followed by the expulsion of feces, mucus and flatus, with 
colicky pains and tenesmus. Reflex action is diminished or abol- 
ished, but sensation is preserved until late in the toxic period. The 
muscles are completely relaxed and powerless, notwithstanding the 
tremors, which afflict them. The breathing becomes weak and irregu- 
lar, and death occurs from respiratory failure. 

In experiments of Winslow and Mnir conducted independently 
and at different times the following cases may be of interest : 

A healthy gelding, weighing 1,050 lbs., was strapped upon the dissecting 
table and given three grains of eserine sulphate intrajugularly. Within a few 
minutes slight muscular tremors appeared in the neck; the pulse rose to 120, 
the respiration was 24, and the temperature normal. There was slight sweating. 
The pulse soon fell to 60, and was strong and hard, while the respiration be- 
came rapid and labored. No other symptoms developing within twenty-five 
minutes after the first dose, three grains of the alkaloid were administered in 
the same manner as before. The pulse became more frequent (78), the respira- 
tion (48) was difficult, and the muscular tremors increased in violence till 
they resembled convulsions. Sweating was profuse, while saliva dropped freely 
from the mouth. The respiration and pulse were now reduced in frequency 
and became weaker. The pupils were unaffected, but the eyes were staring. 
Half an hour after the second dose increased peristaltic action was evidenced 
by loud noises and the expulsion of gas and dung. Recovery began in two 
hours from the exhibition of the second dose. It is possible that the severe 
muscular tremors were caused by contamination of the eserine with calabarine, 
as the former was not a fresh preparation. An aged express horse, suffering 
for a week from impaction of the colon, was given twelve minims of a com- 
mercial extract of calabar bean. He fell down almost immediately, perspired 
freely, exhibited muscular tremors, and expired within a few minutes. The 



376 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

writer is unable to state the minimum fatal dose for horses, but eserine should 
be used with caution in weak subjects. — Winslow. 

A gelding, 800 lbs., poorly nourished, temperature normal, pulse 60, was 
given physostigmine sulphate gr. 1% (0.1) in % drachm of water intra jugularly. 
Muscular tremors and colic came on in seven minutes ; in eleven minutes de- 
falcation occurred, the heart became more rapid and colic increased. Passages 
from the bowels, were frequent for two hours — about fifteen in all — the feces 
weighing twenty pounds in the aggregate. All symptoms abated after three 
hours from the time of receiving the drug. — Muir.* 

A gelding, thirteen years old, in good condition and weighing 1,205 lbs., 
temperature and pulse normal, was given 3 grains (0.1S) of eserine sulphate 
under the skin. After thirty-two minutes elapsed, defecation began and con- 
tinued with the expulsion of considerable mucus and flatus until six passages 
had occurred within one hour and twenty minutes. During this time the pulse 
had increased in frequency and the animal was restless and pawing the ground. 
An hour and a half after the first dose, a second dose of 3 grains (0.18) was 
given in the same way. In twenty minutes muscular tremors and weakness 
became marked, for the first time, and great distress was evident, the patient 
appearing to be in much pain; the respiration short, jerky and labored, and 
nostrils distended and working. The evacuations continued until twenty-three 
had been passed from the time of receiving the first dose and until one and 
one-half hours after the second dose. The feces were quite liquid and con- 
tained much mucus and during passage were attended with considerable strain- 
ing. The weight of feces aggregated 17 lbs. Four hours after the last dose 
all symptoms disappeared.— Muir.* 

Summary. — Full medicinal closes of physostigmine (gr. ±14-3), 
given subcutaneously or intravenously, produce slight to considerable 
colic, increased peristalsis and mucus secretion, muscular tremors 
and weakness, and frequent defecation — beginning in ten to twelve 
minutes after intravenous use, about thirty minutes or more after 
injection under the skin — and being twice as copious when the 
former mode of administration is employed than after the latter. 
Moreover, the disagreeable accompaniments of purging last twice 
as long (five hours) after the hypodermic method than after the 
intravenous injection (two and a half hours). Muir deduces from 
his experiments that physostigmine is a safe and active cathartic 
for the horse and is free from evil after-effects ; that along with 
increased peristalsis and mucous evacuation from the bowels there 
are colic and more rapid pulse-rate with muscular tremors and 
weakness ; that eserine acts more quickly and effectively when in- 
jected into the external jugular vein, and that it may be safely 
given in this manner in a dose of 3 grains dissolved in 30 minims 
of water, to horses in fair condition and of average weight. 



* Jour, of Comp. Med. and Vet. Archives, Jan. and Feb., 1899. 



TOBACCO 377 

The toxic line is closely approached, however, when physostig- 
mine is used in this way, and we should be careful not to cross it 
by exceeding the dose. Barium chloride acts as rapidly and without 
the unpleasant accompaniments of purgation caused by eserine, so 
that the former is generally preferable as a cathartic for use by the 
intravenous method. 

The minimum fatal close is stated to be from gr. M.5-M.2 for 
dogs, and gr. /io-/4o for cats. The treatment should be pursued 
with emetics, or the stomach tube, and the antidote, atropine. 
The latter will prevent death in rabbits when given five minutes 
after the administration of three times a minimum fatal dose. 
Atropine should be given under the skin, together with alcoholic 
stimulants, digitalis, and ammonia by the mouth. Artificial res- 
piration should be practised and external heat applied. The es- 
sential action of atropine in antagonizing eserine, consists in stimu- 
lation of the respiratory centres, while it depresses the peripheral 
cardiac vagi, and so, to a certain extent, counteracts the primary 
influence of eserine on the heart. Large doses of atropine may only 
exaggerate the secondary depression of eserine upon the peripheral 
vagi in the heart, and so hasten a fatal result. Strychnine is an- 
tagonistic to eserine in stimulating the respiratory centres and in- 
ferior cornua. 

Uses External. — Physostigmine has been injected empirically, 
but it is asserted with good results, into chronic dropsical effusions 
of joints and bursa? of tendons in horses, after removal of the fluid 
by aspiration. From .05-.1 gm. is used, dissolved in 5.-10. gm. of 
sterile water; and this treatment is followed by cold applications for 
several clays afterwards. 

Uses Internal. — Three physiological actions of eserine are put 
to therapeutical uses. 

1. The myotic action on the eye. 

2. Stimulation of the involuntary muscles. 

3. Depression of the inferior cornua. 

1. *Eserine is useful, in alternation with atropine, to break 
up adhesions to the iris ; to lessen intraocular tension in glaucoma ; 
and to prevent prolapse of the iris and staphyloma, after wounds and 
ulcers of the cornea. It is also employed to contract the pupil 
and shut out the light in photophobia, and to antagonize the influence 
of atropine on the eye. The action of eserine is, however, not nearly 
so powerful or persistent as that of atropine on the eye, and is 
somewhat painful. It is employed in 1 per cent, solution. 

2. Physostigmine is mainly of value for its action in rapidly 
stimulating the unstriated muscles of the alimentary canal. In 

* See page 45. 



378 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

obstinate constipation of horses it is particularly useful ; 1 gr. of 
eserine sulphate being given subcutaneously or intravenously with 3 
grs. of pilocarpine sulphate; the latter to increase the intestinal se- 
cretions. Strychnine sulphate (gr. 1) may be added to counteract 
the depressing action of eserine on the respiratory centres and in- 
ferior cornua. 

Physostigmine, in combination with pilocarpine, is serviceable 
for its speedy action in flatulent colic and impaction of the cecum, 
colon, and rectum in horses, and has been employed to expel calculi 
and foreign bodies from the intestines. 

Physostigmine is contraindicated in spasmodic colic, when it 
may increase the trouble by exciting intense peristaltic contractions. 
Its employment is also attended with some danger in overloaded or 
greatly distended stomach or bowels, in view of possible rupture of 
these organs. The drug, like other purgatives, may aggravate the 
damage produced by twist or intussusception. In twist of the pelvic 
flexure of the colon in the horse, commonly mistaken for enteritis, 
eserine is often life-saving and the remedy at our command. 

In atonic conditions of the stomach and bowels, and in indi- 
gestion due to chronic intestinal catarrh, small and repeated doses 
of eserine are sometimes of benefit. In cattle, eserine (gr.-i.) and 
pilocarpine (gr.-iii.) subcutaneously are of great value in impaction 
of the rumen and omasum, in acute gastritis, and in parturient 
apoplexy, to quickly empty the digestive canal. Eserine is some- 
times given subcutaneously to foals (gr. M 2-/(3) for retention of me- 
conium. It is effective in obstinate constipation of dogs given by 
the mouth (gr. Vqo- 1 /^ in pill, twice daily. 

Eserine has been employed in chronic bronchitis, asthma and 
emphysema, to improve the tone of the bronchial mucous membranes 
and expel secretions. 

3. Eserine is one of the drugs commonly used in the treatment 
of tetanus in human and veterinary practice, with only a moderate 
degree of success. It must be employed early, given every three or 
four hours, and pushed to the physiological limit. Chorea and 
epilepsy have been treated with eserine without any pathological 
basis, as far as epilepsy is concerned, and with little therapeutic ad- 
vantage in either instance. In some cases of paraplegia, resulting 
from myelitis, a favorable effect has been obtained in man. Eserine 
is an appropriate purgative (hypodermatically) in acute encepha- 
litis. Eserine has been used in strychnine poisoning, but is inferior 
to chloral bromides and anesthetics, and while it is antagonistic 
to a certain extent, and alters the character of strychnine convulsions, 
yet animals die more quickly when poisoned by both strychnine and 
eserine, than by strychnine alone. 



ACTION OF TOBACCO AND NICOTINE 379 



Gelsemium. Gelsemium. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Radix gelsemii, yellow jessamine, E. ; racine de 
jasmin jaune, Fr. ; gelber jasmin-wurzel, G. The dried rhizome 
and roots of Gelsemium sempervirens (Linne) Aiton films (Fam. 
Loganiacece) . 

Habitat. — Southern United States. 

Description.- — Cylindrical, usually in cut pieces of variable 
length, from 5 to 20, or even 30, Mm. in diameter ; externally light 
yellowish-brown, with purplish-brown longitudinal lines ; fracture of 
the rhizome splintery, the roots breaking with one-half the fracture 
transverse, the other half oblique or short-splintery; bark about 1 
Mm. thick ; wood pale yellow, porous, but tough, with numerous dis- 
tinct medullary rays, in the rhizome excentric, and with four groups 
of internal phloem; odor pronounced, characteristic; taste slightly 
aromatic, bitter. 

Constituents. — The most important is the first alkaloid. 1. 
Gelsemine, C 54 H 69 ]S[ 4 1 o. A colorless, crystallizable, bitter princi- 
ple, soluble in alcohol and ether, and slightly in water. 2. Gelse- 
minine, a brown, amorphous, bitter alkaloid. 3. Gelseminic acid. 
4. A volatile oil. 

Dose.— 11., 5 i.-ii. (4,-8.) ; D., gr.v.-x. (.3,6). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Gelsemii. Fluidextract of Gelsemium. 
(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration, percolation and evaporation, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. 
of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., TTlv.-x. (.3,6). 

Tinctura Gelsemii. Tincture of Gelsemium. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Gelsemium, 100; alcohol and water to make 1,000. Made by maceration 
and percolation. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., §ss.-i. (15.-30.); D., TTLxv.-3 i. (1.-4.). 

Gelsemina. Gelsemine. 
(Non-official and uncertain in strength.) 
Dose.— H., gr. \-\ (.015,03); D., gr. % "%0 (.001,002). 

Action External. — ISTone. 

Action Internal. — Gelsemium exerts no action on the digestive 
apparatus, or on the blood, after its absorption ; neither does it 
affect the circulation in medicinal doses, but in toxic quantities it 
directly depresses the heart. The influence of the drug on the 
vasomotor system is unknown. 



380 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Nervous System and Muscles. — The prominent effect of 
gelsemium is directed on the nervous system, as evidenced by 
paralysis and convulsions after large doses. Both the convulsant 
and paralyzant actions are of spinal origin. That the convulsions 
are not cerebral is shown by the fact that they occur below the point 
of section in mammals (under the influence of the drug), with di- 
vided spinal cord. That they are not peripheral is proved by their 
occurrence in the hind extremities when the posterior aorta is tied 
before the animal is poisoned. The paralyzant action of gelsemium 
is due to direct depression of the cells of the inferior cornua, and 
this is followed, in the later stages of poisoning, by depression of 
the motor nerve endings and spinal sensory tract, with general 
anesthesia. 

The cause of the secondary convulsions is undetermined. A 
tetanizing principle in gelsemium, antagonistic to gelsemine, such as 
we find in physostigma, has been thought to be the cause of the con- 
vulsions. The muscles, motor (except those of the face) and sensory 
nerves are unaffected by gelsemium. 

Respiration. — Gelsemium, in toxic doses, progressively weakens 
and paralyzes the medullary and spinal respiratory centres, and 
death occurs from asphyxia. 

Eye. — In poisoning, in animals, there is dilatation of the pupil 
produced in the latest stages of the toxic period. In man, there is 
in addition to this, paralysis and drooping of the eyelids (ptosis), 
and paralysis of the recti muscles with strabismus. These symp- 
toms have been attributed with apparent reason to paralysis of the 
motor cells in the floor of the fourth ventricle and aqueduct of Syl- 
vius, since they are a prolongation of the spinal motor tract. As the 
pupil is dilated, however, by the application of much smaller doses 
than are required by the mouth, it seems probable that mydriasis 
results from local paralysis of the oculomotor nerve endings. 

Toooicology. — Poisoning in animals is exhibited by muscular 
weakness, especially in the fore legs, staggering gait and falling. 
These symptoms are followed by convulsive movements of the mus- 
cles of the head, fore legs, and sometimes of the hind legs. The 
respiration is slow and difficult, the pulse feeble ; temperature is re- 
duced, and there is sweating. Consciousness is preserved until the 
occurrence of asphyxia. Death takes place from respiratory failure, 
with almost simultaneous cardiac arrest. Morphine subcutaneously 
has proved a successful antidote. Respiratory and heart stimulants 
should be employed in poisoning by gelsemium, such as strychnine, 
atropine, alcohol, and digitalis, together with artificial respiration, 
after evacuation of the stomach. 



ACTION OF CONIUM AND CONINE 



381 



Uses. — Gelsemium possesses little value in veterinary medicine. 
There is no therapeutic indication for gelsemium which cannot he 
filled to better advantage by some other remedy. Thus, gelsemium 
has been employed as a cardiac depressant and antipyretic in acute 
diseases (pneumonia and pleurisy), but its other actions are disad- 
vantageous and it is inferior to aconite, veratrum viride, or the mod- 
ern antipyretics. In spasmodic diseases, irritable cough, vesical irri- 
tation, tetanus, chorea, etc., it is less satisfactory as a motor de- 
pressant than opium, belladonna, chloral, and bromides. Zuill, how- 
ever, reports very successful results in horses from gelsemine (.08 
Gm.) in tetanus. The dose should be given under the skin every 
half hour till muscular relaxation occurs. The drug has been used 
considerably to relieve rheumatic and neuralgic pains, but these 
succumb more readily to opium, coal tar products, etc. As a mydri- 
atic, gelsemine is not to be compared with atropine for general pur- 
poses, but its action is more transient. A solution (gr. 8-5 i.) is 
instilled (in man) in drop doses every fifteen minutes for one hour, 
and then every thirty minutes for two hours, to secure wide dilatation 
of the pupil ; or discs, containing gr. % 00 of gelsemine (with gela- 
tine) are used for application to the eye. 



SECTION III.— DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE 
MOTOR NERVES. 

Class 1.— Depressing the Motor Nerves. 

Tabacum. Tobacco. 

Synonym. — Tabaci folia, B. P. 

The commercial dried leaves of Nicotiana Tabacum Linne (nat. 
ord. solanacese). 

Habitat. — Tropical America. Cultivated in various temperate 

and tropical parts of the earth. 

Description. — The leaves are up to 50 Cm. long, oval or ovate- 
lanceolate, acute, entire, brown, friable, glandular-hairy, of a heavy, 
peculiar odor and a nauseous, bitter and acrid taste. 

Constituents.— Chiefly nicotine, C 10 H 14 N 2 (0.7-5.-11. per 
cent.). A colorless, volatile, oily alkaloid, resembling tobacco m 
odor and taste. Ereely soluble in alcohol and ether; less so in 
water. Nicotine is decomposed by heat and therefore tobacco smoke 
contains little of it, but in its stead, pyridine, C 5 H 5 N, and various 



382 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

allied alkaloids, viz. ; picoline, C 6 H 7 ]Sr ; lutidine, C 7 II 9 iSr ; rubidine, 
C U H 17 ^; coridine, C 10 H 15 N"; parvoline, C 9 H 13 N; and collidine, 
CsH^JST; together with small amounts of sulphur, creosote, acetic 
and hydrocyanic acids and carbon compounds. Pyridine resembles 
nicotine in depressing the central nervous system and motor nerves 
and in paralyzing respiration, and is said to be formed more in pipe 
smoke, while, in the smoke of cigars, the less harmful collodine is 
produced by dry distillation. Nicotine exists to a very slight degree 
in Turkish tobacco. 

Dose.— Nicotine, H. & C, gr. % -%o (.001-.003). 

ACTION" OF TOBACCO AND NICOTINE. 

Action External. — -Tobacco is a local anodyne, antiseptic and 
parasiticide. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — The physiological effect of 
tobacco is due to nicotine. Nicotine increases peristaltic action and, 
in large doses, causes tetanic spasm of the intestines, even when it 
is injected into the blood. In toxic quantities nicotine is a powerful 
gastro-intestinal irritant, and produces the usual symptoms of pain, 
vomiting (in animals capable of the act), purging and collapse. 

Circulation. — The action of nicotine on the circulation is com- 
plicated. The chief effect is due to primary stimulation of the 
vagus centre, with slowing of the pulse, followed shortly by depression 
of this centre and heart muscle with feeble and rapid pulse — after 
large toxic doses. In the same manner there is a transient stimu- 
lation followed by depression of the vasoconstrictor centres with con- 
sequent primary rise and subsequent fall in blood tension. 

Nervous System and Muscles. — Nicotine acts first to stimulate 
the reflex excitability of the spinal cord, medulla and hind brain in 
large doses — but this action is quickly followed by depression and 
paralysis of the whole central nervous system and motor nerves. 
The muscles and sensory nerves escape its influence. All sympa- 
thetic ganglia are first stimulated and then depressed by nicotine. 

Respiration. — The respiratory centres are primarily stimulated 
but later depressed and paralyzed by fatal doses of nicotine and 
death occurs through respiratory failure. 

Secretions. — The secretions of sweat, saliva and bronchial 
mucus are at first increased and then diminished by the action of 
nicotine in stimulating and then depressing the ganglia in the course 
of the secretory nerves. 

Eye. — Nicotine affects the pupil variously. It is transiently 
dilated in the dog and cat; constricted in the rabbit; and, in man, 
contraction is followed by dilation. These differences appear to de- 



ACTION OF CONIUM AND CONINE 



383 



pend upon whether the drug stimulates more the sympathetic (dila- 
tion) or the oculomotor (contraction) ganglia. 

' Elimination. — Nicotine is in part destroyed by the liver. It is 
also eliminated chiefly by the kidneys but also is found in the saliva 

and sweat. 

Toxicology. — Nicotine is one of the most powerful and rapidly 
acting poisons. When swallowed, it causes, in animals, local irri- 
tation and pain in the throat and stomach; muscular tremors and 
weakness, on account of which the animal falls. These symptoms 
are followed, first, by severe tonic and clonic convulsions, and then 
by abolition of voluntary motion and quietude. There are vomit- 
ing (in the case of some animals), purging and micturition. The res- 
piration is at first shallow and rapid, but becomes weaker and slower, 
and death occurs from respiratory failure and general collapse. The 
pulse is primarily slow and intermittent, but later becomes rapid. 
The treatment of poisoning consists in evacuation of the stomach; 
the use of tannic acid; respiratory and heart stimulants, as strych- 
nine, atropine, caffeine, and alcohol ; together with external heat and 
artificial respiration. The minimum lethal dose is about one drachm 
of tobacco, or one minim of nicotine, for small dogs. For horses, 
five to ten drops of nicotine or one-half pound of tobacco. 

jj seSi — Tobacco is not a particularly valuable medicinal agent. 
Its internal action is often violent, and causes great nausea.^ Ab- 
sorption and poisoning may follow its external application in the 
smaller animals. The drug may be employed for four purposes, as 
follows : 

1 . As a local sedative. 

2. As a parasiticide. 

3. As a motor depressant. 

4. As a cathartic. 

External. — 1. Tobacco is an efficient sedative in decoction 
(1-40), for relieving pruritus ani and vulva?. It must be remem- 
bered that absorption and poisoning may occur Avhen larger amounts 
are used externally than can be administered with safety by the 
mouth. 

2. The latter remark applies also to the use of tobacco decoc- 
tions in killing parasites on the skin, such as the acari of mange and 
scab, together with lice and fleas. For sheep with full fleece to- 
bacco is one of the best curative and preventive agents in scab as 
follows: Manufactured tobacco, 1 lb.; flowers of sulphur, 1 lb.; 
water, 5 gallons. The tobacco is soaked in cold or tepid water for 
24 hours and, on the night before the dipping, the solution is brought 
to a boil for a minute and the tobacco allowed to remain in it over 
night. Mix the sulphur in a pail to the consistency of a gruel with 



384 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

water. Strain and press the liquid out of the tobacco and add it 
to the sulphur and enough water to make 5 gallons. After dipping, 
the sheep must be turned into a clean yard or barn to drain. 

Internal. — 3. Tobacco has been employed as a motor depressant 
in spasmodic disorders, such as asthma, tetanus (given by the rectum 
or under the skin), and strychnine poisoning, but it is inferior to, 
and more dangerous than, other drugs. 

4. The Germans prescribe tobacco to stimulate peristalsis in 
ruminants, in doses of 2 ounces, with one-half pound of common salt 
and one pound of Glauber's salts for cattle ; and for sheep, V2 ounce, 
with 2 ounces of salt and 3 ounces of Glauber's salts. Tobacco was 
given formerly in colic and intestinal obstruction, but this use is 
obsolete. The decoction (1 to 2 per cent.) may be injected into the 
rectum of horses, in non-toxic quantities, to kill oxynrides and as- 
carides, and to excite peristalsis and relieve spasm in colic. 

Tobacco smoke is sometimes used in the same manner to de- 
stroy worms in the lower bowels. 

Coistium. Conium. 

Synonym. — Conii folia, B. P. ; hemlock fruit, E. ; fruits de 
grande cigue, Fr. ; schierlingsfruchte, G. 

The full-grown, but unripe fruit of Conium maculatum Linne 
(Fam. Umbelliferce) , carefully dried and preserved, and yielding, 
not less than 0.5 per cent, of coniine. After being kept for more 
than two years, Conium is unfit for use. 

Habitat.- — Indigenous to Europe and Asia, but naturalized in 
the United States. 

Description. — Broadly ovoid, greenish-gray, the two carpels of 
most of the fruits separated, each about 3 Mm. long and about 1.5 
Mm. in diameter, ovoid, somewhat curved, the inner, flattened side 
marked by a deep longitudinal groove, the outer, convex side with 
five pale yellow, somewhat crenate ribs, the intervening surfaces 
wrinkled but otherwise smooth ; pericarp without oil-tubes ; odor 
slight, but when triturated with a solution of potassium hydroxide, 
strong, disagreeable, and mouse-like ; taste characteristic, disagreea- 
ble, afterwards somewhat acrid. Conium fruit resembles carraway 
and anise seed, but these have oil-tubes or vittse. 

Constituents. — There are two essential principles in conium ; 
conine, or coniine, and methyl-coniine. 

1. Conine, C S H 17 N, is a yellowish, oily, volatile liquid alkaloid, 
of an odor resembling that of mouse urine, and acrid taste. It is 
freely soluble in alcohol and ether, and is soluble in 100 parts of 
water, with which it forms a hydrate. It undergoes decomposition 



cocaine hydrochloride 385 

when exposed to air and heat, and becomes first brown and then 
resin-like. For this reason the alkaloid is uncertain in its physio- 
logical action, bnt its salts (the hydrobromate and acetate) are more 
stable and reliable. Conine may be obtained by distillation of the 
fruit with an alkaline water. 

2. Methyl-coniine, C S H 19 C ~N, is a colorless liquid. 

3. There is also a nearly inert and crystalline alkaloid, con- 
hydrine. 

Incompatibility. — Vegetable acids, caustic alkalies and as- 
tringents are incompatible with conium. 

Conium Dose. — H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.x.-xx. 
(.6-1.3) ; D., gr.ii.-v. (.12-.3). 

Coninw Hydrobromidum. — H. & C, gr. %-l% (.045-.1) ; Sh. 
& Sw., gr. %-% (.012-.024) ; D., gr. % -%2 (.002-.005). 

Dissolved in alcohol. 

PBEPAEATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Conii. Fluidextract of Conium. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with acetic acid and diluted alcohol, 
and evaporation. Standardized to contain 0.45 gm. of coniine in each 100 cc. of 
the fluidextract. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); Sh. & Sw., 1T|x.-xx. (.6-1.3); D., Tn.ii.-v. 
(.12-.3). 

Suceus Conii (B. P.).— H. & C, I ii.-iv; Sh. & Sw., § ss.-i; D. & C, 3 ss.-i 

Tine. Conii (B. P.).— D. & C, 3 ss.-i. 

Vng. Conii (B. P.). 

ACTION OF CONIUM AND CONINE. 

External. — Conine is an irritant applied to mucous membranes. 
Conium is thought to act as a local sedative upon raw surfaces. 
Physiological experiments show that the sensory nerves are but 
slightly depressed. 

Inlemal. — Circtdation. — Conium has little effect upon the di- 
gestive apparatus, except in toxic doses, when it may cause irritation, 
vomiting and diarrhea. It is absorbed and produces primary ac- 
celeration of the pulse, probably owing to paralysis of the ganglia of 
the pneumogastric, followed by a fall in the pulse rate. The action 
on the circulation is insignificant compared to that on the nerves. 

Nervous System and Muscles. — The predominant action of 
conium consists in paralyzing the voluntary and involuntary muscles, 
with loss of motion but without loss of consciousness or sensation. 
That this effect is due to paralysis of the motor nerves has been 



386 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

proved by poisoning frogs with coninm after ligature of the aorta, 
so that the blood supply of the hind legs was cut off. Failure of 
motion and reaction to galvanism, occurs in the fore legs, but irrita- 
tion of the paralyzed fore legs causes reflex contraction of the pos- 
terior extremities. This experiment shows that the motor nerves are 
paralyzed in the fore legs, but that the sensory nerves and spinal 
cord retain their functional activity. The afferent nerves are some- 
what depressed by enormous doses. The brain and spinal cord are 
slightly affected by conium. The convulsions occurring in conium 
poisoning appear, nevertheless, to be of central origin, although 
consciousness is retained until the stage of asphyxia. The special 
senses are somewhat interfered with (sight). The motor cells of 
the inferior cornua are slightly depressed by methyl-coniine, which 
influences the cord as well as the motor nerves, but it is considerably 
less active than conine. The muscles are primarily unaffected. 

Eye. — The pupil is dilated (not constantly) and ptosis is ob- 
served in poisoning by conium, owing to paralysis of the oculomotor 
nerve endings. If conine is droj^ped into the eye, primary con- 
traction, due to reflex irritation, is soon succeeded by dilatation of 
the pupil. 

Respiration. — The spinal and medullary respiratory centres are 
finally depressed by lethal doses of conium, and this result, together 
with paralysis of the terminations of the nerves of the diaphragm, 
causes death by asphyxia, 

Elimination. — Conine is excreted by all channels, but mainly in 
the urine. 

Toxicology. — The minimum fatal dose of conium is uncertain, 
owing to the proneness of the alkaloid to decomposition, and to the 
volatility and the variable amount contained in the crude drug. A 
few drops of the alkaloid will kill small cats and dogs. Herbivora, 
as goats, sheep and horses, are less susceptible than carnivora. 

The domestic animals occasionally become accidentally poisoned 
by eating hemlock at pasture. The symptoms exhibited are dulness, 
loss of muscular power (at first in the hind legs), stumbling and fall- 
ing, or lying down. We observe, also, nausea, salivation (sometimes 
amaurosis), dilatation of the pupil and ptosis, sweating, and often 
muscular tremors and clonic convulsions. The pulse becomes slow 
and feeble, the breathing faint, the surface cold and clammy, and the 
animal often lies as still as though dead, so complete is the paralysis. 
Death finally occurs from asphyxia, frequently associated with coma. 
The respiration ceases before the heart-beat. The urine of poisoned 
animals may be used as a physiological test in frogs, to decide doubt- 
ful cases. The treatment of poisoning consists in evacuation of the 
stomach and the use of tannic acid, artificial respiration, external 



COCAH5TE HYDROCHLORIDE 387 

heat, and respiratory and cardiac stimulants, as strychnine, atropine, 
caffeine and alcohol. The post-mortem appearances are those of 
asphyxia, with sometimes evidences of gastro-intestinal irritation. 

Administration. — Conium is hest given in the form of the fluid- 
extract or hydrobromide of the alkaloid. The English use the succus 
conii, of which the dose for the horse is § ii.-iv. ; dog, 5 ss.-i. ; hut 
it is inferior to the fluidextract and often inert. The initial dose 
of any preparation should be small, on account of the variation in 
strength, but should be rapidly increased until physiological effects 
are evident. 

Uses External. — Conium is occasionally applied externally as a 
poultice of the leaves, or in ointment (equal parts of cerate and 
extract of conium), to relieve pain of sores, ulcers, malignant growths, 
rheumatism and neuralgia. It is thought to be both resolvent and 
curative on cancers and tumors, but without sufficient basis. It re- 
lieves pain when pain is due to spasm. 

Uses Internal. — Conium is rarely used in veterinary medicine 
on account of the uncertainty of its preparations and natural thera- 
peutic limitations. Conium has been employed as a motor depres- 
sant in many diseases, but should only be prescribed for spasm due 
to irritation of nerve trunks or endings ; not for spasmodic conditions 
of central origin. In tetanus and strychnine poisoning, it is value- 
less, and is not wholly antagonistic (tremors and convulsions) in 
convulsive disorders. When an animal poisoned with strychnine is 
given paralytic doses of conium, the tetanic spasms of strychnine 
still persist. The drug has been prescribed in chorea, however, and 
with temporary benefit, when the convulsive movements were so 
severe as to threaten life. 



388 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



SECTION IV.— DRUGS ACTING ON THE 
SENSORY NERVES. 

Class 1. — Depressing the Sensory Nerves. 

CocAusriE Hydeochloeidum. Cocaine Hydrochloride." 
C 17 H 21 N0 4 HC1. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Trie neutral hydrochloride of an alkaloid obtained from several 
varieties of Coca, the dried leaves of Erythroxylon Coca Lamarck 
(Fam. Erythroxylacece) , known commercially as Huanuco Coca, or 
of E. Truxillense Rushy, known commercially as Truxillo Coca, 
yielding, when assayed by the process given below, not less than 0.5 
per cent, of the ether-soluble alkaloids of Coca. Cultivated in Peru 
and Bolivia and introduced into medicine by Koller in 1884. 

Derivation. — Cocaine hydrochloride is recovered by agitating 
an acidulated alcoholic solution of coca leaves with ether. The 
ethereal liquid is made alkaline with sodium carbonate and evapo- 
rated. The residue is purified, decolorized, neutralized with hydro- 
chloric acid, and finally crystallized. 

Description. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, flaky,, 
lustrous leaflets or a white crystalline powder ; permanent in the air, 
containing no water of crystallization ; odorless ; of a saline, slightly 
bitter taste, and producing on the tongue a tingling sensation followed 
by numbness of several minutes' duration. Soluble in 0.4 part of 
water, 2.6 parts of alcohol, and in 18.5 parts of chloroform at 25° 
C. (77° F.) ; soluble in benzene, petroleum benzin, and ether. It 
leaves no residue on incineration. Its aqueous solution is neutral to 
litmus paper. 

Dose.— H., gr.v.-x. (.3-.6) ; D., gr. i/ s -34 (.008-.045). 

Action External. — Solutions of cocaine (4-10 per cent.), applied 
to mucous membranes, produce perfect local anesthesia by paralyz- 
ing the sensory nerve endings. The functions of the nerves of special 
sense are abolished before those of ordinary sensibility. Stronger 
solutions paralyze the motor nerve terminations. The local applica- 
tion of cocaine causes pallor of the mucous membrane, which is suc- 
ceeded by redness and congestion. The first condition follows con- 
ptriction of the superficial blood vessels, which is said to be due to 
tonic contraction of the smooth muscular fibres of the vessel walls. 



* These are also official : 

Oleatum Cocaines (5 per cent.) U. S. P. 
Vnguentum Cocaines (4 per cent.) B. P. 
Injectio Cocaines Hypodermica (10 per cent.) B. P. 



COCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE 389 

The secondary vascular relaxation, and tendency to congestion in 
parts subjected to cocaine anesthesia, lessens the resistance of the 
tissues (especially of sensitive structures, as the eye) to the irritation 
of antiseptics and bacterial products. Therefore, surgical operations 
performed under cocaine anaesthesia are somewhat more prone to be 
followed by inflammation. This only refers to the use of strong 
solutions. 

The Eye. — Cocaine applied locally to the eye stimulates the end- 
ings of the sympathetic nerve and dilates the pupil, constricts the 
blood vessels of the conjunctiva and iris,. and causes some exophthal- 
mos and reduction of intraocular tension . 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Cocaine exerts a local 
anesthetic action upon the gastric mucous membrane, and in this 
way lessens the appetite and sometimes stops vomiting. Intestinal 
peristalsis is increased by moderate doses, but is decreased and de- 
stroyed by the paralytic action of large doses of cocaine. 

Nervous System. — The general action of cocaine on the nervous 
system may be summed up in descending stimulation followed by de- 
pression, beginning with the cerebrum and affecting in order the 
cerebellum, medulla and spinal cord. Ordinary medicinal doses pro- 
duce no marked effect upon the nervous system, except some mental 
exhilaration. Full closes of cocaine stimulate the psychical functions 
of the brain and cause intoxication, which is followed, in poisoning, 
by stupor and convulsions. The convulsions are mainly of cerebral 
origin, but may be due in part to irritation of the spinal reflex centres. 
These latter centres are first stimulated by toxic doses, but depres- 
sion and paralysis of the spinal cord follows ; the sensory before 
the motor tract. The sensory nerves are paralyzed and the motor 
nerves depressed by toxic doses. The voluntary muscles are stimu- 
lated by medicinal doses of cocaine,, and the alkaloid relieves fatigue 
and, experimentally, more than do-ables the response to stimuli in 
wornout muscles. Voluntary mu-ucles are paralyzed by the local 
application of large quantities of cocaine. Cocaine is essentially a 
protoplasm poison when applied, even in dilute solution, directly to 
animal or vegetable cells, including epithelial cells, leucocytes, sper- 
matozoa, muscle and nerves, and all motion or action of these instantly 
ceases. 

Circulation. — The action of cocaine upon the heart and vessels 
is not very marked, except in poisoning. The alkaloid is, however, 
a slight cardiac stimulant in moderate doses, increasing the pulse- 
rate and tension. The action upon the heart is caused by depres- 
sion of the carclio-inhibitory centres, and sometimes as well by 
depression of the cardiac inhibitory ganglia. Vascular tension is 
increased because of stimulation of the medullarv vasomotor cen- 



390 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

tres, smooth muscle of the vessel walls, and because of the increased 
action of the heart. On the other hand, both minute and large 
doses may diminish the pulse rate. 

Respiration. — Cocaine is a respiratory stimulant in medicinal 
doses, but a paralyzant in toxic amounts. The respiratory centres 
are first stimulated and the breathing is made deeper and quicker. 
Depression and paralysis of the respiratory centres follow; cyanosis 
supervenes, and the respirations are shallow and irregular. Death 
occurs from asphyxia. 

Temperature. — The body heat is elevated, sometimes to an 
excessive degree, by poisonous doses of cocaine. Medicinal doses 
do not affect the temperature. The rise of temperature is said to 
follow increased heat production. 

Kidneys. — The greater part of the cocaine absorbed is oxi- 
dized within the body. The smaller part is eliminated by the 
kidneys. Experimental evidence concerning the influence of the 
alkaloid upon the secretion and composition of the urine is con- 
flicting and indefinite. The amount of secretion probably depends 
upon the state of vascular tension and calibre of the vessels. 

The Eye. — Cocaine is used very largely in the eye. It produces 
local anesthesia, constriction of the blood vessels and dilatation of the 
pupil with lowering of intraocular tension. The action on the pupil 
seems to follow stimulation of the terminations of the cervical sym- 
pathetic. 

Toxicology. — Moderate doses produce in dogs mental exhilara- 
tion and joyousness, so that they bark and jump about with delight. 
Poisoning with large doses (gr. 14 of cocaine to 2 lbs of live weight) 
may be divided into three stages. In the first stage, there is rest- 
lessness, anxiety and terror, with rhythmical movements. Noises 
frighten the animal and he fails to recognize his master. The sec- 
ond stage is characterized by a joyous condition, in which dogs bark, 
dance about and lick people's hands. In the third stage, weakness 
and nervous phenomena appear, — as muscular twitching, rhyth- 
mical movements, a pendulum-like motion of the head, convulsions 
and stupor. There is dyspnoea, feeble poise and failing respiration. 
In an experiment upon a Newfoundland dog, weighing about 100 
lbs., conducted by the writer, there were no symptoms produced by 
3 grains of cocaine under the skin, except dilation of the pupils 
and a constant lapping with the tongue. In man, an amount of 
cocaine exceeding gr. % should not be employed under the skin, or 
upon mucous membranes, and death has occurred in susceptible 
patients from even smaller doses. The most powerful action fol- 
lows the use of cocaine in very vascular parts, as about the face. 
One-half a grain of cocaine given subcutaneouslv to a e;irl of eleven 



COCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE 391 

years old, was followed by a fatal result in 40 seconds, and the 
writer has seen violent convulsions produced by the instillation of 
a few drops of a 2 per cent, solution into the eye of a man. On 
the other hand, spontaneous recovery has obtained in the human 
subject after the ingestion of 22 grs. of the alkaloid. In the horse, 
a toxic dose of cocaine (5 i.) causes restlessness and excitement, 
muscular twitching and trembling, rhythmical movements of head 
(as nodding and weaving), dilated pupils and salivation, cul- 
minating within an hour in a state of acute mania and intense 
excitement. These symptoms are followed by gradual recovery 
after the lapse of a few hours. Three grains of cocaine given un- 
der the skin, will sometimes induce nervous excitement in suscepti- 
ble horses. The treatment of dangerous forms of cocaine poison- 
ing, with respiratory and heart failure, consists in the use of opium 
and rapidly acting stimulants, as morphine sulphate under the 
skin, nitroglycerin upon the tongue, and strychnine, atropine and 
brandy subcutaneously. A short inhalation of ether has recently 
been shown to be a remarkably successful antidote in cocaine poison- 
ing- 

Uses External. — Cocaine and its synthetic chemical substitutes 
are the most valuable agents we possess to cause complete local 
anesthesia for surgical purposes.* The operations most suitable 
for the hypodermatic application of cocaine are included in the fol- 
lowing. 

Removal of tumors. Opening of abscess. 

Docking and pricking the tail. Injuries and operations upon the eye- 

Tarsal tenotomy. balls and eyelids. 

Firing. Operations about the feet in horses. 

Neurectomy. Operations upon mucous membranes. 

Herniotomy. Laparotomy in bitches. 

Operations about the rectum, vagina 

and uterus. 
Examinations and operations about 

the larynx. 

The alkaloid may also be employed to dilate the pupil for 
examination of the eye, and to detect lameness. In a case of doubt- 
ful foot lameness in the horse, injection of cocaine into the plantar 
nerve trunk, on either side of the leg and a little above the point 
of selection for plantar neurectomy, will often completely abolish 
sensation in the foot. This fact may be determined by pricking 
the soft parts above the hoof. If there is complete anesthesia of 
the foot, and the seat of lameness be situated therein, the horse will 

* Cocaine in surgery can often be combined most advantageously witb 
adrenalin. 



392 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

go sound while the anesthesia lasts. This method may be taken 
advantage of in the diagnosis of localized lameness elsewhere. If 
cocaine is injected over an area (suspected to be the cause of lame- 
ness), and the animal goes sound while the cocaine anesthesia lasts, 
the site of lameness becomes certain. 

It has been discovered that injections of powerful cocaine so- 
lutions into a sensory nerve trunk will paralyze its sensibility 
throughout the peripheral distribution (regional anaesthesia). 
When ligation of a limb, or part, can be secured between the oper- 
ative field and the heart, the anaesthetic action of cocaine is more 
profound and toxic symptoms are less liable to occur, since the 
drug is drained away in the blood during the operation. Many 
operations can be performed under cocaine, as neurectomy, firing, 
tenotomy, etc., without casting the horse. In using cocaine for the 
removal of tumors, or opening of abscess, the solution is injected at 
several points in a circle about the base of the tumor or abscess, and 
not in the inflamed tissue of the latter. Following the first injection, 
the succeeding applications may be made painless by inserting the 
needle within the area made anaesthetic by the previous injection 
(circumferential anaesthesia) . 

The amount of cocaine solution to be injected is of importance. 
This depends upon the strength of the solution, the weight and species 
of the animal, and the seat of application. A solution stronger than 
4 per cent, is irritating to the eye. The stronger cocaine solutions 
(5 to 10 per cent.) are more powerful paralyzants to the sensory 
nerves, and are advisable when they can be used with safety, but a 
4 or 2 per cent., or even a much weaker solution, will ordinarily pro- 
duce anesthesia when introduced under the skin. In the horse, 
subcutaneous injection of a 5 or 10 per cent, solution may be made 
to the amount of 2 drachms of the former, or 1 drachm of the latter 
solution (cocaine, gr. 6). Larger doses may induce restlessness, ex- 
citement, etc., which, although not indicative of danger, may inter- 
fere with operative procedures. When larger quantities are desira- 
ble, 21/> drachms of a 4 per cent, solution, or 5 drachms of a 2 per 
cent, solution, may be employed (equivalent to 6 grs. of the alkaloid), 
or Schleich's solution may be utilized. Not more than 7 to 15 
drops of a 10 per cent, solution, should be injected into dogs. This 
is equivalent to gr. % and gr. ll/ 2 of the alkaloid. Three-quarters 
of a grain of cocaine is a safe limit of dosage for small dogs. If a 
2 or 4 per cent, solution is employed, 30 M. of the former, or 15 M. 
of the latter solution (equivalent to gr. % of cocaine) may be in- 
jected. When larger amounts of the anesthetic solution are indi- 
cated for dogs, Schleich's method of infiltration is appropriate (in- 
filtration anesthesia). 



YOHIMBINE HYDROCHLORIDE 393 

This method depends upon the fact that the pressure of saline 
solutions injected into the tissues causes a benumbing of the sensory 
nerves, and also upon the anaesthetic action of minute doses of cocaine 
and morphine. Schleich's solution may be used in any amount and 
can be made conveniently from the tablets prepared by chemists. 
The ordinary solution contains : 

1 part of cocaine hydrochloride. 

2 parts of common salt. 

0.1 part of morphine hydrochloride. 
In 1,000 parts of sterile water. 

Note. — Since writing the above, it has been found that the morphine in 
Schleich's solution is an irritant rather than a local anesthetic, and when large 
quantities of cocaine or eucaine are to be used under the skin — or danger is, for 
any reason, to be anticipated — the writer would strongly advise the employment 
of a normal salt solution (4 grains sodium chloride to 1 drachm of water), 
containing from % to 1 p. c. of cocaine (or eucaine, 1 p. c. ). These weaker 
solutions will usually cause complete and safe local anaesthesia. The solutions 
should always be warm — at body temperature — and not over twenty-four hours 
old, as acid develops which interferes with the anesthetic action. They are 
most conveniently made by solution of cocaine tablets in salt solution at the 
time of operation. 

Ritter has secured most satisfactory general anesthesia in dogs 
by injecting intravenously 10 c.c. of a 1 per cent, solution of cocaine 
for small animals ; and 5 c.c. of a 3 to 5 per cent, solution in normal 
salt solution for large dogs. The anesthesia came on in 2 to 5 min- 
utes and lasted 15 to 30 or more minutes. Moreover there were no 
untoward results and operations on any part of the body could be 
painlessly done without any struggling on the part of the patient. 

Both eucaine and cocaine have been used recently with success 
for work on a limb by injection into a vein between the site of opera- 
tion and body. A tourniquet is first applied about the limb proxi- 
mally to the point of injection. 

Local applications to mucous membranes may be reapplied, 
once or twice, at intervals of five minutes, to secure perfect anes- 
thesia. A larger quantity of cocaine than recommended above for 
hypodermatic use, should not be employed. Cocaine, as already 
stated, produces a primary astringent action, followed by secondary 
irritation and vascular relaxation; yet, when properly diluted and 
applied in the first stage of inflammation, it may prove a valuable 
abortive and sedative agent. 

Hemorrhage from mucous membranes can be arrested by its 
topical application ; coryza aborted, and hemorrhoids relieved by this 
method. Pruritus, about the anus and vagina, is allayed by cocaine. 
In relation to the eye, 5 to 10 drops (horse) of cocaine solution (1 
to 4 per cent.) are employed for various purposes, embracing ex- 



394 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

animation, removal of foreign bodies, operations, and the relief of 
suffering in acute inflammation resulting from natural causes or 
mechanical irritation. The following prescription is of value in 
superficial inflammatory and painful conditions of the eye ; 

Cocainse hydrochlor gr.v. 

Acid, borici gr.x. 

Aq. dest. ad § i. 

M. 

S. Instil a few drops into the eye hourly. 

Injection into the eyeball is preferable to instillation for enuclea- 
tion. 

Solutions of cocaine should be freshly made, and must not be 
sterilized by boiling, although they should be made with sterile water, 
or, better, normal salt solution. The tablets supplied by pharma- 
ceutical chemists are convenient for hypodermatic use. Ten grains 
of boric acid will preserve an ounce of cocaine solution for a month. 

Spinal anesthesia has come into use within the past few years 
in both human and veterinary practice. Leonard Corning was the 
pioneer having shown in 1885 that cocaine injected between the 11th 
and 12th dorsal spines caused analgesia of the lower limbs in man. 
The point of injection in animals is in the lumbo-sacral space. This 
is found by drawing a line connecting the spines of the lumbar and 
sacral vertebrae and another at right angles connecting the summits 
of the internal angles of the ilium. 

Directly at the point of intersection of these lines is the place 
for puncture in the dog and cat, and about % of an inch forward of 
this point is the site for puncture in the horse. The hair must be 
clipped and shaved from the dry skin and the site well swabbed with 
tincture of iodine and as soon as dry the puncture may be made with 
a boiled needle or trochar and canula. 

The smaller animals should be on their side with back arched. 
The needle or trochar is thrust in perpendicularly till the resistance 
lessens and cerebro-spinal fluid drops from the needle. This proves 
entrance into the spinal canal. ~No more fluid should be lost than 
is to be replaced by the injection. Sepsis means death, so that the 
necessity of asepsis will be fully appreciated. Anesthesia affects 
chiefly the posterior portion of the body and hind limbs but the 
fore limbs are also partly anesthetic. This action begins in 2 to 10 
minutes, is fully developed in 20 to 30 minutes, and lasts from 1 to 
5 hours. While never generally accepted as a substitute in human 
surgery for ether, and while perhaps its use is diminishing, yet there 
is more reason for its employment in veterinary surgery on account 



PILOCAKPUS 395 

of the expense of general anesthesia. The mortality from it has 
been abont 3 per thousand in hnman surgery. 

In addition the following undesirable results have been occasion- 
ally seen: Sepsis and meningitis, 4 to 14 per cent, of failures to 
secure good anesthesia, collapse, retention of urine, chills, fever, vom- 
iting, sweating, persistent paraplegia, pain in back and legs for 
months, nausea, cramps in the limbs, incontinence of urine, etc. 

Cocaine or its substitutes must be sterile for spinal anesthesia. 
As cocaine can not be boiled it may be dissolved, in ether and when 
the ether has evaporated sterile water is added. A 2 per cent, solu- 
tion of cocaine is commonly employed. Of this the dose is as fol- 
lows: H., m.xx. to xlv. Dog and cat, m.v. to x.v. The puncture 
may be made with the syringe attached to the needle for a handle. 
Then detach the syringe. After the spinal fluid drips from the 
needle which has entered the dura the syringe, already filled with the 
cocaine solution should be again attached to the needle and the proper 
amount injected. On removing the needle the puncture should hp 
closed by collodion and cotton. 

Rudolf Klapp (Deutsche Zeitschr. f. Chir. 1904, Vol. lxxi, p. 
187) has experimented upon animals with spinal injections for the 
production of anesthesia, and finds by combining gelatin, adrenalin 
and cocaine, the toxic effect of the latter is wholly averted and that 
this combination is a safe and perfect ansesthetic for dogs. Five cc. 
of a sterilized 10 per cent, aqueous gelatin solution, containing 10 m. 
of adrenalin (1-1000 solution) and 0.02 to 0.04 gm. of cocaine, are 
then injected through the trocar and the puncture sealed with iodo- 
form collodion. 

The following operations have been performed painlessly under 
spinal anaesthesia in the lower animals : Neurotomy, tenotomy, cau- 
terization, oophorectomy, castration, operations on the uterus and 
rectum, urethrotomy, herniotomy, etc. Wherever local anesthesia is 
available spinal anaesthesia should not be used on account of its much 
greater dangers but its field of usefulness is wider than in human 
surgery. 

Uses Internal. — Cocaine may be administered in aqueous solu- 
tions for the relief of persistent vomiting in dogs. The alkaloid is 
occasionally used as a stimulating and supporting agent in asthenic 
fevers and adynamic conditions of the human patient. The sub- 
cutaneous injection of cocaine (gr. iii.) is of great value in heat 
prostration of horses. 

ISTovocaine, M 2 C 6 H 4 COC 2 HJST (C 2 H 5 ) 2 , occurs in colorless 
crystals very soluble in water. It is the latest and apparently the 
best substitute for cocaine as it is equal to cocaine as a local anesthetic 



396 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

and is said to be 5 times less toxic and much less irritating to the tis- 
sues — less, indeed, than either eucaine or stovaine. 

One to two per cent, solutions are suitable for subcutaneous use. 
Dropped into the eye in 5 to 10 per cent, solutions it will anesthetize 
the eye so that operations may be done on the eyeball or lid. Two 
or three drains of a 3 per cent, solution injected into the nerve on 
either side of the limb are sufficient in the diagnosis of lameness in 
the horse. Its action is increased by combination with adrenalin 
and with the added hemostatic action this combination is useful in- 
jected about the circumference of tumors to aid their painless re- 
moval. Solutions keep well and may be repeatedly boiled. 

Euoaiioi: Hydbochloeas. Eucain Hydrochlorate. 
C 19 H 27 !S T 4 HC1. (Non-official.) 

This is a laboratory product, formerly known as eucain hydro- 
chlorate "B." Eucain is used in 2 per cent, aqueous solution in the 
eye, and in 10 per cent, on mucous membranes, and is said to be 
harmless in any ordinary amount. It is employed as a substitute 
for cocaine in the same manner and for the same purposes, but with 
the following advantages: Safer, 3 times ( ?) less toxic; cheaper: 
does not decompose on keeping in solution ; can be sterilized by boil- 
ing ; less irritating ; does not dilate the pupil ; is a slight antiseptic. 

Ophthalmologists find that the drug does dilate the pupil after 
several instillations, and that it does irritate the already inflamed 
eye. It, moreover, does not contract vessels when locally applied, 
and does sometimes produce poisoning like cocaine, but much less 
frequently. 



Stovaine. (C 14 H 21 N"0 2 HC1). 

Occurs in small, lustrous scales, very soluble in water, acetic 
ether and alcohol. It is a synthetic product used as a substitute for 
cocaine but is only V2 as toxic; slower to induce anaesthesia (15 to 
30 minutes) ; and the anaesthesia is of longer duration (2 hours). 
Solutions may be boiled without harm to the drug. 

It produces some vasomotor relaxation, but solutions may be 
combined with nix. of adrenalin solution to avert this. 3 to 5 grs. 
in 6 drams of sterile water may be used safely and successfully in 
spaying bitches of setter size (gr. ii. for fox terriers). Two and 
one-half drams are injected intraperitoneally in the region of the 
internal inguinal rings, on each side, and 1 dram into the skin in- 



ACTION OF PILOCARPUS AND PILOCARPINE 397 

cision. After keeping the animal on its back for 20 or 30 minute? 
the operation is begun (Eggleston and Miller). 

Cocaine (gr. %-%) injected into the muscle of the abdominal 
wall in dogs, along the line of incision, will induce anesthesia of the 
abdominal organs to a considerable degree. 

Stovaine is used in 5 per cent, solution to produce ansesthesia 
by intraspinal injection. The dose of this solution for this purpose 
is for horses, 5 i-iiss ; D. m., xx-xxx; cats, m. x-xx. For excision 
of the eyeball in the horse one dram of a 5 per cent, solution is in- 
jected under the conjunctiva at four or five points. In the dog one 
dram of a 2 per cent, solution is sufficient for this operation. For 
subcutaneous use 1 to 2 per cent, solutions are suitable. 

Alypine is another substitute . for cocaine and is closely related 
in composition with stovaine. It is not, however, superior to cocaine 
since it is both more toxic and irritant. 



Yohimbine Hydro chloride. O22H28N2O3IICI. 

Yohimbine is obtained from the bark" of the yohimbehe tree 
(Corynanthe yohimbi), and occurs in silky, prismatic crystals, or as 
an amorphous, white powder, slightly soluble in water, soluble in 
alcohol, ether, chloroform and acids. Yohimbine alters and turns 
yellow on exposure to air and light, but its hydrochloride is permanent 
and is therefore to be preferred. 

Dose.— £L & C, gr. %-iy 2 (gm. .045-.01) ; Sh. & Sw., gr. V 2 
(gm. .03) ; D., gr. Y\2-Yq (gm. .005-.01) ; small dogs, gr. V120 (gm. 
.0005). 

Tablets are sold under the name of vetol for use in veterinary 
practice. The stronger tablets contain 0.1, or gr. IV2 of yohimbine 
hydrochloride, are colored red and are suitable for the larger animals. 
The weaker tablets are gray and contain 0.01, or gr. Yq of yohimbine 
and are suitable for sheep and swine, or divided, for dogs. Treat- 
ment should be begun with the smaller doses thrice daily and grad- 
ually increased to the larger if no effect is observed from the smaller 
doses. The drug is given with food or drinking water, or in tablet 
form. 

Action.— External. — Yohimbine, in 1 to 2 per cent, solution, 
has a decided local anesthetic action similar to that of cocaine on 
the nerve trunks and terminations. Unlike cocaine it does not con- 
tract vessels nor cause mydriasis in the eye. It also resembles co- 
caine in its toxic action on the central nervous system. 

A ction. — Internal. — Circulation. — Yohimbine occupies rather a 
unique position in medicine. Its peculiar therapeutic action consist? 



398 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

in stimulation of the sexual organs. Cantharides, used for this pur- 
pose, is a powerful irritant to the urinary tract which is not the case 
with yohimbine. 

Strychnine, phosphorus, and alcohol stimulate the spinal sexual 
centres but are uncertain aphrodisiacs. Yohimbine has a specific 
action in causing local dilatation of the vessels of the testicles, ova- 
ries, penis and vulva so that swelling and congestion of these parts 
occur. 

The testicles of rabbits, under its influence, become many times 
their natural size and the external genitals of the larger female 
animals may be seen to become swollen. Moreover, the lumbar 
spinal centres concerned with erection and the sexual act are directly 
excited by the drug. The sexual reflexes are made more acute for 
this reason and because of the increased irritability of the external 
genitals. 

In the male frequent and prolonged erections appear and sexual 
excitement is marked in both males and females following its in- 
gestion. 

The author has noted ovarian pain in women taking the drug 
which may be attributed to swelling of the ovaries. The vascular 
dilatation is due to direct action of yohimbine on the vessel walls. 
The cutaneous vessels also dilate, the ears become warmer and redder 
and the combs in fowl become more brilliant. Vascular dilatation 
of the internal organs is said to occur also, with marked lowering of 
blood pressure. 

The heart is not affected by ordinary doses. 

Nervous System. — Large doses stimulate the central nervous sys- 
tem so that mental excitement and exhilaration (in man), and rest- 
lessness ensue. 

Respiration. — Even medicinal doses stimulate the respiratory 
centre and the movements become deeper and more rapid. 

Mammary Gland.- — The action on this gland is similar to that 
on other parts of the sexual apparatus and congestion and increased 
milk secretion are observed. 

Toxicology. — Large doses induce restlessness and excitement, 
rapid pulse and respiration, with fall in blood pressure. Toxic 
amounts cause convulsions and paresis, diarrhea, salivation, dyspnea 
and heart weakness. One-half a grain is said to have proved fatal 
to a dog. 

Uses. — Yohimbine is indicated in functional impotency m the 
male due either to lack of sexual desire or to lack of sexual power. 
Impotency may be symptomatic as of sexual excess, irritability, 
chronic prostatitis or vesiculitis, malnutrition, anemia, overwork and 
obesity. But in apparently healthy animals where no removable 



ACTION OF PILOCARPUS AND PILOCARPINE 399 

cause can be discovered yohimbine offers most hope of a cure. It 
stimulates sexual desire by exciting the centres and peripheral re- 
ilexes, and sexual power in the male by causing erections. 

In the female also lack of sexual desire and absence of oestrum 
may be corrected by the drug. 

Yohimbine appears to be more successful in veterinary than in 
human practice where the failures in the treatment of impotency are 
more frequent than the successes. In impotent bulls, stallions, rams, 
boars and dogs, and in barren and frigid mares, cows, ewes, sows and 
bitches the drug often acts favorably. 

Its use has been extended to other conditions. Thus it is re- 
ported to have been successful in the treatment of chronic metritis 
by occasioning active uterine hyperemia. As a nerve stimulant it 
has been employed with supposed favorable results in bovine par- 
turient paraplegia and in paraplegias of dogs. The drug is rather 
expensive at present. 



SECTION V.— DRUGS ACTING ON THE 
SECRETORY NERVES. 

Class 1. — Pilocarpus and Pilocarpine. 

Pilocarpus. Pilocarpus. (TJ. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Jaborandi, B. P. ; the leaflets of Pilocarpus 
Jaborandi Holmes, or of Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf. (Earn. 
Rutacece), yielding not less than 0.5 per cent, of alkaloids. 

Habitat. — Brazil, in the neighborhood of Pemambuco. 

Description. — Pilocarpus Jaborandi. — Very shortly and stoutly 
petioluled, the blades 6 to 12 Cm. long and 2 to 4 Cm. broad, oblong 
or oval, mostly unequal at the base, blunt and emarginate at the sum- 
mit, the margin entire and narrowly revolute ; yellowish-green, very 
smooth, shining, thick and coriaceous, the reticulate venation promi- 
nent on both sides, especially beneath ; strongly pellucid-glandular ; 
peculiarly aromatic when crushed ; taste bitterish, slightly salty, aro- 
matic, later somewhat pungent and sialagogue. 

Pilocarpus microphyllus. — Leaflets 1.2 to 3.7 Cm. long, 0.8 to 
1.6 Cm. broad; the lateral without petiolules, rhomboidally oval to 
obovate, acute at the base, blunt and unequally emarginate at the 
summit; the terminal on short, margined petiolules, almost equally 



400 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

oval to obovate, rather narrower than the lateral ; all thickish and 
rigid, with entire margin, smooth and dull green, finely pellucid- 
glandular; midrib stout, the veins rather coarsely reticulate, lightly 
prominent ; almost odorless ; taste similar to that of Pilocarpus 
Jaborandi. 

Constituents. — 1. Pilocarpine, C 1;l H 1G !Nr 2 2 (.2S-.5 per cent.) 
is the alkaloid to which jaborandi owes its principal effect. 

2. Jaborine, C^Hoo^O^ an alkaloid resembling atropine in its 
action on the heart, pupils, intestines and salivary glands, Tt occurs 
occasionally as an impurity in commercial pilocarpine, to which it 
is antagonistic. It is soluble in alcohol. (Recent investigators deny 
the action or even existence of such a substance in pilocarpus.) 

3. Pilocarpidine (C 10 H 14 ]Sr 2 O 2 ), an alkaloidal product of the de- 
composition of pilocarpine, which is inert. It is soluble in alcohol. 

4. A peculiar acid. 5. A volatile oil, chiefly pilocarpene, C ]0 H 16 . 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ss.-l. (2.-4.) ; 
IX, gr.v.-5 i. (.3-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Flmdextractum Pilocarpi. Fluidextract of Pilocarpus. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporation. 
Standardized so that each 100 cc. of the fluidextract contains 0.4 gm. of the 
alkaloids from pilocarpus. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3-ii.-iv. (8.-15.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); D., H1v.-3 i. 
(.4-4.). 

Extractum Jaborandi Liquidum. (B. P.) 
Dose same as above for fluidextract. 



Pilocarpine Hydro chloridum. Pilocarpine Hydrochloride. 
C^PI^NoO.HCl. (IT. S. P.) 

Derivation. — The hydrochloride of an alkaloid obtained from 
pilocarpus, with alcohol and hydrochloric acid, by distillation and 
evaporation. The residue is dissolved in a slight excess of ammonia 
and chloroform, shaken with water, and neutralized with hydro- 
chloric acid. Crystals of the hydrochloride form on evaporation. 
The salt is purified by recrystallization. 

Properties. — Small, colorless or white transparent crystals, 
odorless and having faintly bitter taste; deliquescent on exposure to 
damp air. Soluble in 0.3 part of water and in 2.3 parts of alcohol; 
almost insoluble in ether or in chloroform. 

Dose. — H., sialogogue, gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; cathartic, gr.ii.-v. 



PILOCARPINE NITRATE 401 

(.12-.3) ; C, cathartic, gr.v.-x. (.3-.6) ; H., diaphoretic, gr.vi.-xii. 
(.36-. 72), dangerous; Sh., gr.i. (.06) ; D., gr. % -% (.006-.02). 

Pilocarpine !Nitras. Pilocarpine Nitrate. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Colorless, or white, transparent, odorless, faintly bitter-tasting 
crystals, soluble in four parts of water and in 16 parts of alcohol. 
Permanent in the air. 

Dose. — Same as for hydrochloride. 

ACTION OF PILOCARPUS AND PILOCARPINE. 

Internal. — Alimentary, Canal. — Pilocarpine increases enor- 
mously salivary secretion, and, in a less degree, the gastric and in- 
testinal secretions. It stimulates peristaltic action of the stomach 
and bowels as well, and acts as a purgative. Salivation is due to 
direct excitation of the secretory nerve (chorda tympani) endings 
in the gland cells. Salivation occurs when pilocarpine is injected 
into the gland and prevented from entering the general circulation; 
also when the secretory nerves are severed. The action on the 
salivary glands is set aside by atropine. The parotid, submaxillary, 
and sublingual glands become somewhat tense and tender under the 
influence of pilocarpine, and the saliva is rich in salts and ptyaline, 
and contains a slight excess of urea. The unstriped muscle of the 
stomach and intestines is stimulated by pilocarpine through its action 
on the efferent nerve endings and muscular tissue. 

Circulation. — Pilocarpine increases leucocyte formation in the 
blood. In the lower animals the alkaloid stimulates the vagus end- 
ings in the heart. The action is succeeded by depression of the 
vagus terminations and, after large doses, by depression of the heart 
muscles and vagus centres. 

The pulse is then at first slow, next it becomes accelerated, and 
finally slow and weak with loss of tension. 

In man, and occasionally in dogs, the pulse is often at the begin- 
ning frequent and the vascular tension is increased. The physiolog- 
ical reasons for this are unknown. 

Respiration, — The respiration is not directly affected by the 
drug, in moderate doses, but the bronchial secretions are greatly in- 
creased, the bronchioles are much constricted, and in poisoning there 
are, in consequence, edema of the lungs and dyspnea. Weakness of 
the circulation and contraction of the bronchial muscles account for 
the edema. There is also great excess of secretion which may ag- 
gravate the drowning process. The respiration becomes weak and 
slow and death occurs from asphyxia after lethal doses. 



402 VEGETABLE DBUGS 

Nervous System and Muscles. — Medicinal doses do not cause 
any functional disturbance of the nervous system, but very large 
doses excite the spinal motor tract and reflex centres and cause con- 
vulsions in frogs, succeeded by spinal depression and paralysis. The 
latter is due in part to an influence on the muscles themselves. 
Tremors occur occasionally in man and the domestic animals in 
poisoning. The nerves escape unscathed. The involuntary muscles 
are stimulated throughout the body, owing to the direct action of the 
drug upon their motor nerve terminations. 

Shin. — Moderate doses of pilocarpine stimulate but slightly the 
secretion of sweat in the lower animals, but in man the secretion is 
enormous (1 pt). The salivary secretion appears to supplant that 
of the skin in the domestic animals, unless very large doses are em- 
ployed (H., gr.vii.-xii.), which cause diarrhea, salivation and loss 
of body weight (40 to 60 lbs.), and may entail pulmonary edema 
and heart failure. The secretory nerve terminations are stimulated. 
The secretion of tears, nasal mucus and milk are slightly increased 
in the same manner, and the growth of hair is rendered more luxuri- 
ous. 

Temperature. — The temperature is reduced by evaporation 
from the skin, if there is much sweating. 

Genito-Urinary Organs. — Pilocarpine exerts a slight and 
uncertain oxytocic action on the pregnant uterus and has sometimes 
precipitated parturition in pregnant animals at full term. The un- 
striped muscle of the spleen and bladder is stimulated, and mic- 
turition is frequent. Pilocarpine, in repeated small doses, augments 
the now of urine and probably increases tissue waste and the excre- 
tion of urea by its general action on the secretions. It is eliminated 
unchanged by the urine. 

Eye. — Pilocarpine contracts the pup-il when applied to the eye; 
it also reduces tension of the eyeball and induces contraction of the 
ciliary muscle. The myosis is due to stimulation of the peripheral 
oculomotor nerve endings. When the alkaloid is given internally it 
may contract the pupil, but jaborandi, or the fluid extract, are less 
likely to do so on account of the opposing alkaloid (jaborine), which 
tends to dilate the pupil. 

Summary. — Pilocarpine possesses two important actions. 1. 
To increase secretions (stomach, pancreas, intestines, salivary glands, 
sudoriparous, lachrymal and mammary glands, kidneys, bronchial and 
nasal mucous membranes, and ear). 2. To stimulate the involun- 
tary muscles (stomach, intestines, heart, bronchial tubes, uterus, 
bladder, spleen, vessels and iris). Both actions are peripheral and 
are exerted on the secretory and motor nerve terminations. 



ACTION OF PILOCARPUS AND PILOCARPINE 403 

Administration. — Pilocarpine is given usually when an imme- 
diate effect is desired. Therefore the hydrochloride or nitrate are 
employed subcutaneously. If prescribed in combination with eserine, 
the sulphate of both alkaloids may be used, or eserine sulphate and 
pilocarpine hydrochloride may be injected separately. 

Toxicology. — Symptoms appear in five or ten minutes after the 
subcutaneous injection of pilocarpine, and in fifteen to twenty min- 
utes after the injection of jaborandi. Salivation alone occurs after 
small doses, but with toxic quantities there are present salivation, 
accompanied by more or less sweating, intestinal colic, purging and 
perhaps vomiting, a slow, weak pulse, and dyspnea. Muscular 
tremors are observed sometimes in man, and convulsions in frogs, 
but spasmodic movements are uncommon in the domestic animals. 
Dogs have been killed by gr. % of pilocarpine. The administration 
of an amount larger than 5 grs. of the alkaloid to horses, subcutane- 
ously, is attended with danger. Cattle withstand as much as 18 
grains of pilocarpine subcutaneously without a fatal result. Atro- 
pine is the physiological antagonist of pilocarpine in relation to the 
heart, secretions, pupils, and, in large doses, probably to the intes- 
tines. On the other hand pilocarpine is not nearly so efficient an 
antidote to atropine as atropine is to pilocarpine. Enormous amounts 
of pilocarpine are required to antagonize small doses of atropine. 

So that it has not proven very useful in atropine poisoning and 
as an antidote an amount should be given at least 4 times that of the 
atropine taken. 

Atropine should be given along with strychnine and alcoholic 
stimulants, or ammonia, in jaborandi or pilocarpine poisoning. 

Uses External. — The fluidextract of pilocarpus, 1 part ; is often 
used 'with tincture of caiitharides, % part ; and alcohol, 2 parts, for 
the cure of alopecia. 

Uses Internal. — The chief value of pilocarpine in veterinary 
medicine consists in its use as a purgative to stimulate peristaltic ac- 
tion, and, to a certain extent, secretion — in combination with physos- 
tigmine — in obstinate constipation of horses, and in impaction of the 
rumen and omasum, and in acute gastritis of cattle (pilocarpine, 
gr.-iii., with eserine sulphate gr.-i., subcutaneously). It is also given 
in colic, and in obstructions from twist and intussusception, with 
physostigmine. Pilocarpine has been recommended in pneumonia 
and bronchitis as an expectorant but its tendency to pulmonary 
edema and heart weakness would contraindicate its use in these dis- 
orders. The alkaloid is a good substitute for eserine for application 
to the eye (in 1 or 2 per cent, solution), and is less painful. Pilo- 
carpine is theoretically an antidote to atropine, and should be 
administered in amount equal to 4 times that of atropine. Jaborandi 



404: VEGETABLE DKTJGS 

is employed to remove waste matters from the blood and system 
(in nephritis and effusions), but is of little value in veterinary 
practice, compared with its efficiency in human medicine, on account 
of its feeble sudorific action. It has been recommended (gr. 
M.2-%, subcut.) in dropsy of cardiac origin, not uncommon in dogs, 
but is dangerous, since it tends to produce pulmonary edema and 
heart weakness. For the same reason it is inadvisable in pleuritic 
effusions and renal dropsy, and in all three conditions it is inferior 
to purgatives and diuretics stimulating to the heart, as caffeine and 
theobromine, and paracentesis. Pilocarpine is highly recommended 
by the Germans in cerebral and spinal meningitis, to assist absorp- 
tion of effusion. Pilocarpine stimulates the skin in its elimination, 
and is sometimes of service in chronic eczema, psoriasis, prurigo, and 
chronic urticaria. Pilocarpine in alcohol (gr. i. to % iv.) applied 
externally, is the most popular remedy to stimulate the growth of air 
in alopecia. Or half an ounce each of fluidextract of pilocarpus and 
tincture of cantharides may be used with an ounce each of glycerin 
and liquid vaseline. It is recommended in chronic rheumatism as an 
eliminative, and in acute inflammation of the brain, and it may be 
employed to stimulate the gland in chronic idiopathic parotitis. 
Small doses of pilocarpine have been employed successfully to stimu- 
late a failing milk secretion, and to prevent excessive sweating in 
general debility. Jaborandi relieves dry throat and excessive thirst. 
Obesity, in robust dogs, may be treated with pilocarpine under the 
skin, in one-half grain doses daily. Success sometimes attends this 
method. The drug is contraindicated when there is impairment of 
the respiratory functions, a weak or fatty heart, and in unconscious- 
ness, when excessive secretion may obstruct the air passages. 



DIGITALIS 405 



SECTION VI.— DRUGS ACTING ON THE HEART. 

Class 1. — Increasing the Force and Decreasing the Frequency 

of the Heart. 

Digitalis. Digitalis. 

Synonym. — Digitalis folia, B. P. ; foxglove, digitalis leaves, E. ; 
digitale, feuilles de digitale pourpree (de grande digitale), Fr. ; 
fingerhutkraut, G. 

The dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea Linne (Earn. Scrophu- 
lariacece), collected from plants of the second year's growth, at the 
commencement of flowering. 

Description. — Usually in more or less crumpled and broken 
fragments; ovate to oval, from 10 to 30 Cm. long, 5 to 15 Cm. broad, 
abruptly contracted into a winged petiole from 5 to 10 Cm. long; 
thin, dull and rather pale green or grayish underneath ; upper sur- 
face wrinkled, sparsely hairy ; lower surface densely and finely 
hairy, the venation conspicuously reticulated ; margin crenate or 
erose-dentate ; the midrib and principal veins broad and flat, usually 
purplish, the lower veins continued into the wings of the petiole: 
odor slight, characteristic; taste strongly bitter. 

In the powder, stone-cells, star-shaped hairs, and calcium oxalate 
crystals are absent. 

Constituents. — The active principles of digitalis are four 
glucosicles ; the three first represent its stimulant action. 1. Digi- 
toxin, the most poisonous and active. Said to be cumulative. It 
occurs in crystals, soluble in alcohol, and chloroform, slightly in 
ether, and insoluble in water. 

Dose.— Gr., Vs-Vl (.008-.015) ; D., gr. Voso-Yoo (.0O025-.00125). 

2. Digitalein, an amorphous, bitter substance, soluble in water 
and alcohol and non-cumulative. 

Dose.—K., gr. %-% (.008-.015) ; D., gr. Moo (.0006). 

3. Digitalin, a bitter, crystalline body, soluble in alcohol, and 
sparingly soluble in water and ether. 

Dose.— H., gr. %-% (.008-.015) ; D., gr. 1 / 20 o- 1 /ioo (.0003- 
.0006). 

4. Digitonin * (C 27 H 44 13 ), resembling, or identical with, 

* There exists another glueoside in digitalis — digitophyllin — which has been 
insufficiently studied. 



406 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

saponin of senega. Soluble in water. It is a heart depressant, mus- 
cular paralyzant and powerful irritant, besides being antagonistic to 
digitalis. In addition to these principles, there are: 5. Digitin, 
an inert body. 6. Digitalic and antirrhinic acids, 7. Tannin, 
coloring matters, starch, sugar, gum, a volatile oil, salts, etc., com- 
mon to most vegetables. 

Five substances are found in commerce: 1. Xativelle's digi- 
talin (C 25 H 40 O 15 ), occurring in white crystalline tufts composed 
of needles. It is bitter, and soluble in alcohol and chloroform ; in- 
soluble in water or ether. It contains digitoxin, digitalin, digitalein 
and digitonin, but mainlv digitoxin, and is cumulative. 

Dose.—R. & C, gr. V^V 2 (.015-.03) ; D., gr. V 60 -%o (.001- 
.002). 

2. Homolle's or Quevenne's digitalin, an amorphous, whitish 
powder, or small scales ; very bitter, inodorous, and soluble in alcohol 
and in 2,000 parts of water. It is composed largely of digitalin, 
with a little digitoxin. 

Dose. — H. & C, gr. % (.015) = gr. 22% of digitalis leaves; 
D., gr. Ygo-Yso (-001-.002) = gr. iy 2 -3 of digitalis leaves. 

3. German Digitalinum Purum, consisting chiefly of digitalein 
with some digitalin and digitonin. 

Dose.— H., gr. ss.-i. (.03-.06) ; D., gr. Veo-Yso (.001-.002). 

Neither Nativelle's nor Homolle's digitalin form a complete sub- 
stitute for digitalis, and their use is not recommended. Schmiede- 
berg's digitalin* is, however, said to be the best substitute, by emi- 
nent authority. 

4. Digitoxin, see above for doses. 5. Digitalin, see above for 
doses. 

Incompatibility. — Digitalis is incompatible with tannic acid, 
lead acetate, cinchona and ferric salts. 

Digitalis Folia Dose. — H., gr.x.-3 i. (.6-.4) ; C, 5 ss.-i.ss. 
(2.-6.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.v.-xv. (.3-1.) ; D., gr.ss.'-iii. (.03-.2). 



PREPARATIONS. 

Eootractum Digitalis. Extract of Digitalis. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water; distillation 
of the alcohol and evaporation to pilular consistence. 

Dose.— H. & O., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3); D., gr.|-l. (.008-.06). 



* This preparation is the Digitalin "German" of Merck, and may be given 
in the same doses as Homolle's digitalin. No one glucoside of digitalis repre- 
sents the action of the whole drug, as obtained by use of the tincture or fluid- 
extract. 



ACTION OF DIGITALIS 407 

Fluidextractum Digitalis. Fluidextract of Digitalis. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evapo- 
ration, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose— H., 1Tlx.-3i. (.6-4.); C, 3 ss.-i.ss. (2.-6.); Sh. & Sw., TTlv.-xv. (.3-1.); 
D., 1TLss.-iii. (.03-.2). 

Tinctura Digitalis. Tincture of Digitalis. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of powdered digitalis (100), with 
sufficient alcohol and water to make 1,000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, 3ii.-vi. (8.-24.); Sh. & Sw., in.xxx.-3i.ss. (2.-6.); D., 
TTLv.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

Infusum Digitalis. Infusion of Digitalis. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Digitalis, 15; alcohol, 100; cinnamon water, 150; boiling water, 500; cold 
water to make 1,000. By maceration. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, §ii.-vi. (60.-180.); Sh. & Sw., § ss.-i. (15.-30.); D., 3 i.-iv. 
(4.-15.)* 

Digitalone is a watery, fluidextract corresponding in strength 
to the tincture (10 per cent, of crude drug) preserved by admixture 
with chloretone (0.6 per cent.) and representing all the active prin- 
ciples of digitalis. It is moreover standardized by physiological 
tests and is sterile. 

The preparation is now probably the best for internal or sub- 
cutaneous use in the same doses as the tincture. 

It is excellent, therefore, to use under the skin in emergencies 
as in heart failure from disease, after operations, and in shock and 
poisoning. The action of digitalis being slow such drugs as alcohol, 
ammonia and camphor should first be resorted to in these conditions. 

ACTION OF DIGITALIS. 

External. — 1ST one. 

Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — Digitalis in large doses is a 
gastro-intestinal irritant, and in poisoning causes nausea, colic, purg- 
ing, and vomiting in animals capable of the act. 

Circulation. — The dominant action of digitalis is expended upon 
the heart and blood vessels. After medicinal doses we find the pulse 
becomes: 1. Slower. 2. Fuller and stronger. 3. More regular in 
rhythm, if previously irregular. In poisoning, these phenomena are 
reversed and the pulse is: 1. Rapid. 2. Weak. 3. Irregular. 
The therapeutic effects following moderate doses are due to : 1. 
Stimulation of the heart muscle, and perhaps its contained ganglia 



* The infusion contains chiefly digitonin and digitalein, on account of their 
solubility in water, and therefore is lacking in the most stimulating principles. 



408 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

(pulse stronger and somewhat less frequent). 2. Excitation of the 
vagus centre and the vagus cardiac terminations (pulse infrequent). 
3. Stimulation of the muscular walls of the vessels and vasomotor 
centres (increased vascular tension). The tension is also augmented 
by the greater force of the heart beat, and, on the other hand, the 
heart is slowed in overcoming the increased resistance in the vessels. 
In consequence of the action on the heart the ventricular contractions 
are complete and forcible (stimulation of the heart muscle) ; and 
the diastolic period is lengthened (increased dilatation of the ven- 
tricle owing to vagus stimulation) ; therefore, more blood enters the 
viscus and more is squeezed out with each contraction. In poison- 
ing, the symptoms noted above follow: 1. Excessive irritability of 
the heart muscle (pulse rapid). 2. Insufficient filling of the vessels 
and paralysis of the vessel walls (low tension). 3. Irregularities of 
rhythm occur (pulse irregular). There may be several systoles with 
scarcely any diastolic periods ; the heart may beat slowly and weakly 
at one time, and rapidly and strongly at another. All sorts of in- 
describable irregularities in rhythm may be seen. At one time the 
heart beats slowly and weakly; at another time the heart beats 
rapidly and strongly. The heart, during this irregular toxic 
period, is seen to be unequally affected, in that one portion (the apex) 
may be firmly contracted while the rest of the ventricle is dilated. 
Moreover, the auricles and ventricles do not act synchronously, owing 
to inhibition of impulses from auricle to ventricle. The irregulari- 
ties and rapidity of rhythm increase more and more (delirium 
cordis), until both auricles and ventricles lapse into fibrillary con- 
tractions, and death in mammals occurs in diastolic arrest with dila- 
tation to the extreme limit. It has been taught, that this arrhythmia 
and rapidity of the heart's action is due to the fact that the excited 
vagi are fighting with the stimulated muscular contractions for su- 
premacy. That forcible contractions are contending against pro- 
longed dilatation of the ventricles. Recent work shows, however, 
that in the last stage of poisoning by digitalis irritability of the heart 
muscle accounts for the acceleration of the heart, while the fact that 
one pair of chambers is acted upon more readily than the other pair 
explains the arrhythmia. Again it has been held that the action of 
digitalis depends on the prolongation of the rest period of the heart 
which both conserves the strength of that organ and permits more 
time for the filling of the coronary arteries during diastole with 
increase of the cardiac nutrition. 

This is not the case. Aconite prolongs diastole, which lessens 
the output of the heart, and none would think of using aconite as a 
heart stimulant for this reason, 
heart stimulant for this reason. Moreover, the coronary arteries are 



ACTION OF DIGITALIS 409 

filled during ventricular systole but their finer ramifications are only 
supplied during diastole. 

So that it must be here especially emphasized that the peculiar 
and beneficent action of the digitalis series is clue almost wholly to 
its action in directly stimulating the heart muscle which results in 
this organ doing two and one-half times its usual work (Gottlieb 
and Magnus). 

In the frog the action of digitalis in exciting cardiac contractions 
is much more marked than in mammals. Here the ventricular con- 
tractions become longer and stronger and the rest periods shorter and 
weaker until in lethal poisoning the heart stops in one prolonged 
systole with complete obliteration of the ventricular chamber. The 
slowing of the rhythm in the frog is due to prolonged systole. In 
mammals slowing in rhythm is due to both prolonged systole and 
diastole. 

Slowing of the heart owing to increased diastolic rest would 
naturally diminish the total output of the heart but with medicinal 
doses of digitalis the stimulating effect on the heart muscle is much 
more marked than vagus stimulation. When diastole is much pro- 
longed by an over-dose of the drug then the total output of the heart 
is actually lessened. In the normal mammalian heart dilatation of 
the ventricles is favored by digitalis but, in the heart dilated by 
disease, the dilatation may be overcome by the drug's action in stimu- 
lating the heart muscle. 

The action of digitalis on the heart is more pronounced in dogs 
and sheep than in horses and cattle. The characteristic effect of 
digitalis is observed when it is applied locally to the isolated nerve- 
free apex, or when the vagi are previously cut or paralyzed by 
atropine, and when the spinal cord is destroyed. These facts show 
that the heart muscle is influenced. That the peripheral vagi are 
stimulated, is shown by the fact that an amount of galvanic stimula- 
tion of the vagi, ineffective before poisoning, will, after exhibition 
of digitalis, cause diastolic arrest of the heart. In regard to the 
vessels, experiments conducted on the terrapin exhibit the fact that 
when the vessels are deprived of their nerve supply, the heart excised, 
and an artificial circulation substituted, even then vascular con- 
traction and retardation of flow will occur under the influence of 
digitalin added to the factitious blood. The resultant of the various 
actions of medicinal doses of digitalis is increased work of the heart, 
so that more blood is pumped throughout the body in any given unit 
of time. 

Respiration, — The respiratory centres are only influenced by 
toxic doses, being first stimulated and then depressed by digitalis: 
the respiration is first rapid and deep, and later weak and imperfect. 



410 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

Nervous System and Muscles.- — These are not influenced by 
therapeutic doses of digitalis. Toxic quantities cause loss of reflex 
action, muscular weakness, vomiting, and convulsions in the frog. 
The first two phenomena are due to primary stimulation of the 
inhibitory reflex centres of Setschenow in the medulla, followed by 
general paralysis of the spinal cord, and direct depression of the 
motor nerves and muscles ; while the convulsions are also caused by 
stimulation of the medulla, 

Temperature.- — The temperature is unaffected by medicinal 
doses. Toxic doses reduce temperature. Fever is lowered by large 
doses of digitalis, but it is rarely safe to use the drug as an anti- 
pyretic. Moreover, digitalis is sometimes inoperative as a heart 
stimulant in fever, because the functional activity of the vagus centres 
and peripheral terminations is depressed and insensitive to the action 
of the drug. 

Kidneys. — Metabolism and Elimination. — The influence of digi- 
talis on the amount of urinary secretion is variable. It may exert 
a slight stimulating effect upon the renal secreting cells. (Albumin 
and blood in urine in poisoning.) If general vascular tension is low- 
ered (cardiac disease), digitalis will exert a diuretic action in con- 
sequence of increasing blood pressure. As a rule, it may be stated 
that if digitalis increases the systemic vascular tension more than 
that of the kidney (stimulating pressure in glomerules), diuresis 
follows. The effect of digitalis on tissue waste is uncertain and the 
mode of its elimination is unknown. Experiments relative to the 
composition of the urine are conflicting. The smooth muscle of 
the uterus is said to be stimulated to contraction by digitalis. 

Cumulative Action. — Digitalis and strychnine are said to be 
cumulative in their action. Evidence is stronger in the case of the 
former drug than in that of the latter. By cumulative action is 
meant sudden transition from a therapeutic to a toxic effect. This 
may be due to three causes. 1. Tardy absorption. 2. Increasing 
susceptibility. 3. Delayed elimination and accumulation of the 
drug in the system. The cumulative action of digitalis is chiefly due 
to the latter cause. It should never be administered in full medicinal 
closes uninterruptedly for any considerable length of time. 

Toxicology. — Poisoning may occur from large single doses 
within 3 to 10 hours of their ingestion, and last for 16 or more hours 
with a fatal result ; or may appear suddenly after the administration 
for several days of large medicinal doses (cumulative action). A 
minimum fatai dose for the horse is about 3 vi. of digitalis, or gr.i.ss. 
of Homolle's digitalin. Eor dogs, 3 i. of digitalis, or gr. 14 of digi- 
talin. Cattle take enormous doses of digitalis by the mouth without 
toxic effect. 



ACTION OF DIGITALIS 411 

Large doses may, however, induce abortion and a dose of two 
and a half drams is said to have caused premature labor in a cow. 

The symptoms exhibited are chiefly concerned with the digestion 
and circulation. They consist in dulness, lassitude, loss of appetite, 
nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, infrequent, full pulse (reduced 6-10 
beats in the horse), and contracted pupils. There is vomiting in 
dogs. In fatal cases these symptoms are followed by severe colic and 
tympanites ; rapid, feeble, dicrotic, irregular or intermittent pulse 
(120-140 in horses), while the heart may be heard and felt beating 
wildly and strongly, and a systolic blowing murmur can frequently 
be detected. This is due to mitral or tricuspid regurgitation caused 
by irregular contraction of the columnar carna?. The pulse is im- 
perceptible because of the failure of the heart to fill the vessels. The 
extremities are cold, the eye is protruding, and salivation occurs. 
Bloody diarrhea is very often present and the urine may be sup- 
pressed. The breathing Anally becomes difficult and death ensues 
within a few hours, or as late as several days. 

Treatment. — Evacuation of the stomach and bowels. Tannic 
acid, as a chemical antidote, alcohol, opium, and aconite, which is the 
physiological antagonist in depressing the action of the heart and 
lowering blood tension. In addition, external heat should be applied 
and complete quiet and rest secured. 

Administration. — In view of its slow absorption and elimination 
full doses of digitalis should not be given by the mouth oftener than 
twice daily or once in twenty-four hours, after its effect has been 
secured. Very large doses may be given, however, repeatedly, in 
case of threatened heart failure, by the subcutaneous method. The 
appearance of indigestion, nausea or dulness, and a decided fall in 
the pulse rate, should be a warning to stop the administration at 
once. The best preparations are the ticture, infusion, and fluid- 
extract. 

Uses Exter'nal. — Digitalis is occasionally employed as a poultice 
of the leaves, applied over the loins to promote diuresis, or in local 
inflammation, to contract vessels. 

Uses Internal. — Among all other drugs digitalis stands out pre- 
eminently as the heart stimulant. None may take its place. Yet 
it has even been classified as a heart depressant. It may, however, 
exert a sedative effect upon a weak, rapid, irregular heart, by increas- 
ing the inhibitory and muscular power. Digitalis is indicated : (1) 
In all conditions where the heart is weak, irregular or intermittent, 
and the circulation sluggish; (2) as a diuretic, chiefly in dropsy 
secondary to cardiac disease, but also in that of renal origin ; digitalis 
has also been used (3) as a hemostatic in internal hemorrhage, and 



412 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

(4) to reduce temperature in fever; but, in both of the last two in- 
stances, with questionable advantage. 

1. In syncope following disease, shock, injury or poisoning 
(aconite), digitalone is invaluable when injected subcutaneously to- 
gether with alcoholic stimulants. Its action is slow, however, and 
in emergencies it should be reinforced by the use of strychnine or 
adrenalin. In acute diseases, digitalis is one of the most generally 
serviceable stimulants. The drug is peculiarly applicable in the 
second stage of pneumonia, because it strengthens the right ventricle, 
forces the blood through the obstructed lung, and prevents systemic 
venous engorgement and arterial anemia. In other words, it 
equalizes the circulation. Moreover, in stimulating the peripheral 
vagi, digitalis improves the tone of the bronchioles and prevents col- 
lapse of the air vesicles, and, by the same action, steadies the rhythm 
of the breathing. The drug is likewise an efficient circulatory stimu- 
lant in influenza of horses and distemper of dogs. Digitalis is fre- 
quently prescribed in chronic bronchitis and emphysema, to 
strengthen the heart and obviate passive pulmonary congestion and 
cough. Valvular disease of the heart, in its various phases, is the 
most common field of usefulness for digitalis in human medicine, 
but in veterinary practice these disorders are rarer and the exact 
. lesion difficult or impossible to diagnose. In mitral stenosis and 
regurgitation and aortic stenosis, with lack of compensatory hyper- 
trophy of the heart and evidence of circulatory disturbances, digi- 
talis is clearly indicated. In these conditions the drug enables the 
heart to pump more blood into the arteries and prevents engorge- 
ment of the right heart and veins and the occurrence of dropsy. 
Digitalis is counter-indicated in aortic insufficiency, because in pro- 
longing diastole it allows more time for the blood to flow back from 
the aorta through the leaky valve into the ventricle. As a general 
proposition, digitalis is inferior to aconite in simple cardiac hyper- 
trophy. But this does not apply when enlargement of the heart is 
insufficient to compensate for valvular lesions. 

Digitalis is extremely successful in palpitation of the heart 
(horses) following over-exertion, but is not appropriate in palpita- 
tion due to nervousness (dogs), or to indigestion. Digitalis may 
be exhibited to advantage in rheumatic fever and in endocarditis or 
pericarditis to quiet the heart and secure rest by prolonging diastole. 
2. Digitalis is a valuable diuretic in dropsy of cardiac origin 
by stimulating the heart and overcoming venous stasis in the kidneys 
and elsewhere. Digitalis is frequently prescribed with squill and 
calomel (D., gr. i. of each) in pills for this purpose. It is^ often 
desirable to combine iron preparations with digitalis. Turbidity re- 
sults from the action of iron on the tannic acid contained in digitalis 



STKOPHANTHIN 413 

when in solution, but this can be removed by the addition of a little 
diluted phosphoric acid. 

3. Since digitalis contracts the uterus and blood vessels, it has 
been prescribed in uterine hemorrhage, and to stop bleeding from 
other internal parts ; but it is inferior to ergot on account of the gen- 
eral rise of blood tension. Hemoptysis, due to passive congestion 
of the lungs in mitral disease, is relieved by digitalis. 

4. The use of digitalis in large doses as an antipyretic in fevers? 
is not without clanger and is inadvisable. 



Strophanti! us. Strophanthus. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

The seed of Strophanthus Kombe Oliver (nat. ord. Apocynacese),, 
deprived of its long awn. 

Habitat. — -Tropical Africa. There are eighteen species, and the 
seeds from at least two are found in commerce. This has led to 
some confusion, as the chemical and physiological properties of their 
different products vary to some extent. 

Description-. — Of a light fawn-brown color, with a, distinct green- 
ish tinge; about 15 Mm. long and 4 to 5 Mm. wide, 2 to 2.5 Mm. 
thick, lance-ovoid, obtuse at the base, gradually acuminate and some- 
what acute at the summit, usually twisted, bearing on one side a 
ridge running from about the centre to the apex ; silky-lustrous from 
a dense coating of closely appressed hairs, which mostly lie in longi- 
tudinal grooves on the surface ; fracture short and somewhat soft, 
the fractured surface whitish and oily; kernel consisting of a thin 
endosperm enclosing straight cotyledons ; odor slight, or heavy when 
the seeds are crushed and moistened ; taste very bitter. 

The endosperm, and often parts of the cotyledons, quickly as- 
sume a green color when crushed or cut and treated with concentrated 
sulphuric acid. Under the microscope the hairs are seen to be of a 
light greenish-brown color, 1 Mm. or less in length and to consist of 
but one thin-walled cell. 

Constituents. — The chief one is (1) Strophanthin, C 31 H 48 12 
(8-10 per cent.), a glucoside occurring in white or faintly yellowish 
crystalline powders, and having a very bitter taste. Soluble in 
water and alcohol, and insoluble in chloroform or ether. Decom- 
posed by sulphuric acid into glucose and strophanthidin. Stro- 
phanthin is said to be contained only in S. Kombe, It varies in 
composition and strength and decomposes in solution. (2) Kom- 
bic acid. (3) An alkaloid, Ineine. (1) Tanghinin, occurring in 
rhombic prisms. 



414 VEGETABLE DKUGS 

PREPARATION. 

Tinctura Strophanthi. Tincture of Strophanthus. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by digestion and percolation of strophanthus (100) with alcohol and 
water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose. — H. & C, 3 i.-iv. (4.-15.); D., TTLii.-x. (.12-. 6). The minimum doses 
should be used at first, since preparations vary in strength. 



Stkop-hanthinum. Strophanthin. 
(U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., gr. %-% (.012-.03) ; D., gr. V200 (.0003). The glu- 
coside is not always pure and the dose is uncertain and must be given 
with caution in the smaller doses first. 

Action External. — Strophanthus is a local anesthetic. 

Action Internal. — Strophanthus is a gastro-intestinal irritant in 
large doses, like digitalis, and produces violent purging and some- 
times vomiting. On account of its bitter qualities it may act in 
small medicinal doses as a stomachic, improving appetite and stimu- 
lating gastric secretion and motion. 

Circulation. — The action of strophanthus on the circulation is 
very similar to that of digitalis, but it is a more powerful and un- 
certain heart stimulant and produces less vascular constriction. By 
its influence the heart beats are made more forcible, infrequent and 
regular. Diastole is prolonged and systole is strengthened but un- 
altered in time. Arterial tension is raised and the pulse wave is 
increased in volume and force. The physiological details are not 
so well ascertained as are those of digitalis, but it is known that 
strophanthus directly stimulates the heart muscle in moderate doses. 
The vessels are slightly contracted, but not nearly as much so as by 
digitalis. Increased blood pressure results mainly from the aug- 
mented heart's action. In poisoning, the peripheral vagi are para- 
lyzed and vascular tension falls, owing probably to tetanic contrac- 
tion of the ventricles. The heart is arrested in systole or diastole. 

Nervous System, — Muscles and Respiration, — Strophanthus is a 
powerful muscle poison. Therapeutic doses increase muscular ac- 
tivity and tone, while toxic quantities paralyze voluntary muscles. 
Medicinal doses not only stimulate the voluntary muscles, but also 
the unstriped muscle of the heart, and to some extent that of the 
vessel walls. The nerve centres and trunks are unaffected except 
by the local application of strophanthus, which paralyzes the sensory 
nerve endings and muscular tissue. The respiration is uninfluenced 
by therapeutic doses of strophanthus, but in poisoning death some- 



CON VALL ARIA 415 

times takes place from respiratory failure following paralysis of the 
respiratory muscles. 

Kidneys. — The kidneys are irritated by large closes of stro- 
phanthus and the urine is albuminous. Inflammation of the renal 
tubules with minute hemorrhages are found post mortem. The 
renal vessels are not dilated, and the oncometer shows that the size 
of the kidney is not increased. The drug stimulates the secretory 
cells of the renal tubules and causes diuresis directly as well as indi- 
rectly by increasing general blood pressure. The active principle 
is eliminated in the urine. A cumulative action in the lower animals 
and in man has been noted by several observers. 

Uses Internal. — In general, it may be stated that the indica- 
tions for strophanthus are identical with those for digitalis, but the 
former is not so certain in its effects. It is of value as a substitute 
for digitalis when this medicine is not well borne, and to replace 
digitalis temporarily in order to avoid its cumulative action. On 
account of the stimulant and diuretic properties of strophanthus, it 
is useful in mitral disease, cardiac dropsy, pericardial and pleural 
effusions, pulmonary edema, and chronic nephritis ; but in heart 
disease digitalis should be tried first. 

Cowvallaeia. Convallaria. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Lily of the Valley, E. ; muguet, Fr. The rhizome 
and roots of Convallaria majalis Linne (nat. ord. Liliacese). 

Habitat. — United States, in the Alleghany Mountains, Europe 
and northern Asia. 

Description. — Of horizontal growth and somewhat branched; 
about 3 Mm. thick, cylindrical, wrinkled, whitish, marked with few 
circular scars; at the annulate joint with about 8 or 10 long thin 
roots ; fracture somewhat fibrous, white ; odor peculiar, pleasant ; 
taste sweetish, bitter and somewhat acrid. 

Constituents. — Two glucosides; (1) Convallamarin (C 46 H 44 
24 ), the active principle. A white powder, having a sweet, bitter 
taste, and soluble in water and alcohol. (2) Convallarin (C 34 II 31 
L1 ), occurring in prismatic crystals, soluble in alcohol, sparingly 
in water, and insoluble in ether. A purgative. 

PREPARATION. 

Fluidextractum Convallarice. Fluidextract of Convallaria. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporation, 
so that 1 cc. = 1 gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3i.-iv. (4.-15.); D., TTlv.-x. (.3-.6). 



416 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Action and Uses Internal. — Convallaria, by virtue of convalla- 
marin, resembles digitalis in its action on the heart, vessels and 
kidneys, but is not so reliable and powerful. The indications for its 
use are the same as those for digitalis. In some cases it is successful 
where the latter drug has failed. Occasionally purging has resulted 
owing to the convallarin in convallaria. The fatal dose of convalla- 
marin is stated by Marme to be gr. 14 to 1/0, (.015-.03) for dogs, and 
yet the dose recommended in veterinary text books is gr. % to 2 (.03- 
.12). The glucoside is not a pure principle and therefore varies in 
strength. For this reason the dose is uncertain and its use unde- 
sirable. 

Scilla. Squill. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Squills, E. ; meerzwiebel, G. ; scille, squille, Er. ; 
bulbus scilla?, P. G. 

The bulb of Urginea maritima (Linne) Baker (nat, ord. 
Liliacese), deprived of its dry, membranaceous outer scales, and cut 
into thin slices, the central portions being rejected. 

Habitat. — Southern Europe, on the shores of the Mediter- 
ranean. 

Description. — In narrow segments about 5 cm. long, slightly 
translucent, yellowish-white or reddish, brittle and pulverizable when 
dry: tough and flexible after exposure to damp air; inodorous; taste 
mucilaginous, bitter and acrid. 

Constituents.- — -Various active principles have been recovered, 
but it is doubtful if any completely represent the action of the drug. 
All possess some poisonous properties. Merck sells three substances 
derived from squill: (1) Scillitoxin, a glucoside. (2) Scillipi- 
crin. (3) Scillin. In addition, the drug contains mucilage. 

Squill Dose.—IL., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; G, 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh., 
gr.xv.-xxx. (1.-2.); D., gr.i.-v. (.06-.3). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluiclextractum Scillce. Fluidextract of Squill. (U. S. P.) 
Made by maceration and percolation with acetic acid and water, and 

evaporation, so that 1 Cc. — 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); Sh., ITTxv.-xxx. (1.-2.); D., 

Tlli.-v. (.06-.3). 

Tvnctura Scillce. Tincture of Squill. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Made by maceration and percolation of squill, 100; with alcohol and water 

to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., 3vi.-gi.ss. (24.-45.); C, § i.ss.-iii. (45.-90.); Sh., 3 i.ss.-iii. 

(6.-12.); D., ulv.-xxx. (.3-2.). 



SQUILL 417 

Syrupus Scillce. Syrup of Squill. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by boiling and filtering vinegar of squill, 450; adding sugar, 800; 
straining and adding water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 
Vose.—R., Ess. (15.); D., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 
Incompatible with ammonium carbonate. 

Syrupus Scillce Corn-posit us. Compound Syrup of Squill. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Coxe's Hive Syrup. Fluidextract of squill, SO; fluidextract of 
senega, 80; antinionium and potassium tartrate, 2; purified talc, 20; sugar, 
750; water to make 1000. 

Dose. — D., fllv.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

Pil. Ipecachuanhae cum Scilla. (B. P.) 

Contains 5 per cent, opium. Dogs, gr.ii.-viii. The compound syrup (U. 
S. P.), or the pill of ipecac with squill (B. P.), are good cough remedies 
for dogs. 

A ction Internal. — Gastro-intestinal Tract. — Therapeutic doses 
do not exert any effect, but toxic quantities cause vomiting and purg- 
ing in dogs, with fall of temperature, stupor, intermittent paralysis, 
convulsions, suppression or scanty secretion of bloody urine, and 
death within 12 or 15 hours. Lesions of gastro-enteritis and con- 
gestion of the kidneys are found after death. 

Circulation. — The action of squill on the heart and vessels is 
practically identical with that of digitalis. 

^ Respiration. — Clinical experience, rather than physiological ex- 
periments, has shown that squill acts as an expectorant during its 
elimination from the bronchial mucous membrane, thereby increas- 
ing secretion and vascularity. 

Kidneys. — Squill is eliminated mainly by the kidneys, and in its 
excretion directly stimulates them and increases the amount of urine. 
In toxic doses it produces acute parenchymatous nephritis and 
urinary suppression, Squill is a more powerful diuretic than digi- 
talis. 

Uses Internal. — Squill is useful in ascites of dogs, resulting 
from valvular lesions or otherwise, to stimulate the heart and cause 
diuresis. It may be given to advantage in pill with digitalis, calomel, 
and extract of hyoscyamus — one grain of each. Small doses of squill 
are often exhibited to dogs in the second stage of acute bronchitis, 
and occasionally to horses, as an expectorant ; and in large doses as an 
emetic for dogs in the form of the simple or compound syrup. The 
drug is indicated in bronchitis with scanty secretion, or when exuda- 
tion is excessive to improve the tone of the bronchial mucous mem- 
brane. 



418 -VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Class 2. — Decreasing" the Force and Frequency of the Heart. 

Aconitum. Aconite. 

Synonym. — Aconiti radix, B. P. ; racine d'aconit, Fr. ; tubera 
aconiti, P. G. ; eisenhutknollen, G. The tuber of Aconitum Napel- 
lus Linne (nat. ord. Ranunculacege). Should yield not less than 0.5 
per cent, of aconitine. 

Habitat. — Northwestern North America, Europe and Asia in 
mountainous regions, and cultivated in the United States for its 
showy flowers. 

Description. — From 10 to 20 Mm. thick at the crown ; conically 
contracted below; from 50 to 75 Mm. long, with scars or fragments 
of radicles ; dark brown externally, whitish internally, with a rather 
thick bark; the central axis about seven-rayed ; -without odor; taste 
at first sweetish, soon becoming acrid and producing a sensation of 
tingling and numbness which lasts for some time. 

Constituents. — The alkaloid representing the action of the drug 
is aconitine (Co 3 H 45 NO l2 ?), which is precipitated by ammonia from 
an aqueous solution of an alcoholic extract of the root of various 
species. It is a colorless, crystalline, or amorphous, gray powder, 
almost insoluble in water, and soluble in 22 parts of alcohol, in 44 
parts of ether, and 1 part of chloroform. Its salts are soluble in 
water. Aconitine or its solutions, unless very dilute, are too poison- 
ous to be tasted. 

Commercial preparations vary in purity and strength, and since 
it is extremely poisonous (an Indian arrow poison) its internal ad- 
ministration is undesirable. Pseudo-aconitine (C 36 H 49 NO tl ), acon- 
ine (CsgHayNOn), and other alkaloids in combination with aconitic 
acid (C 6 H 6 6 ), have been obtained from aconite, but their identity 
and chemistry are uncertain. 

Aconite Dose. — H. & C, gr.iii.-xx. (.2-1.3) ; D., gr. Mo-ii- 
(.006-.12). 

Aconitince Nitras. (Squibb.) Subcutaneously. 

H., gr. y 30 (.002); D,, W^ioo (.0003-.00O6). 

Aconitina. Aconitine. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Occurs in colorless or white rhombic tables or prisms, possessing 
no odor, and permanent in the air. Almost insoluble in water. 

Aconitine often contains a considerable proportion of aconine 
and benzaconine, and so varies in activity, which is a great objection 
to the use of one of the most powerful drugs known. (Vid. supra.) 



ACONITINE' 419 

PREPABATIONS. 

Tinctura Aconiti. Tincture of Aconite. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Teinture de racine d'aconit, Fr. ; eisenhuttinktur, G. Made by 
maceration and percolation of aconite., 100; with alcohol and water to make 
1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., 1TT.xx.-3i. (1.3-4.); C, 3 ss.-i.ss. (2.-6.); Sh. & Sw., ni.x.-xx. 
(.6-1.3) ; D., ITlii.-x. (.12-.6). 

Fluidextractum Aconiti. Fluidextract of Aconite. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evapora- 
tion. Assayed so that each 100 c.c. contains 0.4 gm. aconitine. 
Dose.— H. & C, 1U.iii.-xx. (.2-1.3); D., HUi -ii. (.006-. 12). 

JJnguentum Aconitince. (B. P.) (2 per cent.) 

Linvmentum Aconiti. (B. P.) 

Fleming's Tincture. (Non-official.) (79 per cent.) 

Dose.— H., fll.vii.-xv. (.5-1.) J D-, TTU-ii. (.015-.12). 

ACONITE AND ACONITINE. 

Action External. — Aconite or aconitine applied to mncons mem- 
branes, raw surfaces or the unbroken skin, irritates and then para- 
lyzes the nerves of touch and temperature. This is evidenced > in the 
human subject by a sensation of tingling and burning, followed by 
numbness and local anesthesia. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract.- — Aconite in medicinal doses 
has no special effect on the digestive organs. Toxic doses produce 
nausea and retching, and, in animals capable of the act, vomiting. 

Circulation.- — -The chief therapeutic value of aconite depends 
upon its influence over the heart and vessels. It reduces the fre- 
quency of the cardiac pulsations and lowers blood tension owing to 
stimulation of the vagus centre in the medulla. This is the chief 
effect of aconite on the circulation in medicinal doses. The action 
on the heart is not to weaken it in therapeutic doses but simply to 
slow it — pure inhibition. It is improper, therefore, to classify 
aconite as decreasing the force of the heart, save in toxic doses. In 
medicinal doses it makes the systolic contractions more powerful and 
causes increased dilatation in diastole. It may, however, be re- 
garded as a circulatory depressant in slowing the heart since it thus 
weakens blood pressure. In fatal poisoning by the drug, however, 
the action of the heart becomes rapid and irregular. The time of 
contraction of the auricles does not correspond with ventricular con- 
traction, and the lack of rhythm and irregularity increase until the 
heart is thrown into delirium and fibrillation. 



420 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Depending on this condition of the heart, the blood pressure is 
naturally subject to momentary variations. The rapidity and ir- 
regularity of the heart are due to paralysis of the inhibitory appa- 
ratus and great irritability of the cardiac muscle, with weakened con- 
traction and conduction, occurring simultaneously. 

The vasomotor centre is slightly stimulated by medicinal doses, 
but the blood pressure is lowered through the slowing of the heart 
beats, prolonged diastole, and lessened cardiac output. In poison- 
ing there is paralysis of the vasomotor centres. 

The heart is arrested in diastole, but death immediately results 
from respiratory failure, 

Nervous System. — The most striking effect of aconite on the 
nervous system (in man) consists in tingling followed by loss of 
sensation and temperature sense after large medicinal doses. This 
phenomenon is due to stimulation succeeded by depression of the 
sensory nerve terminations. The drug is not comparable with 
opium, since doses large enough to produce a general anodyne action 
are dangerous. 

Poisonous doses of aconite cause muscular twitching and loss 
of motor power, which result from excitation, and finally paralysis 
of the motor nerve endings. Convulsions occur in poisoning. These 
are thought to follow stimulation of the medulla as the higher 
cerebral centres are often unimpaired. Stimulation and then de- 
pression of the lower divisions of the nervous system — especially 
the medulla and peripheral sensory and motor nerves — describe the 
general effect of aconite. Its influence over the cord is uncertain. 

Respiration. — The breathing of animals under the influence of 
aconite resembles that observed after section of the vagi. The res- 
piration is slow and labored ; the expiration is prolonged, and is suc- 
ceeded by a considerable interval before the next inspiration. This 
condition is brought about by depression of the medullary respiratory 
centres. 

Temperature.- — The bodily heat is reduced by aconite in fever, 
after medicinal doses, and in poisoning by the drug. Retarded cir- 
culation with possibly some action on the heat regulating centres 
and therefore heat dissipation, probably explain the antipyretic 
action. 

Skin. — Aconite sometimes produces slight diaphoresis. The 
cause of this action is unknown. 

Kidneys and Elimination. — The urinary flow is somewhat in- 
creased, especially in fever. The cause is uncertain. Aoonitine is 
eliminated in the urine. 

Toxicology. — The minimum fatal dose of aconite is about 3 i. 
for the horse; gr. xx. for medium sized dogs; and gr.v.-vi. for cats. 



ACONITE AND ACONITINE 421 

The smallest fatal close recorded in man is a teaspoonfnl of tincture of 
aconite (IT. S. P. 1890), equivalent to about gr. xxx. of the crude drug. 
The minimum lethal quantity of aconitine is gr. Vie for man, and 
about the same for cats. For dogs it is from gr. *4 to gr. V 2 . The 
writer has found that cats will live from fifteen minutes to half an 
hour after receiving the smaller deadly doses under the shin, but 
large doses produce death immediately by paralyzing the heart. 
Large therapeutic doses cause, in horses, restlessness, pawing the 
ground, shaking of the head, champing of the jaws, increased secre- 
tion of salivary mucus, and attempts at swallowing, probably owing 
to the peculiar sense of irritation produced by the drug in the throat. 
Nausea and retching are observed in all animals, while vomiting 
occurs in dogs and cats. The pulse and respiration are weakened 
and generally retarded. After lethal doses these symptoms are in- 
tensified. We observe violent retching, frequent and difficult attacks 
of swallowing, ejection of frothy mucus from the mouth, copious 
sweating in horses; pulse first weak and infrequent, later rapid, 
running and almost imperceptible; respiration slow, interrupted, and 
shallow, and reduction of temperature. Death is preceded by mus- 
cular twitchings in the horse and loss of strength, so that the subject 
falls and is unable to rise; or in the case of cats and rabbits, the 
animals jump vertically into the air, topple over backwards and go 
into convulsions, lying helpless on their side. The labial muscles 
are retracted, and 'the lips drawn back, showing the teeth covered 
with foam. The face is anxious, the eyeballs are retracted or pro- 
truded, and the pupils more commonly dilated. Death takes place 
usually from asphyxia, occasionally from syncope. The post-mor- 
tem appearances are simply those resulting from asphyxia. 

Treatment. — Evacuate the stomach by siphon. Emetics are 
contraindicated as disturbing the heart. Cardiac and respiratory 
stimulants are to be given subcutaneously, as alcohol, ammonia, 
ether, digitalone, atropine and strychnine, in addition to inhalation 
of amyl nitrite. The patient must be kept quiet, and artificial res- 
piration done if practicable and necessary. Experimental evidence 
seems to prove atropine the most valuable single antidote to aconite 
in stimulating the respiratory and vasomotor centres. 

Uses External — Aconite may be applied in liniment (fluid 
extract of aconite, 40; chloroform liniment, 60) to relieve pain of 
an inflammatory, neuralgic, or rheumatic character; or as aconitine 
in ointment (2-4 per cent.) for the same purposes. Aconitine is 
very expensive, however. Care must be exercised to prevent undue 
absorption and poisoning. 

Uses Internal. — Aconite fills certain indications which no other 
drug does. It is useful in fever because: 



422 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

1. It diminishes the frequency of the heart and weakens the 
circulation (reduces blood pressure). 

2. It lowers temperature and produces sweating and diuresis. 

3. It relieves pain and restlessness to some extent. 

Aconite is particularly applicable, conjoined with sweet spirit 
of nitre, in the first stages of febrile diseases ; in those attacking the 
young; and in those of self -limited and short duration, viz., coryza, 
laryngitis, pharyngitis, pleuritis, bronchitis and pneumonia uncom- 
plicated with influenza. It is also indicated in the initial period of 
acute muscular rheumatism, enteritis and peritonitis (combined with 
opium), and in mammitis, lymphangitis, and laminitis. Spasmodic 
and painful disorders, as colic, are relieved more successfully by 
powerful anodynes and antispasmodics (opium and belladonna). 

In chronic or long continued fevers, the use of aconite should 
not be persisted in, but it should be given at the very outset of fevers 
and repeated frequently in small doses, Tl\xv. for the horse, and 
n\ii. for the dog, every fifteen minutes for two hours, and after- 
wards Til xxx. for the horse and Ttliii. for the dog, hourly, being- 
governed, however, by the condition of the pulse and temperature 
and the physiological effects. Aconite is a useful sedative in some 
cardiac disturbances. It quiets nervous palpitation, and that form 
resulting from hypertrophy of the heart. It can be administered to 
advantage in the first stages of acute pericarditis and endocarditis. 



Veratrum. Veratrum. " 

Synonym.— Veratri viridis rhizoma, B. P. ; veratrum viride, 
American . hellebore, green hellebore root, Indian poke root, E. ; 
griiner germer, G. veratri albi rhizoma, white hellebore root, E. 

The rhizome and roots of Veratrum viride Aiton or Veratrum 
album Linne (nat. ord. Liliacege). 

Description, — Rhizome upright, obconical, simple or divided, 
from 2.5 to 7. Cm. long and 2 to 5 Cm. thick; externally blackish- 
gray, internally grayish-white ; showing numerous short, irregular 
wood-bundles. Roots emanating from all sides of the rhizome, nu- 
merous, shrivelled, light yellowish-brown; about 10 to 20 Cm. long 
and 2 Mm. thick. Inodorous, but strongly sternutatory when pow- 
dered ; taste bitterish and very acrid. 

Constituents. — 1. Veratrine (C 32 H 49 ]Sr0 9 ), a pure alkaloid. 
2. Jervine (C 26 H 37 ]Sr03), a pure alkaloid. 3. An impure alkaloid, 



* Great confusion exists concerning the alkaloids in veratrum because 
writers apply different names to the same alkaloids. 



VERATRUM 423 

veratroidine, a mixture of rubijervine and an inert resin. 4. Pseu- 
dojervine. 5. Rubijervine. 6. A resin, a gastrointestinal irritant. 
Veratrum Dose. — II. & C, 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.xx.- 
xxx. (1.3-2.) ; D., gr. %0-i. (.006-.06). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidewtractum Veratri. Fluidextract of Veratrum. 
(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration su\d percolation with alcohol, and evaporation, so that 
1 cc. = 1 gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); Sh. & Sw., H1.xx.-xxx. (1.3.2.); D., T11i/ 10 -i. 
(.006-.06). 

Tinctura Veratri. Tincture of Veratrum. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of veratrum viride, 100; and alcohol 
to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Do.se.— H. & C, 3 ss.-i. (15.-30.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., ITlv.-xv. 
(.3-1.) 

JERVINE. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract.- — Large doses cause saliva- 
tion, but have little effect on the stomach or bowels. 

Circulation. — Jervine is a powerful depressant to the heart 
muscle and the vasomotor centres. Large doses, therefore, weaken 
and slow the pulse and lower vascular tension. 

Respiration. — The alkaloid is also a profound respiratory 
depressant, and death occurs from asphyxia in poisoning, the heart 
continuing to beat after cessation of breathing. 

Nervous System. — In poisoning by jervine, animals exhibit 
muscular tremors and weakness, and finally fall from loss of mus- 
cular power. Lying prostrate on the ground in a paralytic state, 
they are attacked by clonic convulsions. The paralysis is attributa- 
ble to depression of the cells of the inferior cornua, while the 
convulsions are due to disturbance of the cerebral circulation, or stimu- 
lation of the cerebral motor tract. The muscles and nerves are un- 
affected by jervine, but there is partial anesthesia of spinal origin 
observed just before death. 

VERATROIDINE!. 

Action Internal. — The alkaloid is a decided gastro-intestinal 
irritant and produces vomiting in animals capable of the act, and 
often purging. 



424 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

Circulation. — Veratroidine mainly influences the cardiac in- 
hibitory apparatus. When artificial respiration is practised, so that 
the effect of the substance on the respiratory centres will not over- 
come the action on the circulation, it is found that the alkaloid slows 
the heart's action in moderate doses by stimulating the pneumogastric 
centres. Large toxic doses, on the other hand, paralyze the vagus 
nerve endings in the heart, and the cardiac pulsations therefore be- 
come very frequent. The vasomotor centres are uninfluenced by 
ordinary quantities of veratroidine. 

Respiration. — The depressing action of veratroidine on the res- 
piratory functions is more marked than that exerted on the heart, so 
that, unless artificial respiration is sustained, asphyxia supervenes, 
and this leads to vasomotor spasm and great rise of blood pressure. 
Death ensues from respiratory failure. 

Nervous System. — The influence of veratroidine upon the nerv- 
ous system is similar to that of jervine, but the spasmodic phenomena 
are not so prominent. 

VERATRTJM. 

Action Internal. — The action of the drug is a resultant of the 
action of veratrine"", jervine and veratroidine. 

Circulation, — The most noteworthy therapeutic value of ver- 
atrum viride depends upon its effect on the circulation. It first 
lowers the force (jervine), and. if continued, the frequency 
(veratrine*, protoveratrine*, veratroidine and jervine) of the pulse, 
and also reduces vascular tension (jervine). Veratrnm is consid- 
erably more powerful depressant to the circulation than aconite, 
which does not directly lessen arterial pressure. Veratrum is, how- 
ever, inferior to aconite for general purposes, as it does not possess 
the anodyne, diaphoretic, or diuretic properties peculiar to the 
latter drug. 

The temperature is reduced several degrees by large doses of 
veratrum. 

Toxicology. — The symptoms exhibited in veratrnm poisoning 
are : salivation, vomiting, or attempts at vomiting, purging, abdom- 
inal pain, muscular weakness, difficulty in progression, loss of power 
and general paralysis, muscular tremors and spasms, and occasionally 
convulsions. The pulse is unaltered in rate at first, but later be- 
comes infrequent and compressible and finally rapid, thread-like and 
running. The respiration is shallow, the temperature reduced, the 
skin is cold and clammy; there is semi-consciousness, loss of sight 
and death from asphyxia. 

* See p. 420. 



VERATRUM 425 

Treatment should be pursued with the stomach tube and car- 
diac and respiratory stimulants, as alcohol, strychnine and atropine; 
tannic acid as a chemical antidote ; opium to subdue pain ; and de- 
mulcents to relieve local irritation of the digestive tract. Warm 
water should be given the smaller animals to wash out the stomach 
and to assist vomition, and quietude should be enforced. In man, 
fatal poisoning is rare, since the drug is spontaneously vomited. The 
same would probably apply to dogs. Recovery has ensued in horses 
after ingestion of two ounces of veratrum root. 

Administration. — It is advisable to give small doses of the tinc- 
ture or fluid extract hourly. In the case of the smaller patients, the 
dose should be preceded by the administration of a correspondingly 
small dose of laudanum (niv.-x.) to prevent vomiting. 

Uses Internal. — The alkaloids of veratrum are difficult to obtain 
in their purity, and are not used in practice. 

The drug is applicable as a circulatory sedative at the outset 
of sthenic diseases afflicting strong, plethoric animals. Veratrum 
bleeds an animal into its own vessels by causing vascular dilatation. 
The indications are similar to those applying to venesection, and are 
therefore limited. In some cases of acute diseases, included within 
the limits defined above, it may prove of service to cut short or even 
abort the attack. Aconite is usually a safer and better drug to use, 
however. 

In this list may be placed sthenic pneumonia, cerebritis, 
laminitis, puerperal fever, and, when veratrum is combined with 
opium to obviate stimulation of peristaltic action, enteritis, peritoni- 
tis, and abdominal wounds and injuries. Veratrum is said to relieve 
pain, lower temperature and lessen the duration of acute rheumatic 
fever. 

Veratrum Album.* 

Synonym. — Veratri albi rhizoma, white hellebore root, E. 

Habitat. — Europe (used on the continent). 

Constituents. — 1. Protoveratrine (C 32 II 51 ]Sr0 11 ), an alkaloid 
acting like veratrine on the heart. 2. Jervine. 3. Eubijervine. 
4. Pseudojervine and other alkaloids. The Germans recommend it 
to be given as an emetic to swine, in milk, gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3), and as 
an emetic to cattle, 5 iv.-vi. (16.-24.). Its use is, however, attended 
with some danger in these doses. 



* Veratrum (U.S. P. ) now includes both Veratrum viride (American Helle- 
bore ) and Veratrum Album ( White Hellebore ) . 



4:26 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Veratrina. Veratrine. -j* (U. S. & B. P.) 

A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seed of Asagrsea 
officinalis ( Schlechtendal et Chamisso) Lindlev (nata. ord. Liliacese). 
(U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Obtained from the seed by alcohol, which is re- 
covered by distillation, and the residue is treated with water to 
precipitate resins; filtered, and veratrine is precipitated from the 
filtrate by ammonia. It is further purified by solution in water, de- 
colonization, and reprecipitation. 

Properties. — A white, or grayish-white, amorphous, or semi- 
crystalline powder ; odorless, but causing intense irritation and sneez- 
ing when even a minute quantity reaches the nasal mucous mem- 
brane; having an acrid taste, and leaving a sense of tingling and 
numbness on the tongue. Permanent in the air. Very slightly 
soluble in cold or hot water; soluble in 2.2 parts of alcohol, and very 
soluble in boiling alcohol ; also soluble in 3 parts of ether, and in 1 
part of chloroform. 

Dose.—K., gr. ss.-ii. (.03-.12) ; C, gr. ii.-v. (.12-.3) ; D., gr. 
%o-Ko (.0012-.006). 

The smaller doses to be given subcutaneously. 

PREPARATIONS. 

Oleatum Veratrince. Oleate of Veratrine, 2 per cent. (U. S. P.) 
Vnguentum Veratrince. (U. S. & B. P.) (4 per cent., TJ. S. P.) 

Action External. — Veratrine is a powerful irritant. If inhaled 
in minutest quantity it causes sneezing and a mucous, or bloody 
discharge. When injected under the skin, veratrine occasions suffer- 
ing and restlessness. Rubbed into the skin or applied to a mucous 
membrane or raw surface, it produces redness and pain followed by 
local anesthesia. 

Action Internal. — Here again veratrine is an intense irritant. 
After ingestion of large doses, there are salivation, violent vomiting, 
in animals capable of the act; often severe purging, pain, collapse, 
fall of temperature and other symptoms common to gastro-enteritis. 

Nervous System and Muscles. — Veratrine is a poison to the 
medulla, spinal cord, motor and sensory nerves and muscles, first 
exalting and then depressing and paralyzing their functional activ- 
ity. The cerebrum escapes its influence. Spasms and convulsions 

t This substance contains the pure alkaloid veratrine (0 32 H 49 NO<,), veratrine 
of Wright (CstHmKOu), and cevadine. The action described is that of pure 
veratrine. 



VERATRINE 427 

occur in veratrine poisoning, in the stage of motor excitement, while 
paralysis follows depression of the nerves and muscles. The action 
of the substance begins and ends sooner in the nerves than the mus- 
cles. The effect of veratrine on voluntary muscle is peculiar. A 
tracing of a muscle during contraction shows that the latent period, 
and that of ascent, is unaltered; but the amount of contraction is 
much augmented, as shown by the increased height of the curve ; 
and the time of relaxation is greatly prolonged. 

Circulation,. — Veratrine affects the heart muscle much as it does 
the striped muscle, and the vagus nerve similarly to the spinal nerves. 
The cardiac muscle, vagus and vasomotor centres are primarily 
stimulated, while later the heart muscle, vagus endings and vasomo- 
tor centres are depressed and paralyzed. Three conditions have been 
noted in relation to the pulse, corresponding to different stages in 
the action of veratrine. 1. A small dose may induce a temporary 
rise of pulse rate, force and tension, by stimulation of the cardiac 
muscle and vasomotor centres. 2. Large doses are followed by slow- 
ing and weakening of the pulse. The vagus centre is stimulated 
and the heart muscle depressed. 3. Towards the end of fatal poison- 
ing the pulse becomes weak, thread-like, rapid and irregular from 
paralysis of the heart muscle, vagus endings and vasomotor centres. 
It sometimes happens, however, that the pulse remains weak and 
slow in this stage because the paralyzing influence of the substance 
on the heart muscle prevents quickening of the heart even after the 
removal of inhibitory control. The heart is dilated and irresponsive 
to galvanism, after death, as are also the voluntary muscles. 

Respiration. — Lethal doses paralyze the respiratory centres and 
death occurs from respiratory arrest. The breathing may be quick- 
ened by small doses of veratrine, owing to transient stimulation of 
the respiratory centres and vagus nerve endings in the lungs. 

Toxicology- — The symptoms of poisoning are referable to the 
action of veratrine on the digestive, nervous and muscular apparatus, 
heart, and respiratory organs. They include nausea, salivation, 
clammy sweating, excessive vomiting in dogs, cats and cattle, at- 
tempts at vomiting in the horse, abdominal pain, severe purging, 
muscular twitchings or convulsions (excited by external stimuli), 
loss of muscular power and paralysis. The pulse, at first weak and 
infrequent, becomes thready, rapid and irregular. The temperature 
is reduced and the respiration is weak and slow. Death occurs in 
convulsions or paralysis. One-sixteenth of a grain has caused alarm- 
ing symptoms in man. The minimum fatal dose is about one grain 
for dogs. One grain subcutaneously, or five to six grains by the 
mouth, produce poisonous symptoms in horses. 



428 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Treatment. — External beat; respiratory and cardiac stimulants 
should be employed subcutaneously. Potassium carbonate and de- 
mulcent drinks are to be given internally. 

Uses External. — Veratrine is of trivial value, since its thera- 
peutic application is narrowly limited. It is occasionally useful in 
the official ointment, or in greater strength (gr. xl. to 5 i.) for its 
local amesthetic action applied over rheumatic joints. It may be 
employed also as a simple rubefacient. An aqueous solution of 
veratrine sulphate, or an alcoholic dilution of the pure alkaloid, is 
recommended by Ellenberger and other noted Germans in shoulder 
lameness, myalgia, and chronic rheumatic affections of the horse, to 
be injected every alternate day, or oftener, into the muscular tissue 
over the seat of the trouble. The animal should be led about for 
fifteen or thirty minutes while the pain of the treatment lasts. The 
initial dose is gr. % (0.4 Gm.), to be increased to gr. 1% (0.1 6m.). 

Uses Internal. — Veratrine has been employed as a cardiac 
sedative and antipyretic in pneumonia, acute rheumatism, and in 
other sthenic disorders, but it is inferior for these purposes to aconite 
or veratrum, and its other effects are undesirable. The remedy is 
lauded by foreign authorities as an emetic and cathartic for cattle 
in impaction, of the third stomach, and in conditions where it is de- 
sirable to quickly unload their digestive apparatus. For this purpose 
P. Cagny advises veratrine, gr. 21/2-3 (.15-.20), subcutaneously, 
to be followed if necessary by daily doses of grs. 5-11/2, (0.3-0.5 
Gm.) in mucilaginous drinks by the mouth. The same writer finds 
the drug useful in "broken wind." Veratrine stimulates intestinal 
secretion and peristalsis in the horse, but is inferior to eserine and 
pilocarpine in that animal as a quickly acting cathartic. 



SECTION VII.— DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY 

ORGANS. 

Ipecacuanha. Ipecac. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Ipecacuanha, racine bresilienne, Fr. ; brechwurzel, 
ruhrwurzel, G. 

The root of Cephaelis Ipecacuanha (Brotero) A. Richard (nat. 
ord. Rubiacese). 

Habitat. — South America from Brazil to Bolivia, and New 
Granada. Cultivated in India. 

Description. — The dried root, to which may be attached a por- 
tion of the stem not exceeding 7 Cm. in length, of Cephaelis Ipe- 



ipecac 429 

cacuanha (Brotero) A Richard (Fam. Rubiacece), known commer- 
cially as Rio, Brazilian, or Para ipecac, or the corresponding portion 
of C. acuminata Karsten, known commercially as Carthagena ipecac, 
yielding, when assayed by the process given below, not less than 2 
per cent, of ipecac alkaloids. 

Rio Ipecac. — In pieces of irregular length, rarely exceeding 25 
Cm. ; stem-portion 2 to 3 Mm. thick, light gray-brown, cylindrical 
and smoothish ; root-portion usually red-brown, occasionally blackish- 
brown, rarely gray-brown, 3 to 6 Mm. thick, curved and sharply flex- 
uous, nearly free from rootlets, occasionally branched, closely annu- 
latecl with thickened, incomplete rings, and usually exhibiting 
transverse fissures, with vertical sides, through the bark ; fracture 
short, the very thick, easily separable bark whitish, usually resinous, 
the thin, tough wood yellowish-white, without vessels ; odor very 
slight, peculiar, the dust sternutatory; taste bitter and nauseous, 
somewhat acrid. 

Carthagena Ipecac. — Similar to Rio Ipecac, but about one-half 
thicker, dull gray externally, with thinner, merging annulse, and the 
fractured surface of the bark gray. 

Constituents.— 1, The alkaloid Emetine (C 14 H 18 (CH 3 )M) 2 ), 
existing to the extent of 1-2 per cent., and representing in the main 
the action of the crude drug. It is a white, odorless, uncrystallizable 
powder, with a bitter, burning taste, and soluble in alcohol and chloro- 
form ; less so in ether, and very slightly in water, turning yellow on 
keeping. The impure commercial alkaloid occurs in brownish-red 
transparent and deliquescent scales, very soluble in water. Really 
emetine is composed of three alkaloids: (1) Pure emetine (C 14 H 1S 
(CEyiSTOo). (2) Cephaeline (C 14 H 19 N0 2 ), resembling emetine 
in action. (3) Psychotrine, which is inert. 2. An amorphous, bit- 
ter glucoside. 3. An astringent, ipecacuanhic acid. 4. A volatile 
oil, starch, gum, tannin, coloring matter, etc. Hemidesmus exists 
as an impurity, it is cracked, not annulated ; also bitter almond pow- 
der, which exhales the odor of prussic acid when wet. Emetine (non- 
official) is rarely used. 

Dose of Powdered Root. — H., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; C, 5 ii.-iv. 
(8.-15.) ; Sh., 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; D., gr. ss.-ii. (.03-.1.2). 

Emetic. — D. & Sw., gr. xv.-xxx. (1.-2.). 



PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextr ■actum Ipecacuanhce. Fluidextract of Ipecac. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, evaporation 
of a portion of the percolate, solution of the residue in the reserved portion 
of the percolate, and addition of alcohol and water. Assayed and enough 



430 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

menstruum added so that the fluidextract shall contain 1.75 per cent, of 
alkaloids from ipecac. Dose — Same as powdered root. 

Extractum Ipecacuanha Liquidum. (B. P.) 
Dose. — One-half that of the U. S. P. fluidextract. 

Byrupus Ipecacuanha. Syrup of Ipecac. (U. S. P.) 

Fluid extract of ipecac, 70; acetic acid, 10; glycerin, 100; sugar, 700; 
water to make 1000. 

Dose. — D. (expectorant), TlTxv.-3 i. (1.-4.). 

Yinurn Ipecacuanhas. Wine of Ipecac. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Fluid extract of ipecac, 100; alcohol, 100; white wine, 800. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — Same as syrup of ipecac. 

Pulvis Ipecacuanha? et Opii. (U. S. & B. P.) (See opium.) 

Tinctura Ipecacuanha et Opii. (See opium.) 

Action External. — Ipecac, and still more emetine, are decided 
irritants when applied to mucons membranes, raw surfaces, or even 
to the unbroken skin; causing, variously, hyperemia, vesication, 
pustulation, and ulceration, according to their strength and the mode 
of application. Ipecac is said to possess some antiseptic properties 
not resident in emetine. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Ipecac is naturally a local 
irritant in the alimentary canal as well as externally. It increases 
the now of saliva and gastric juice, besides dilating the blood vessels 
of the stomach. Small doses are stomachic, improving the digestion 
and tone of the gastric mucous membrane, and, in some cases, minute 
quantities are anti-emetic in allaying vomiting. Large doses, on the 
other hand, cause a little nausea and free vomiting. It is probable 
that emetine is not, as frequently stated, a specific emetic; that is, 
does not act directly on the vomiting centre, although vomiting is 
produced, when emetine is thrown into the blood, by means of its 
elimination through the stomach. This is substantiated by the fol- 
lowing facts: (1) Emetine is recovered in the first vomitus after 
its subcutaneous injection. (2) Vomition does not occur so rapidly, 
and more emetine is required, when the alkaloid is injected in place 
of being ingested. (3) Furthermore, when the vagus is previously 
divided, vomiting does not follow hypodermic medication of emetine. 
The act does, however, follow the administration of apomorphme 
and tartar emetic under similar conditions. Therefore it is probable 
that in whatsoever way ipecac is exhibited, vomiting proceeds from 
direct irritation of the stomach or the vagus endings situated therein. 
Ipecac and emetine do not act so promptly as zinc sulphate or apo- 



IPECAC 431 

morphine (under the skin). The latter are accordingly preferable 
as evacuants in poisoning. Compared with tartar emetic, ipecac is 
less persistent and prostrating in its effect. It is probably the mild- 
est emetic at our command. Ipecac and emetine increase secretion 
and cause hyperemia and purging, sometimes of a bloody character, 
in their passage through the bowels. Gastro-enteritis may follow 
the administration of large quantities to dogs. Experimental evi- 
dence has apparently shown that ipecac is an hepatic stimulant 
(cholagogue), increasing the secretion of bile. This action is 
doubtful. 

Circulation. — Medicinal doses have no influence on the circu- 
lation. Lethal doses paralyze the heart muscle. The act of vomit- 
ing, nevertheless, may slightly depress the heart. 

Respiratory Organs. — The lungs are often found intensely hyper- 
emic after death by ipecac poisoning. Not only this ; portions are seen 
to be collapsed and consolidated. In therapeutic doses the pulmonary 
mucous membrane is stimulated during its elimination and is made 
more vascular; the secretion of bronchial mucus is increased and 
cough is reflexly excited. Ipecac is thus strictly a stimulating ex- 
pectorant in so far as its action on the bronchial mucous membrane 
is concerned; but it is, perhaps unfortunately and misleadingly, 
classed by some (Brunton) as a depressing expectorant because of the 
side influence on the circulation. 

Skin. — Ipecac is mildly diaphoretic in addition to and inde- 
pendent of this action common to nauseants in general. 

Toxicology. — The following toxic phenomena are exhibited 
by animals: vomiting, loss of muscular power and paralysis, in- 
creased, followed by diminished reflex activity, failure of heart and 
respiration, and post mortem evidences of congestion and inflamma- 
tion of the lungs and intestines. Three ounces of ipecac have killed 
a horse, and two grains of emetine have proved fatal to a dog. 

Uses. — The indications for the therapeutic employment of ipecac 
may be described under the following heads: 

1. Emetic and anti-emetic. 

2. Expectorant. 

3. Diaphoretic. 

4. Empirically in dysentery and chronic diarrhea. 

1. Powdered ipCcac is a good agent for dogs, cats and pigs, given 
in lnke-warm water, in repeated doses if necessary, to empty an over- 
loaded stomach. Also in acute bronchitis and laryngitis of dogs 
and cats, when the patient is endangered by accumulation of secre- 
tion, ipecac, by the forcible expulsion attending- vomiting, removes 
secretion from the upper respiratory tract and clears out the stomach 
of anv secretion which may have been swallowed. Ipecac is effica- 



432 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

cious in stopping vomiting in cases of acute catarrh of the stomach 
in dogs, and is given as the wine with tincture of aconite, one drop 
each in a drachm of ice water, at half hour intervals. The drug 
is also of service in reflex vomiting, and that due to an atonic or 
depressed condition of the stomach. Therapeutically, ipecac should 
only be of value in the latter disorder, but it nevertheless is often 
efficient in the vomiting of irritable dyspepsia, as noted above. 

2. Ipecac is prescribed in the first stage of acute bronchitis, 
when the secretion is scanty, and again in bronchitis of long standing, 
to stimulate the bronchial mucous membrane. It may be given to 
dogs and cats in repeated expectorant doses of the wine or syrup, 
with other expectorants, diaphoretics and diuretics, as syrup of 
squill and spirit of nitrous ether, or as Dover's powder, to all ani- 
mals. 

3. Ipecac is a feeble diaphoretic, and inferior to sweet spirit 
of nitre, aconite, alcohol or external heat, for general sudorific pur- 
poses. The combination of opium and ipecac, in Dover's powder, is 
an appropriate mixture to relieve pain and cause diaphoresis in 
acute rheumatism, and may cut short attacks of acute inflammation 
of the respiratory tract. 

4. Ipecac is probably the best single remedy for the treatment 
of dysentery. It should be given in the form of powder, bolus, or 
pill every four hours, combined with opium to prevent nausea or 
vomiting. Extemporaneous decoctions are likewise useful given in 
the form of enemata, and may take the place of the drug by the 
mouth in dysentery or chronic diarrhea. 



SECTION VIII.— ANTIPYRETIC AND ANTISEPTIC 
ORGANIC AGENTS. 

Class 1. — Cinchona and its Alkaloids. 

Cinchona. Cinchona, (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Cinchona? cortex, B. P. ; cortex china?, E. ; quin- 
quina, Er. ; chinarinde, G. 

The dried bark of Cinchona Leclgeriana Moens, Cinchona cali- 
saya Weddell, Cinchona officialis Linne, and of hybrids of these and 
of other species of cinchona (nat. ord. Rubiacea?), yielding when 
assayed not less than 5 per cent, of total anhydrous cinchona alka- 
loids, and at least 5 per cent, of ether-soluble alkaloids. 



CINCHONA 433 

Habitat. — Indigenous in South America on the east slope of the 
Andes, and northwards into Colombia ; southwards to the lower part 
of Bolivia, at altitudes varying from 5,000 to 10,000 ft. Cultivated 
in India, East Indies, Jamaica, and to some extent in South America. 

Description. — In quills or incurved pieces, varying in length, and 
usually 2 or 3 or sometimes 5 Mm. thick. The outer surface covered 
with a gray or brownish-gray cork, usually slightly wrinkled, marked 
with transverse, and also with intersecting, longitudinal fissures (C. 
Calisaya), and sometimes with scattered warts and slight, longi- 
tudinal ridges; inner surface light cinnamon-brown, very finely 
striate; fracture short and granular in the outer layer, and finely 
fibrous in the inner layer; powder, light brown or yellowish-brown; 
odor slight, somewhat aromatic ; taste bitter and somewhat astringent 

Constituents.— (a) Four chief alkaloids and three artificial 
products. 

(1) Quinine (C 20 IT 24 ^ T 2 O 2 + 3H 2 0). Solutions 
of its salts are fluorescent. Turns plane of polarization 
to left. Gives green color with ammonia and chlorine 

Isomers water - Precipitated from its salts as hydrate. 

(2) Quinidine (C 20 H 24 isr 2 O 2 ). Solutions of its 
salts fluorescent. Differs from quinine in turning plane 
of polarization to right, and in being insoluble in am- 
monia except in excess. 

(Quinicine is an artificial amorphous alkaloid, probably not occurring nat- 
urally, and obtained from quinine by heat and excess of a mineral acid. 
Quinoidine is a cheap brown amorphous substance obtained from the mother 
liquor after quinine sulphate has crystallized out, and contains a mixture of 
quinidine, cinchonine and cinchonidine. ) 



* Isomers 



(3) Cinchonine (C 19 H 22 N 2 0). Is not fluores- 
cent. Turns plane of polarization to right. Does not 
assume a green color with ammonia or chlorine water. 

(4) Cinchonidine (C 19 H 22 N 2 0) is slightly fluores- 
cent. Turns plane of polarization to left. 

Cinchonicine is an artificial alkaloid obtained from cinchonine by heat and 
an excess of a mineral acid. 

Some other alkaloids of no particular importance are: 

Quinamina { C 19 H„ 4 N 2 2 ) . 
Paricina (C ie H ls N 2 0). 
Aricina, etc. 



* Isomers are bodies composed of the same elements, in the same propor- 
tions, but possessing different chemical or physical properties. 



434 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

(&) Less Important Constituents. — (5) Kinic, or quinic acid 
(C 7 H 12 6 ), occurs in colorless prisms. Eelated to benzoic acid and 
eliminated in the urine as hippuric acid. Found in coffee beans and 
other vegetables. 

The alkaloids in cinchona are naturally united with kinic or 
kinovic acid, and salts of this combination are used in medicine ; i.e., 
quinine kinate, which is soluble and may be employed subcutane- 
ously. 

(6) Kinovic, or quinovic acid (C 32 H 48 6 ), a white, amorphous 
substance allied to kinovin. 

(7) Kinovin, or quinovin (C 30 H 4S O s ), a glucoside readily de- 
composed into glucose and kinovic acid. 

(8) Cincho-tannic acid, or kino-tannic and kinovi-tannic acid 
(2-4 per cent.). The astringent principle of cinchona. Distin- 
guished from tannic acid in yielding green color with ferric salts. 

(9) Cinchona red, the coloring matter of cinchona bark. 
Nearly insoluble in water. 

(10) A volatile oil existing in minute amount. 

(11) Starch, gum, resin and salts common to other vegetable 
matters. 

Incompatibility. — Cinchona is incompatible with lime water, 
ammonia, metallic salts or gelatin. 

Dose.— LL, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
5 i.-iv. (4.-15.) ; D. & C, gr. x.-3 i. (.6-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Cinchonce. Fluidextract of Cinchona. 
(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with glycerin, alcohol and water; 
evaporation of the last portion of the percolate, and addition of the residue to 
first portion, with enough water and alcohol so that it shall contain 4 per 
cent, of alkaloids. (U. S. P.) 

Dose. — Same as cinchona. 

Extractum Cinchonce Liquidum. (B. P.) 

Contains 5 per cent, of alkaloids. 
Dose. — Same as cinchona. 

Infusum Cinchonce Acidum. (B. P.) 
Dose.— H., Oi. (500.); D., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.). 

Tmctura Cinchona. Tincture of Cinchona. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Made by maceration and percolation of cinchona, 200, with glycerin, 75; 

and alcohol and water a sufficient quantity to make 1000. 0.75 gm. alkaloids 

in 100 cc. of tincture. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., I i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., 3 ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 



RED CINCHONA 435 

Cinchona Rubra. Red Cinchona. 

Cinchonse rubra? cortex, B. P. The bark of Cinchona sucei- 
rubra Pa von (nat. ord. Rubiacese), containing not less than 5 per 
cent, of anhydrous cinchona alkaloids. 

Habitat.- — Ecuador, west of Chimborazo. 

Description. — In quills or incurved pieces, varying in length, 
and from 2 to 4- or 5 Mm. thick ; the outer surface covered with a 
grayish-brown cork, more or less rough from warts and longitudinal, 
watery ridges, and from few, mostly short, transverse fissures ; inner 
surface more or less deep reddish-brown and distinctly striate; frac- 
ture short-fibrous in the inner layer; powder reddish-brown; odor 
slight; taste bitter and astringent. 

Constituents. — Same as cinchona. 

Dose.- — Same as cinchona. 

PREPARATION. 

Tinctura Cinchonas Compositus. Compound Tincture of Cinchona. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 
Made by maceration and percolation of red cinchona, 100; bitter orange 
peel, 80; serpentaria, 20; with glycerin, 75; and alcohol and water to make 
1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H., gii.-iv. (60.-120.); D., 3 ss.-iv. (2.-15.). 

*Quinin'je Sulphas. Quinine Sulphate. 
(0 20 H 24 N 2 2 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 + 7 H 2 0. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Chininum sulfuricum, P. G. ; sulfas quinicus, disul- 
phate or basic sulphate of quinia, E. ; sulphate de quinine, Fr. ; 
schwefelsaures chinin, G. 

Derivation. — Prepared by boiling cinchona bark with hydro- 
chloric acid and adding lime to the filtered decoction to precipitate 
alkaloids and coloring matter. The precipitate is washed and di- 
gested in boiling alcohol to dissolve quinine and cinchonine. The 
alcohol is distilled off and the residue dissolved in diluted sulphuric 
acid, boiled with animal charcoal, filtered, and quinine sulphate crys- 
tallizes, leaving cinchonine sulphate in solution. 

Properties. — White, silky, light and fine needle-shaped crystals ; 
fragile and somewhat flexible, making a very light and easily com- 
pressible mass ; lustreless from superficial efflorescence after being for 
some time exposed to the air; odorless, and having a persistent and 
very bitter taste. The salt is liable to lose water on exposure to 

* Tine. Quvnince Ammoniata (B. P.), from the sulphate. Dose — H., % ss.-i. 
D., 3 ss.-i. 



436 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

warm air, to absorb moisture in damp air, and to become colored by 
exposure to light. Soluble at 25° G. (77° F.), in 720 parts of 
water, and in 80 parts of alcohol; also in 36 parts of glycerin; in 
about 400 parts of chloroform; in 30 parts of boiling water; and 
freely in dilute acids. 

Incompalibles. — Alkalies and their carbonates, iodine, and tan- 
nic acid. 

Dose. — II. (tonic), gr. xv.-5 i. (1.-4.) ; C, 5 ss.-i.ss. (2.-6.) ; 
Sh. & Sw., gr. v.-x. (.3-.6) ; D. & Cats, gr. i.-ii. (.06-.12). Anti- 
pyretic Dose — H. & C, 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh., gr. xxx.-xl. (2.-2.6) ; 
Sw., gr. xv. -xxv. (1.-1.6) ; D. & Cats, gr. v.-x. (.3-.6). 

QumiNiE Bisulphas. Quinine Bisulphate. C 20 H 24 lSr 2 O 2 
H 2 S0 4 + 7 H 2 0. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Made by the action of sulphuric acid on quinine 
sulphate suspended in water ; filtration and crystallization. 

Properties. — Colorless, transparent or whitish, orthorhombic 
crystals or small needles ; odorless, and having a very bitter taste ; 
efflorescing on exposure to the air; soluble in 8.5 parts of water and 
in 18 parts of alcohol; very soluble in boiling water and in boiling 
alcohol. 

Dose. — Practically same as quinine sulphate, but theoretically 
it should be slightly larger. The salt is very soluble, but is commonly 
made extemporaneously by adding diluted sulphuric acid (Q. S.) to 
quinine sulphate in preparing solutions for medicinal use. The salt 
is serviceable for administration in pill ; or for hypodermic injection, 
when it should be given in about one-third smaller dose than that 
of quinine sulphate by the mouth. 

Quinine Hydrobromidtjm. Quinine Hyclrobromide. 
C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 H Br + H 2 0. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Made by the action of barium bromide, in solu- 
tion, on quinine sulphate suspended in water; filtration, evaporation, 
and crystallization. 

Properties. — White, light, silky needles ; odorless, and having a 
very bitter taste. The salt is likely to lose water on exposure to 
warm or dry air. Soluble in 40 parts of cold water, and in 0.67 
part of alcohol ; very soluble in boiling water and boiling alcohol ; 
also soluble in 16 parts of ether and very soluble in chloroform 
(77° F.). 

Dose. — Same as quinine sulphate. 



QUININE HYDROCHLORIDE 437 

^QuiNiNiE Hydrocheoreditm. Quinine Hydrochloride. 
C 20 H 24 ]SF 2 O 2 H CI + 2 H 2 0. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Made by the action of hydrochloric a.cid on 
quinine, and by crystallization. 

Properties. — White, silky, light and fine, needle-shaped crystals ; 
odorless, and having a very bitter taste. The salt is liable to lose 
water when exposed to warm air. Soluble in 18 parts of water, and 
in 0.6 part of alcohol; in 1 part of boiling water, and very soluble 
in boiling alcohol; also soluble in 0.8 part of chloroform (77° P.). 

Dose. — Same as quinine sulphate, j 

Q.uininte Valeeas. Quinine Valerate. 
C 20 H 24 X 2 O 2 C 5 H 10 0o + Ii 2 0. (B. P.) 

Derivation. — Made by decomposition of quinine sulphate with 
ammonia, followed by the immediate action of valerianic acid, and 
crystallization from a cold solution. 

Properties. — White, or nearly white, pearly, lustrous, triclinic 
crystals, having a slight odor of valerianic acid, and a bitter taste. 
Permanent in the air. Soluble in 100 parts of cold water, and in 
5 parts of alcohol ; in 40 parts of boiling water, and in 1 part of 
alcohol. 

Dose. — D., gr. i.-ii. (.06-. 12). Three times daily as tonic. 

Quinik^e et Ureae Hydro chloridtjm. Quinine and Urea 
Hydrochloride. (Non-Official. ) 

Synonym. — Quinina? Bimuriatis carbamas. Quinine and urea 
bimuriate. 

Prepared by dissolving quinine hydrochloride, 400, in dilute 
HC1, 300 ; mixing with 60 to 61 parts of urea CO(NH 2 ) 2 ; warming, 
filtering and allowing to crystallize. Occurs in large, transparent 
prisms, or in hard, white, interlaced, four-sided prisms. Soluble at 
ordinary temperatures in its own weight of water, and in alcohol. 

Chinoidinum or Quinoidintjm. Chinoidine or Quinoidine. 

Brown, resinous mass, containing mixture of quinidine, cin- 
chonine and cinchonidine. A cheap substitute for quinine sulphate. 
Dose. — Three or four times that of quinine sulphate. 



* Tinctura Quinince (B. P.), from the hydrochloride. Dose — H., 3 ss.-i. D., 
3 ss.-i. 

f Quiivince Salicylas, Quinine Salicylate (U. S. P.). Soluble in 77 parts 
of water. Occurs in colorless needles. Dose as for sulphate. 



438 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Quinidine Sulphas. Quinidine Sulphate. (C 20 Ho 4 !N\,0 2 )o. 
H 2 S0 4 + 2 H 2 0. (Non-Official. ) 

The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from the bark 
of several species of cinchona (nat. ord. Pubiacea?). 

Synonym. — Sulfate de quinidine, Fr. ; sclrwefelsaures chinidin 
(cinchinin), G. 

Derivation. — Recovered from quinoidine, or from the mother 
liquors after the crystallization of quinine sulphate, by the same 
method as for quinine. 

Properties. — White, silky needles, odorless, and having a very 
bitter taste; permanent in the air. Soluble in 100 parts of cold 
water, and in 8 parts of alcohol; in 7 parts of boiling water, and 
very soluble in boiling alcohol; also in 14 parts of chloroform and 
in acidulated water ; almost insoluble in ether. 

Dose. — One-third larger than quinine sulphate. 

Cinchonlioe Sulphas. Cinchonine Sulphate. (C 10 HooI^ 2 O) 2 . 
H 2 S0 4 + 2 H 2 0. (U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Obtained from the mother liquors after the crys- 
tallization of the sulphates of quinine, quinidine and cinchonidine, 
by precipitation with caustic soda, washing with alcohol to free it 
from other alkaloids, solution in sulphuric acid, and by purification 
with animal charcoal, and crystallization. 

Properties. — Hard, white, lustrous, prismatic crystals, without 
odor, and having a very bitter taste. Permanent in the air. Solu- 
ble in 58 parts of cold water, and in 10 1 parts of alcohol; in 13.59 
parts of boiling water, and in 3.25 parts of boiling alcohol. Also 
soluble in 78 parts of chloroform, but almost insoluble in ether. 

Dose. — One third larger than that of quinine sulphate. 

CiwcHONiDiisr^E Sulphas, Cinchonidine Sulphate.* 
(C 19 H 22 N 2 0) 2 H 4 S0 2 + 3 H 2 0. (XL S. P.) 

Derivation. — Procured from the mother liquors, after the crys- 
tallization of quinine sulphate, by further concentration. Purified 
by crystallization from alcohol, and finally from hot water. 

Properties. — White, silky, acicular crystals, without odor, and 
having a very bitter taste; slightly efflorescent on exposure to air. 
Soluble in 63 parts of water, and in 72 parts of alcohol; in 1.42 



* Elixir Ferri, Quinines et Strychnines Phospliatum (U. S. P.), and Syrupus 
Ferri Phosphatis cum QuinAna et Stryehnina (B. P.), (dose — D., 3i.), are good 
tonic preparations for dogs. 



ACTION" AND USES OF QUININE 439 

parts of boiling water, and in 8 parts of boiling alcohol ; also soluble 
in 900 parts of chloroform, and almost insoluble in ether. 
Dose. — One-third larger than that of quinine sulphate. 



CINCHONA AND ITS ALKALOIDS AS REPRESENTED BY QUININE. 

Action External. — The action of quinine on all forms of proto- 
plasm is to stimulate in small doses, or in much dilution, and to 
depress and paralyze in large doses, or in strong solutions. It has 
the same action on unorganized living matter (ferments) in many 
cases but does not affect some. It is still more destructive to pro- 
tozoa, especially to the organisms of malaria and Texas fever. Qui- 
nine is a powerful antiseptic and mierobicide. A solution (1 to 250) 
of the alkaloid or its salts are poisonous to the microbes of fermenta- 
tion and putrefaction. A one per cent, solution quickly destroys 
bacteria and vibrios, but spores may live in it for some days. Qui- 
nine and its salts cause irritation of the denuded skin, or mucous 
membranes, but exert no effect upon the unbroken skin. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Quinine, in therapeutic 
doses, acts as a simple bitter (stomachic), and therefore promotes 
appetite and gastric digestion. It stimulates the gustatory nerves 
in the mouth and gastric nerves in the stomach, thus renexly increas- 
ing the flow of saliva and gastric juice, and the vascularity and 
peristaltic motion of the stomach together with the appetite. Ex- 
perimentally, quinine increases the activity of the ferments of the 
gastric and pancreatic juices (pepsin, rennin, trypsin) in great dilu- 
tion while destroying them in larger amounts. Large doses, particu- 
larly if the stomach be irritable, may cause vomiting. Quinine be- 
comes dissolved in the gastric juice and is converted into the chloride. 
A portion unabsorbed finds its way into the bowels and is there pre- 
cipitated by the alkaline juices and bile, whose acids form insoluble 
salts with quinine, unless the bile is in great excess. 

Blood. — Quinine is absorbed into the blood, and would naturally 
be precipitated in this alkaline fluid ; but this is not the case, and it 
has been shown that quinine is probably held in solution by the 
loosely combined carbonic dioxide gas in the blood. Quinine pos- 
sesses several well-defined and important actions in relation to the 
blood. 

1. White Blood Corpuscles. — Quinine in great dilution lessens 
the ameboid movements of the white corpuscles in blood removed 
from the body. When a frog receives large doses of quinine and its 
mesentery is irritated, the white corpuscles do not collect in the ar- 
terioles or migrate through their walls (diapedesis). Again, when 
inflammation has already begun in the mesentery, quinine stops the 



440 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

transmigration of leucocytes, and yet does not stop those in the tissues 
from wandering away. Moreover, large doses markedly lessen the 
number of white corpuscles in the blood. While medicinal doses of 
quinine given by the mouth unquestionably produce leukopenia, yet 
it is generally considered highly improbable that the effect of quinine 
in inhibiting the movement of leucocytes observed in the frog, when 
large doses are introduced into the blood, occurs after the therapeutic 
use of the drug in mammals. Yet it has recently been shown that a 
solution of quinine in blood, equal to that when a full dose (gr. x., 
man) is ingested, increases markedly phagocytosis in the case of all 
the common pathogenic organisms. Very large doses (gr. xxx.-xl., 
man) diminish phagocytosis. It is hard to explain this action when 
we consider leucocytosis is hindered by quinine, but it may show why 
benefit should be expected from the drug in septic conditions. 

2. Red Blood Corpuscles. — Therapeutic doses increase the num- 
ber of red corpuscles. The latter diminish in size in febrile con- 
ditions, but, under the action of quinine (and other antipyretic 
agencies), regain their normal condition. This follows the effect of 
quinine in lowering temperature, and is not due to any specific power 
of quinine exerted on the corpuscles themselves. 

Heart and Blood Vessels. — Quinine in moderate doses does not 
affect the heart or vessels appreciably. Large doses at first stimulate 
the muscle of the heart and blood vessels and cause the pulse to be 
accelerated and vascular tension to be raised. In poisoning this 
effect is temporary and is followed by depression of the muscle of 
the vessel walls and heart and the cardiac pulsations become slow and 
weak and the blood tension falls. Death occurs immediately from 
failure of respiration. Although the heart is much weakened it com- 
monly continues to beat for some time after breathing ceases, The 
action on the heart is like that on all forms of living tissues — pri- 
mary stimulation followed by depression and paralysis. 

Nervous System. — Here again the general action consists in 
primary stimulation followed by depression and paralysis of the 
cerebrospinal system. The breathing is first accelerated and then 
weakened and death occurs from paralysis of the respiratory centre. 
Fatal poisoning is very rare after ingestion of quinine. Ounce doses 
have been swallowed by man without serious result. Occasionally 
convulsions have occurred but perhaps due to an admixture of the 
other alkaloids, as cinchonidine and cinchonine are convulsive agents 
in toxic closes. Toxic doses of quinine injected into the carotid 
artery cause meningitis by direct irritation. In man, ringing in the 
ears, fulness in the head, and slight deafness commonly follow a 
large medicinal dose (cinchonism). Blindness also very rarely oc- 
curs in man after large doses. Vomiting, diarrhea, albuminuria and 



ACTION AND USES OF QUININE 441 

skin eruptions sometimes occur in poisoning by the drug due to local 
irritation. There are contraction of the retinal vessels and degen- 
erative changes in the retina and spiral ganglia of the cochlea, which 
account for the loss of sight and hearing. There is some clinical 
evidence that quinine in medicinal- doses is a cerebral stimulant, but 
there is no experimental proof of the fact. 

Spinal Cord and Nerves. — Quinine, as shown by experiments 
conducted on the frog, lessens reflex activity after small doses. This 
condition disappears on section of the medulla. Toxic doses, how- 
ever, cause permanent loss of reflex excitability. The same alkaloid 
first excites and then paralyzes the peripheral sensory nerve endings. 
These effects on the nervous system are not observed in mammals. 
Muscular contractility is stimulated by small and paralyzed by 
poisonous doses of quinine. 

Uterus. — In experiments with the intravenous or subcutaneous 
injection of quinine into animals normal uterine contractions are 
augmented or rhythmical contractions are originated by the drug. 
The production of labor pains or abortion has been observed in 
woman following the use of large doses for the cure of malaria. The 
alkaloid stimulates uterine contractions in inertia of parturition but 
there is considerable testimony affirming that it increases at the same 
time the tendency to flowing. 

Kidneys, Metabolism and Elimination. — Quinine lessens the 
elimination of both urea and uric acid. It is therefore evident that 
there is some alteration or inhibition of metabolism whereby nitrog- 
enous decomposition is decreased and nitrogen is stored in the body. 
There is no diminished oxidation of carbohydrates in the tissues, 
which is the chief source of animal heat, for the excretion of C0 2 
and absorption of O by the lungs is unaltered by quinine. This 
accords with the known fact that the oxidizing ferment of the tissues 
is inhibited by the drug. About three^fourths of the quinine ab- 
sorbed is destroyed in the tissues. The remaining fourth escapes 
unchanged in the urine in man but much altered in dogs. While 
its excretion in the urine begins soon after its ingestion, and lasts for 
some days, the greater amount escapes within twenty-four hours. 
JSTone is found in the other excretions. 

Antipyretic Action. — Quinine does not alter the normal tem- 
perature of a healthy animal, but does reduce temperature in fever. 
The amount of reduction depends upon the cause of the fever. An 
explanation of the antipyretic power of the alkaloid may include : 

1. The antiseptic property of quinine. This is most marked 
in the case of the plasmodium malarise, which is destroyed by the 
alkaloid, and the malarial fever is therefore overcome. 



442 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

2. By retarding nitrogenous decomposition or metabolism and 
thus lessening the production of heat in the tissues. 

3. By dilating the vessels of the skin and therefore inducing loss 
of heat. 

Administration. — Quinine sulphate is usually given to horses in 
aqueous solution with sufficient diluted sulphuric acid to dissolve 
the salt. It may also be administered to these animals in ball, gela- 
tine capsule, enema or subcutaneously. Quinine is exhibited to dogs 
in pills, solution or suppositories. The alkaloid is not commonly 
injected under the skin, because local irritation and abscess may fol- 
low ; but this does not frequently happen in the horse. The bisul- 
phate, hydrobromide and hydrochloride are most suitable for hypo- 
dermic use. The first salt is more soluble, but the latter two are less 
irritating. 

At a temperature of 45° C. (113° F.) 

Quinine bisulphate is soluble in 8.S parts of water. 

Quinine hydrobromide is soluble in 45.02 " " " 

Quinine hydrochloride is soluble in 21.4 " " " 

This temperature may be used for subcutaneous injection, but 
the salts should be thoroughly dissolved and one grain of tartaric 
acid should be added to each five grains of quinine bisulphate, in 
order that precipitation may not occur in the tissues. The dose by 
the subcutaneous method is one-third less than by the mouth. 

The sulphates of quinidine, cinchonine and cinchonidine are 
similar in action to quinine, and their relative antipyretic effect is 
said to be: quinine, 100; quinidine, 90; cinchonidine, 70 ; cin- 
chonine, 40. The cinchona compounds are indicated for tonic and 
stomachic purposes. 

Uses External. — Quinine and urea hydrochloride has recently 
come into extensive use as a local anesthetic. In 1 per cent, solution 
it forms a satisfactory substitute for cocaine and its allies and it 
has three advantages over cocaine. It is non-toxic, it may be boiled 
in solution, and its anesthetic effect is often prolonged for hours or 
days, lessening pain and spasm after operation and aiding dressing of 
wounds. Anesthesia comes on within 5 to 30 minutes after injec- 
tion into the tissues. In 25 per cent, solution it is used to anes- 
thetize mucous membrane, but is not so satisfactory as cocaine for 
this purpose. It has been used in a great variety of operations, in- 
cluding those within the belly. The line of incision on the belly wall 
is anesthetized and after the belly is opened the parietal peritoneum 
must be injected. ISTot much pain is caused by handling the viscera 
unless the mesenteric attachments are pulled upon. 



ACTION AND USES OF QUININE 443 

Uses Internal. — It is impossible to draw definite deductions as 
to the therapeutic indications for quinine founded on physiological 
experiments, since these are only suggestive and not conclusive. For 
the sake of convenience, we may classify the uses of quinine under the 
following heads: 

1. Tonic Action, — Quinine is of unquestionable value as a 
tonic, more particularly in relation to digestion, but probably also 
by increasing the number of red corpuscles and stimulating the 
nervous system generally. It is in those cases of anorexia and 
atonic dyspepsia secondary to exhaustion, overwork, anemia, or fol- 
lowing acute diseases, that the drug is indicated. Here, combination 
with iron is often of service, and the tincture of the chloride is a 
good preparation because it contains sufficient free muriatic acid 
to dissolve any of the salts of quinine. The compound tincture of 
cinchona is a prime, bitter tonic for dogs ; or quinine may be given 
in a pill with reduced iron and arsenic as a tonic. Chorea in the 
human patient has been treated successfully with quinine, but this 
remedy has failed in dogs. Nevertheless, the alkaloid is an excellent 
tonic in canine distemper with its accompanying anemia, but it 
should be combined with iron and arsenic. Quinine is a good tonic 
for purpura in horses. 

2. Antiseptic and Antiphlogistic Effect.— Quinine possesses 
much less antipyretic power than phenacetin, antipyrin and acetanilid. 
It acts more favorably with a falling than a rising temperature, and 
should be given two or three hours before the probable time of maxi- 
mum temperature. Quinine is employed in many acute diseases, 
such as influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia of horses. In full 
doses, at the outset of colds or inflammatory diseases of the respira- 
tory tract, quinine may prove abortifacient. Later in these diseases 
the drug may be given as an antipyretic and antiphlogistic (without 
much benefit probably), but in the convalescent stages quinine, in 
small doses, becomes of great worth as a tonic. Some experiments 
involving the injection of putrid material into the blood of dogs, 
appeared to indicate that quinine had a restraining influence on the 
resulting septic state, and, in some cases, saved life. 

Puerperal fever and erysipelatous inflammation yield somewhat 
to quinine, and the drug should be tried in these infections. The 
alkaloid does not lower the temperature or prove destructive to the 
micrococci of pyemia. A vast number of cases of rheumatic fever 
have been treated with quinine in human practice, but the results 
are inferior to those obtained by salicylates. In subacute and chronic 
muscular rheumatism quinine is sometimes useful. It has been in- 
jected into the affected muscles in this disorder, in horses, with 
favorable results. 



444 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

The alkaloids of cinchona may be used as antipyretics in all 
acute diseases with the exception of meningitis, cerebritis, gastritis, 
nephritis and cystitis, where they produce too much irritation. They 
are also contra-indicated in epilepsy and middle-ear disease. 

3. Specific Properties.- — One c.c. of a 1 per cent, solution of 
bimuriate of quinine and urea to the pound, live weight, has recently 
been found by Mark Francis (Texas Exper. Sta., 1911) to prove 
curative in 98 per cent, of cases of Texas fever in cattle when not 
seen too late. The warm sterile solution is injected within the 
abdominal cavity in the standing animal. The point of injection 
is in the right flank low down in front of the anterior border of the 
internal oblique muscle. 

It is done by allowing the fluid to run in by gravity from a 
1000 c.c. wash flask of the laboratory connected with 3 ft. of sterile 
tubing and needle. The fluid should flow freely or else the needle 
is not in the abdominal cavity. The skin should be first shaved and 
scrubbed and sterilized with alcohol or, better, iodine or Harrington's 
solution. One injection is usually sufficient, but it may be repeated 
in 48 hours if necessary. Quinine stands preeminent in the treat- 
ment of malaria, as it is the only drug which can be relied upon to 
kill malarial organisms. While periodicity in the febrile attacks 
is characteristic of malaria, an absolute diagnosis can only be made 
by the discovery of Laveran's plasmodium in the red blood corpus- 
cles. Malaria, but rarely affects the lower animals in this country, 
although exceedingly common among human beings. Cases are said 
to occur not infrequently among horses and cattle in India. A single 
full antipyretic dose of quinine, if given from twelve to six hours 
before a promised malarial attack, will usually prevent it. A single 
large dose should be given once daily for several days thereafter. 
When the disease is severe, treatment may also be pursued by the 
rectal and hypodermic methods at the same time that quinine is given 
by the mouth. A purge of aloes and calomel should be exhibited 
prior to the administration of quinine in the treatment of malaria. 



Class 2. — Salicylic Acid, Salicin, Salol, Oil of Gaultheria and 

Methyl Salicylate. 

Acidum Salicylioum. Salicylic Acid. H0 7 TI 5 3 . 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acid salicylique, Fr. ; salicylsaiire, G. 
An organic acid, existing naturally in combination in various 
plants, but chiefly prepared synthetically from carbolic acid. 



SALICYLIC ACID 445 

Derivation. — Made by passing carbonic dioxide through sodium 
carbolate at a temperature of 428° P. (220° C). 2 NaC 6 H 5 
(sodium carbolate) -f- C0 2 = jSTa 2 C 7 H 4 3 (sodium salicylate) -4- 
C 6 HyO (phenol). Sodium salicylate is treated with hydrochloric 
acid, when salicylic acid is precipitated. Na.>C 7 H 4 0o 4- 2 H CI = 
HC 7 H 5 3 + 2 Ha 01. 

Properties. — Light, "fine, white, prismatic needles, or a light, 
white, crystalline powder ; odorless, having a sweetish, afterward 
acrid taste., and permanent in the air. Soluble in about 308 parts 
of water, and in 2 parts of alcohol ; in 14 parts of boiling water, and 
very soluble in boiling alcohol. Also soluble in ether, absolute alco- 
hol, and chloroform. 

Incompatible. — Spirit of nitrous ether. 

Impurities. — In artificial salicylic acid, metacreosotic and 
orthocreosotic acids. 

Dose.— H. fe C, 5 ii.-g i. (8.-30.) ; Sh., 5 i.-iv. (4.-15.) ; Sw., 
5 ss.-i. (2.4.) ; D., gr. v.-xxx. (3.-2,). 

Preparation. — Unguentum Acidi Salicylici (2 per cent.), B. P. 

Salicltoi. Salicin. C 13 H 18 7 . (TJ. S. & B. P.) 

A neutral principle (glucoside) obtained from several species 
of Salix and Populus (nat. ord. Salicacese). 

Habitat. — Europe, but cultivated in North America, 

Derivation, — Obtained from a decoction of willow bark. 
Salicin crystallizes on evaporation, after removal of tannin by agi- 
tation with lead oxide. It is purified by repeated solution and crys- 
tallization. 

Properties. — Colorless, or white, silky, shining crystalline 
needles, or a crystalline powder ; odorless, and having a very bitter 
taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in 21 parts of water, and in 
71 parts of alcohol ; insoluble in ether or chloroform. 

Dose,— H. & C, 5 ii.-g i. (8.-30.) ; Sh., 3 i.-iv. (4.-15.) ; Sw., 
3 ss.-i (2.-4.) ; D., gr. v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

*Sodii Salicylas. Sodium Salicylas. jSra0 7 H 5 3 . 
(TJ. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym, — Silicylate de soude, Fr. ; natrium salicylicum, G. 
Derivation. — Made by the action of salicylic acid on sodium 



* Strontii salicylas and lithii salicylas are now official. Strontium salicylate 
is less irritating to the stomach and lithium salicylate combines action of 
lithium salts. Doses same for both as for the sodium salt. 



446 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

carbonate. 2 IIC 7 II 5 3 + Na 2 C0 3 = 2 NaC 7 H 5 3 + H 2 + 
C0 2 . The solution is filtered, and heated to expel carbon dioxide. 

Properties. — A white, amorphous, microcrystalline powder or 
scales; odorless, and having a sweetish, saline taste. Permanent in 
cool air. Soluble in 0.8 part of water, and in 5.5 parts of alcohol; 
very soluble in boiling water or alcohol ; also soluble in glycerin. 

Dose. — Same as salicin. 

Phenylis Salicylas. Phenyl Salicylate, C 13 H 10 O-.. 
(IT. S. P.) 

Synonym.- — Salol, B. P. ; salicylic ether of phenol. 

Derivation. — Made by heating salicylic and carbolic acids with 
phosphorous pentachloride. 

Properties. — A white, crystalline powder; odorless, or having 
a faintly aromatic odor, and almost tasteless. Permanent in the 
air. Almost insoluble in water; soluble in 5 parts of alcohol; also 
soluble in 0.3 part of ether, and readily in chloroform, and in fixed 
or volatile oils. 

Dose.— H., 5 iii.-vi. (12.-24.) ; D., gr. v.-x. (0.3-0.6). 

SALICYLIC ACID', SALICIN, SODIUM SALICYLATE AND PHENYL 
SALICYLATE, OB SALOL. 

Action External, — Salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, salicin and 
salol are powerful antiseptics resembling carbolic acid in action but 
less toxic and irritant. A solution of salicylic acid (1-60) is 
equivalent to a solution of carbolic acid (1-22) in destroying some 
bacteria, but is not generally as useful, being less penetrating in its 
action on the tissues. In solution salicylic acid softens and removes 
the horny layer of the skin without causing any soreness. Salicylic 
acid, sodium salicylate and salicin, in their pure state, are irritating 
to the unbroken skin or raw surfaces. Salol is not. 

Action Internal. — Salicylic acid is an irritant in the digestive 
tract and in large doses causes nausea and vomiting in dogs. It 
slightly increases the flow of bile. Salicylic acid is converted into 
salicylates by the alkaline intestinal juices, and is absorbed in this 
form, chiefly as sodium salicylate. For this reason, and because the 
latter salt is less irritating than salicylic acid, sodium salicylate is 
preferred to the acid when a constitutional action is desired. Salicin 
splits up in the bowels into salicylic acid, salicylous acid (HG 7 H 5 2 ), 
salicyluric acid (HC 9 H 8 N'0 4 ), and glucose. Salol is decomposed by 
the pancreatic juice into salicylic acid (64 per cent.) and carbolic 
acid (36 per cent.) After large doses the urine takes on the char- 



PHENYL SALICYLATE 



447 



acteristic smoky color produced in poisoning by phenol. Salol is 
an intestinal antiseptic. The salicylic group are slight cholagogues. 

Circulation. — Moderate closes of sodium salicylic, or salicylic 
acid increase blood pressure by stimulation of the heart muscle and 
vaso-constrictor centre, but large doses depress the heart force, blood 
pressure and nervous system. The artificial acid is said to be more 
depressant than natural salicylic acid obtained from plants, because 
of orthocreosotic and metacreosotic acids existing as impurities in the 
former. Natural salicylates cost 5 to 10 times as much as the arti- 
ficial, and Eggleston, from an exhaustive recent study, states that 
there is no material difference in the action of the two. 

Nervous Systeyn. — The only known action of salicylic acid on 
the central nervous system is that on the medullary, respiratory and 
vasomotor centres which are first stimulated, then depressed, and 
finally paralyzed by lethal doses. 

Therapeutic quantities often cause, in man (salicylism), ringing 
in the ears and headache. Besides, some deafness, dimness of vision 
and excessive perspiration are not uncommon after large doses. 

Respiration.- — The respiratory movements are primarily quick- 
ened by the stimulation of the peripheral vagi and respiratory centres 
produced by sodium salicylate and salicylic acid; but after large 
doses the respiratory centres are depressed and paralyzed and death 
takes place by asphyxia. 

Temperature. — Medicinal doses do not influence the normal 
temperature of healthy animals, but do often lower bodily heat in 
fever, and frequently induce sweating. The largest therapeutic 
doses must be given to secure an antipyretic action. Antipyresis 
occurs from heat loss due to dilation of cutaneous blood vessels. 

Kidneys and Elimination, — Salicylic acid, salicin and sodium 
salicylate circulate in the blood as sodium salicylate and are elim- 
inated in the urine as salicyluric and salicylic acids. This happens 
in this wise: Some of the salicylic acid of sodium salicylate com- 
bines with glvcocoll in the body and forms salicyluric acid. 
HC 7 H 5 3 + C 2 H 5 ]ST0 2 (glycocoll) = HC 9 TT 8 N0 4 (salicyluric 
acid) + H 2 ; while some of the sodium salt is decomposed by phos- 
phoric acid" in an acid urine into salicylic acid. Like quinine, the 
excretion of salicylic acid begins soon, in one hour, and is all excreted 
within 48 hours. Therefore large doses given continuously accumu- 
late in the bodv, and it is said the salicylates thus accumulate chiefly 
in the synovial fluid in the various joint cavities which accounts for 
their action in rheumatism. The quantity of urea and uric acid in 
the urine is increased very considerably by salicylic acid, and usually 
the amount of urine itself. It is made aseptic by the escaping 
salicylic acid, or in the case of salol, by both carbolic and salicylic 



448 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

acids. Sometimes salicylates irritate the kidneys in large doses and 
blood and albumin appear in the urine. The urine of animals tak- 
ing salicylic acid may be rendered green by indican and pyrocatechin, 
formed through the action of pancreatic juice, and takes on a purple 
color with ferric chloride. Salicylic acid is also eliminated in the 
milk, sweat and bile. 

Toxicology. — In man, continued large doses give rise to delir- 
ium, vomiting, depression of the circulation, epistaxis, hematuria, 
and retinal hemorrhages. The herbivora are not easily affected by 
large doses of salicylic acid or salicylates, but dogs exhibit nausea 
and vomiting, accelerated respiration, irregular pulse, loss of mus- 
cular strength, staggering gait, stupor, and, if death occurs, it is 
preceded by slow breathing, dilated pupils, dyspnea, and convulsions 
due to asjuryxia. The minimum fatal dose for a small dog is about 
one drachm of sodium salicylate, subcutaneously. 

Administration. — Sodium salicylate contains 48 grains of the 
acid to the drachm. Sodium salicylate is used in preference to the 
acid because it is soluble and unirritating. It is given in solution, 
or to dogs in pills or tablets. Salicylic acid may be exhibited in 
solution by warming it with glycerin (gr. iv.-5 i. ) ; or with syrup 
(1-5), and aqua ammoniae in sufficient quantity to dissolve it, thus 
forming ammonium salicylate. It may also be administered in pill 
or ball. Salol is given in pill, powder or mixture with water. The 
larger doses of salicylic acid and salicylates should not be repeated, 
and are used for their antipyretic action. A maximum daily dose 
of one ounce of salicylic acid or sodium salicylate, for horses, or one 
drachm of either for large dogs, should rarely be exceeded. 

Uses External. — Salicylic acid is employed in various forms as 
an antiseptic. Aqueous solutions (1-300) may be applied to wounds. 
Stronger solutions are prepared with alcohol, borax, sodium bicar- 
bonate, and ammonium acetate solution. Salicylic acid may be ap- 
plied as a dusting powder with zinc oxide (1-8), or in ointment (1-20 
or 30), for its stimulant and antiseptic effect on wounds. It is used 
in the treatment of burns with cottonseed oil (1-8). Salicylic acid 
is useful in powder or ointment in acute moist eczema (1-50), and 
in the following formula : 

Salicylic acid, one part; zinc oxide, starch and vaseline, each 
16 parts. Einger recommends in pruritus ani and vulvas — salicylic 
acid, 5 ii. ; ol. theobrom., 5 v. ; cetac, 5 iii. ; ol. myrist, 5 i.-ss. Sal- 
icylic acid is of value in skin diseases with induration, and 
for removing horny growths as warts and corns. For the latter 
it is mixed with collodion (5 ii. in % i.) and applied twice daily 
for a week or so when the growth comes away without any irritation. 

Salol is used as an antiseptic dusting powder of uncertain value. 



ACTION" AND USES OF SALICYLIC ACID, ETC. 449 

Uses Internal. — The salicylic acid group are specifics in rheu- 
matic fever. They lower temperature, lessen pain, and by shortening 
the attack lessen the danger of cardiac complications. Sodium 
salicylate should be given every three hours in doses of 5 ii. to 
horses, and gr. x.-xx. to dogs. But this form of rheumatism is rare 
in veterinary practice, and salicylic acid is unfortunately not nearly 
so valuable in the treatment of other varieties. Salicylates are prob- 
ably worthless in chronic rheumatic arthritis where the local appli- 
cation of heat, stimulating liniments and blisters are serviceable; but 
they may be used with benefit in acute muscular rheumatism, sciatica, 
and rheumatic complications of influenza in horses. Salicylic acid, 
salicin, and salicylates are not comparable with the cold tar products 
as general antipyretics, and are useless in hyperpyrexia. Sodium 
salicylate is sometimes prescribed in gastric fermentative dyspepsia 
when the salicylic acid, set free by the hydrochloric acid of the 
gastric juice, acts as an antiseptic. Salol is a good intestinal anti- 
septic in diarrhea and intestinal indigestion, particularly when com- 
bined with bismuth subnitrate in powder or aqueous mixture for 
dogs. Salol is undissolved in the stomach, is less irritating than 
either salicylic acid or sodium salicylate, and is prescribed to lessen 
pain and fever. It may be advantageously given in doses of gr. v. 
to dogs, with phenacetin gr. v., and codeine gr. %, for painful rheu- 
matism. It is probably inferior to sodium salicylate, but can be 
conveniently administered in powder as just noted. Salol is also a 
local anaesthetic and antiseptic in the urinary tract (carbolic acid 
from decomposition), and is useful in cystitis and urethritis, to 
alleviate pain, to prevent frequent micturition, and to render the 
urine asceptic. It may be combined advantageously for this purpose 
with hexamethylenamine. Salicin acts more slowly than salicylic 
acid or sodium salicylate, and is not in general use. Salicylates are 
used in indigestion with slight icterus in acting as cholagogues. 

ASPIRIN. ACETYLSALTCYLICUM. ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID. 

C 9 H s 4 . 

Aspirin is made by heating fifty parts of salicylic acid with 
seventy-five parts of acetic anhydride at a temperature of 302° ¥., 
and by purification and crystallization. It occurs in small colorless, 
crystalline needles, odorless and having an acidulous taste. It is 
soluble in 100 parts of water and freely soluble in alcohol and 
ether. 

With alkalies it is decomposed into salicylic acid and salicylates 
with the liberation of acetic acid. It passes through the stomach un- 
changed and is slowlv dissolved in the alkaline juices of the intes- 



450 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

tines, with less systemic symptoms (tinnitus in man) than follows 
the use of salicylic acid. It is merely a substitute for the latter and 
is supposed to be less irritating to the stomach but this is not always 
the case. Fashion has at present endowed it with much wider scope 
than has been given to salicylates and salicylic acid. It is suitable 
in the same cases in which the latter are indicated, as in rheumatic 
affections and as an intestinal antiseptic. It is often combined with 
other antipyretics and analgesics, as acetphenetidin. It is incom- 
patible with alkalies, their carbonates or bicarbonates. 

Dose.— EL, 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; D., gr. v.-xx. (0.3-1.3). Given in 
capsules or tablets to dogs ; with syrup to horses. 



Oleum Gaultherlze. Oil of Gaultheria. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Oil of checkerberry, oil of wintergreen, oil of box- 
berry. 

A volatile oil distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens 
Linne (nat. ord. Ericacese), consisting almost entirely of methyl 
salicylate (CHgCjHgOg), and nearly identical with volatile oil of 
betula. 

Habitat. — aSTorth America; west as far as Minnesota, and south 
to Georgia. 

Properties. — A colorless or yellow, or occasionally reddish liquid, 
having a characteristic, strongly aromatic odor, and a sweetish, warm 
and aromatic taste. Spec. gr. 1.172 to 1.180 at 77° F. Solubility 
same as methyl salicylate. 

Dose.— H., 3 ii.-g i. (8.-30.); D., niv.-xv. (.3-1.). 

Oleum Betulae. Oil of Betula. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Oil of sweet birch. It is practically identical in 
properties and action with oil of gaultheria. 

Methyl Salicylate. CH 3 C 7 H 5 3 . (TJ. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Artificial or synthetic oil of wintergreen. 

Derivation. — Prepared by distillation of salicylic acid, or sal- 
icylates, with methyl alcohol and sulphuric acid. 

Properties. — A colorless or slightly yellowish liquid, having the 
characteristic, strongly aromatic odor and the sweetish, warm and 
aromatic taste of oil of gaultheria, with the essential composition of 
which it is identical. It is wholly identical with oil of betula (birch). 



OIL OF GAULTHEBIA 451 

Spec. gr. 1.180-1.185 at 77° F. Soluble in all proportions in alco- 
hol, glacial acetic acid, or carbon disulphide. 

Dose.— H., o ii.-§ i. (8.-30.) ; D., ff]v.-xv. (.3-1.) 

ACTION AND USES OE OIL OE GAULTHERIA, OIL OE BETTTLA AND METHYL 

SALICYLATE. 

Oil of wintergreen contains about 90 per cent, of methyl sal- 
icylate. Eleven parts of methyl salicylate are equivalent to nearly 
ten parts of salicylic acid. The oil and methyl salicylate are free 
from the impurities of artificial salicylic acid, while methyl salicylate 
is of more certain composition than the oil. Both behave similarly 
to salicylic acid therapeutically, although the oil is more of a local 
irritant, and they are used for the same purposes as salicylic acid. 
Either may be given in emulsion, or to dogs in capsules, and in com- 
bination with salicylic acid or salicylates. 

Methyl salicylate is serviceable in the following liniment for 
rheumatism : 

Tine. opii. 

Methyl Salicylatis. 

Chloroform! aa § i 

Lin. Saponis ad. § viii. 

M. 

S. External use. 

The external application of methyl salicylate to acutely inflamed 
rheumatic joints is one of the most efficient forms of treatment, and, 
since some is absorbed, will take the place of the internal adminis- 
tration of salicylates to a slight extent. It is usually best to combine 
this treatment with internal medication, however. Plain gauze, or 
other absorbent material, is saturated with methyl salicylate, applied 
to the affected joint, and then covered with oil silk, or rubber pro- 
tective and bandage. 



SECTION" IX.— VOLATILE OILS, OE DKUGS 
CONTAINING THEM. 

GENERAL ACTION OE VOLATILE OILS. 

Synonym. — Essential, ethereal, aromatic or distilled oils. 

Externally, volatile oils cause reddening of the skin (rube- 
facients), sometimes blistering (vesicants), and often local anes- 
thesia, notably oil of cloves and peppermint. They are also 



452 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

parasiticide, antiseptic and disinfectant, penetrating into the proto- 
plasm of bacteria. Internally, these agents stimulate the flow of 
gastric, salivary and intestinal secretions and increase the vascularity 
and movements of the stomach and bowels, and are antiseptic and 
anthelmintic. They therefore temporarily improve digestion, over- 
come flatulence by expelling gas from the intestines, prevent griping 
produced by cathartics, and disguise and offset disagreeable effects 
and tastes of medicines. In the digestive tract, volatile oils excite 
reflexly the nervous system and heart, and augment the pulse rate and 
vascular tension. In large doses, volatile oils are gastro-intestinal ir- 
ritants. Volatile oils may be absorbed from the skin, bronchial 
mucous membrane, and stomach. They are eliminated by the skin, 
bronchial mucous membrane and kidneys, and act as antiseptics and 
parasiticides in the kidneys and lungs. 

In the process of excretion the parts are stimulated ; vascularity, 
secretion, and contractility of the unstriated muscle of the bronchial 
tubes are increased, and volatile oils thus assist expectoration and 
coughing, lu irritating the kidneys and mucous membrane of the 
genito-urinary tract, the volatile oils are stimulant and diuretic ; while 
in poisonous doses they produce acute nephritis, strangury, and hema- 
turia. Toxic doses, injected into the circulation, lower the force of 
the heart and the blood pressure, and occasion a sort of intoxication, 
and sometimes convulsions. To summarize : volatile oils possess the 
following actions in a greater or less degree: parasiticide, antiseptic, 
disinfectant, rubefacient, vesicant, local anesthetic, sialagogue, sto- 
machic, carminative, antispasmodic, stimulant, expectorant, emmena- 
ffogue, and diuretic actions. 



Class 1. — Used Mainly for their Action on the Skin, 

Teeebinthina. Turpentine. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

A concrete oleoresin obtained from Pinus palustris Miller, and 
from other species of Pinus (nat. ord. Coniferse). 

Habitat. — Southeastern United States ; from Virginia to the 
Gulf of Mexico. 

Description. — In yellowish, opaque, tough masses, brittle in the 
cold; crumbly, crystalline in the interior, of a terebinthinate odor 
and taste. 

Oleum Tebebinthtn^e. Oil of Turpentine. (U. S. & B. P.) 
A volatile oil distilled from turpentine. 



TURPENTINE 453 

Synonym.- — Spirit of turpentine, E. ; essence de terebinthine, 
Fr. ; terpentine^, G. 

Properties. — A thin, colorless liquid, having a characteristic 
odor and taste, both of which become stronger and less pleasant by 
age and exposure to the air. Spec. gr. 0.860 to 0.870 at 11° F. 
Soluble in three times its volume of alcohol ; also soluble in an equal 
volume of glacial acetic acid. 

Solvent for resins (varnish), fats, wax, gutta percha, india rub- 
ber, sulphur, phosphorus, iodine, and many alkaloids. It is dextro- 
rotatory, but the French variety is leavo-rotatory. Old oil of tur- 
pentine and French oil of turpentine (Pinus maratima) are oxidizing 
agents. 

Constituents. — Turpentine contains 20 to 25 per cent, of oil of 
turpentine. Oil of turpentine is composed of several isomeric hydro- 
carbons, called terpenes, and having the formula C 10 H 16 . The chief 
ones in the oil are pinene, phellandrene, limonene, and dipentene. 

The oil of juniper, savin, cubeb, caraway, cloves, thyme, etc., 
contain various terpenes. They differ from each other in their boil- 
ing points and direction in which they rotate the plane of polarization. 
The terpenes are oxidized into camphors. 

Dose. — Carminative — H. & C, § i--ii- (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
3 i.-iv. (4.-15.); D., 1Ux.-xxx. (.6-2.). 

Anthelmintic — H. & C, 5 ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; D., 5 ss.-iv. (2.- 
15.). 

Diuretic— R. & C, 5 ii.-vi. (8.-24.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Linimentum Terbintlivnce. Turpentine Liniment. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Resin cerate, 650 ; oil of turpentine, 350 ; melt the resin cerate and add 
the oil of turpentine. (U. S. P.) 

Oleum Terebinthinte Rectification. Rectified Oil of Turpentine. 
(U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Made hy shaking oil of turpentine with an equal volume of 
Solution of Sodium Hydroxide, and distillation. 

Properties. — A thin, colorless liquid, having the same properties as oil of 
turpentine. 

Terebenum. Terebene. C 10 H 16 . (II. S. & B. P.). 

A liquid consisting of dipentene and other hydrocarbons, ob- 
tained by the action of concentrated sulphuric acid on oil of turpen- 
tine and subsequent rectification with steam. 

Properties. — A colorless, or slightly yellowish, thin liquid, hav- 
ing a rather agreeable, thyme-like odor, and an aromatic, somewhat 



454 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

terebinthinate taste. Spec. gr. about 0.850 at 77° F. Only slightly 
soluble in water, but soluble in 3 times its volume of alcohol, and in 
glacial acetic, or carbon disulphide. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 ii.-vi. (8.-24.) ; ttlv.-xv. (.3-1.). 

Terpini Hydras. Terpin Hydrate. C 10 Ho O o + HoO. 
(IT. S. P.) 

The hydrate of the diatomic alcohol, Terpin. 

Derivation. — Rectified oil of turpentine, alcohol and nitric acid 
are mixed together in shallow, porcelain dishes, and after three or 
four days terpin hydrate crystallizes out. The crystals are collected, 
drained, dried on absorbent paper, and purified by recrystallization 
in alcohol. 

Properties. — 'Colorless, odorless crystals, having an aromatic, 
somewhat bitter taste. Soluble in 200 parts of water and in 10 parts 
of alcohol. 

Dose. — H., 3 ss.-ii. (2.-8.) ; D., gr. v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 

OLE OP TURPENTINE. 

Action External. — Oil of turpentine is an irritant to the skin,' 
causing itching, pain and redness, or even vesication, followed by 
local anesthesia. It produces intense irritability and restlessness 
when applied externally to some horses. The oil is antiseptic, dis- 
infectant and parasiticide, being more penetrating to the skin than 
mustard or cantharides. 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — The oil induces a sense 
of warmth in the stomach (man), and increases gastric secretion, 
motion and vascularity, but is too disagreeable to be used as a sto- 
machic. In acting similarly in the bowels, particularly in stimulat- 
ing the muscular coat, oil of turpentine is a useful carminative by 
exciting peristalsis and expelling gas in tympanites. Its antiseptic 
properties also antagonize intestinal fermentation. 

Large doses occasion purging and are anthelmintic. Toxic doses 
create gastro-enteritis and sometimes intestinal ulceration. The ir- 
ritation of the nerve endings in the digestive tract caused by turpen- 
tine, leads to reflex stimulation of the nervous system and heart. 

Circulation. — Turpentine is readily absorbed into the blood. 
Experimental evidence is at variance with regard to the action of 
the oil on the circulation. Small doses apparently increase the force 
and frequency of the heart-beat, and slightly raise blood pressure. 
The vessels are somewhat contracted and the drug is employed to 
arrest hemorrhage in the digestive tract and in remote organs. It 



USES OF OIL OF TURPENTINE, ETC 4-55 

is inferior to ergot as an hemostatic. Large doses of turpentine 
lower the cardiac force and frequency, and cause vascular dilatation 
and fall of blood pressure. 

Respiration. — Oil of turpentine enhances the strength and rapid- 
ity of the respiratory movements, in small closes, but large quantities 
depress the respiration. The oil is easily absorbed by inhalation and 
is also eliminated in the breath. Inhalation of the oil stimulates 
the bronchial mucous membrane, acts as an antiseptic, and excites 
muscular contraction of the bronchial tubes and cough. 

Authorities differ as to the influence of turpentine on bronchial 
secretion. Hossbach found that the inhalation of air saturated with 
turpentine diminished secretion, while the topical application of a 
watery solution increased secretion. The oil is essentially a local 
stimulating expectorant. 

Nervous System. — Medicinal doses occasion mental exhilaration 
in man. Large doses cause dulness, languor, and unsteady gait in 
animals ; while distinctly toxic doses produce coma, sensory paralysis, 
loss of reflex activity, and, at times, convulsions. 

Kidneys and Genito-Urinary Tract. — The kidneys are very 
prone to irritation during its elimination. Small doses induce fre- 
quent micturition. Large quantities lead to albuminuria, pain in 
the lumbar region, hematuria, and constant painful passage of high- 
colored urine, owing to irritation of the urinary mucous membrane 
and muscular spasm of the urethra (strangury). Menorrhagia and 
dysmenorrhea occur in females under the influence of the oil. Acute 
nephritis and complete suppression of urine follow great toxic doses. 
The urine has sometimes the odor of violets. 

Elimination. — Turpentine is eliminated in the urine, breath, 
and, to some extent, in the bile and intestinal mucus; slightly by 
the skin. 

Toxicology. — Turpentine poisoning is not an uncommon occur- 
'rence from the administration of large doses (undiluted) by empirics. 
Post-mortem appearances reveal gastro-enteritis, sometimes conges- 
tion and inflammation of the lungs, and fatty degeneration of the 
liver,- kidney and muscles, following prolonged use of the oil. 

The action of terebene and terpin hydrate is very similar to oil 
of turpentine. 

Administration. — Oil of turpentine is given with eight or more 
times its volume of cottonseed or linseed oil, gruel, or milk ; and in 
emulsion with acacia or white of egg. An emulsion is made by 
shaking a single dose with powdered acacia, and adding water or oil. 
Terebene is administered in a similar manner. Terpin hydrate may 
be exhibited in pill, ball or alcoholic solution. 



456 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



USES OF OIL OF TURPENTINE:, TEREBENB AND TERPIN HYDRATE. 

External.- — Oil of turpentine is employed as a stimulant and 
counter-irritant with two or three parts of cottonseed oil and soap 
liniment, or as the official liniment in rheumatism, myalgia, sprains, 
shoulder lameness, swollen joints, gangrene, frost bites, burns and 
ulcers. Oil of turpentine is a very efficient disinfectant with which 
to sterilize the skin or accidental wounds when more appropriate 
agents are not at hand. It is serviceable in the same form and for 
the same actions applied to "sitfasts" and obstinate ulceration about 
the heels in horses, and in footrot of sheep. As a parasiticide, the 
oil, diluted two or three times with sweet oil, is painted on the skin 
to kill ringworm and lice. 

Oil of turpentine is a valuable counter-irritant in relieving pain 
and inflammation of deep-seated parts. It is particularly useful in 
tympanitis, flatulent and spasmodic colic and peritonitis. In the 
first two named disorders, external application is combined with the 
internal and rectal exhibition of the drug. Oil of turpentine is 
less frequently employed over the chest in pleurisy and bronchitis. 
The turpentine stupe is the favorite method of applying the oil in 
abdominal troubles. A blanket is thoroughly sprinkled with turpen- 
tine, folded, and rolled into a cylindrical form which will fit into an 
ordinary pail. Boiling water is then poured on the blanket until it 
is saturated. The blanket is quickly wrung out, placed over and 
around the horse's trunk, covered with rubber protective and dry 
blankets, and allowed to remain in place fifteen to thirty minutes. 

Uses Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Oil of turpentine is of great- 
est utility in colic and in expelling gas in tympany given internally 
(§ ii.-Oii. of linseed oil) and per rectum. Enemata can also be 
employed for their stimulant action on the nervous system and cir- 
culation, in collapse. One or two ounces of oil of turpentine are dis- 
solved in two or four ounces of cottonseed oil, when used as an enema 
for horses. Turpentine is an anthelmintic for round and tape worms. 
From two to four ounces of the oil with one ounce of oleoresin of 
aspidium in a pint of linseed oil, are recommended for the latter 
purpose in the case of horses. Old oil of turpentine is often advised 
as an antidote for phosphorus because it contains ozone and forms a 
harmless, camphor-like body — turpentine phosphoric acid. Its use 
has, however, been found worthless. Turpentine is occasionally given 
in indigestion, chronic diarrhea, and dysentery of horses and cattle, as 
a local stimulant and antiseptic. 

Respiratory Organs. — Oil of turpentine is an efficient stimu- 
lating and antiseptic expectorant in subacute and chronic bronchitis; 



USES OF OIL OF TURPENTINE 457 

and deodorant in gangrene of the lungs. It is administered inter- 
nally, and by inhalation in the proportion of one teaspoonful to the 
quart of boiling water. Terebene is used as a substitute for oil of 
turpentine, as a stimulating expectorant, and is likewise prescribed 
as an antiseptic and carminative in flatulence, and as a genito-urinary 
stimulant. Terpin hydrate increases bronchial secretion and is em- 
ployed in both acute and chronic bronchitis. Oil of turpentine has 
been found beneficial in verminous bronchitis of calves and lambs 
(caused by Strongulus micrurus and filaria), injected into the trachea 
midway in the neck, according to the following prescription : 

01. Terebinthinse 3 i-ii. 

Acid, Carbol 

Glycerini 

Chloroformi aa 3 ss. 

M. 

S. Inject in one dose. 

"Gapes" in fowl, due to Syngamus trachealis, is cured by the 
same mixture diluted with 5 parts of oil and applied to the throat 
internally with a feather. 

Verminous bronchitis in calves may also be cured by pouring 
into each nostril, once daily, 2 drams of turpentine with the head 
upturned. Also give internally, and to lambs with this disease, 1 
dram in milk or gruels once daily. 

Circulation. — Oil of turpentine is of some worth as a cardiac 
stimulant and hemostatic. It is said to have been exhibited in par- 
turient fever and apoplexy of cattle with success. Bleeding from 
the nose, lungs, digestive tract, uterus, kidneys, and bladder, hemor- 
rhages occurring in purpura hemorrhagica, are sometimes stopped 
by the internal use of turpentine. 

Genito-Urinary Tract. — Oil of turpentine is indicated as a 
stimulant in amenorrhea, chronic pyelitis and cystitis. The drug is 
contra-indicated in acute inflammation of the kidneys and alimentary 
canal. 



Pix Bttrgundica. Burgundy Pitch. (B. P.) 

The prepared, resinous exudation of Abies excelsa Poiret (nat. 
ord. Coniferse). 

Synonym. — Poix blanche, poix de Bourgogne, Fr. ; Burgunder 
harz (pech), G. 

Habitat. — Southern Europe, mountainous regions. 



458 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Properties. — Hard, yet taking gradually the form of the vessel 
in which it is kept ; brittle, with a shining, conchoidal fracture ; 
opaque or translucent ; reddish-brown or yellowish-brown ; odor agree- 
ably terebinthinate ; taste aromatic, sweetish, not bitter. It is almost 
entirely soluble in glacial acetic acid, or in boiling alcohol, and partly 
soluble in cold alcohol. 

Constituents. — 1, resin; 2, a volatile oil (C 10 H 16 ). 

Dose.— H. & C, § i.-iii. (30.-90.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., gr. xx.-xl. (1.3-2.6). 

PEEPAEATION. 

Emplastrum Picis. Pitch Plaster. (B. P.) 



TerebinthiNa" Canadensis. Canada Turpentine. 

(U. S. &B. P.) 

_ \ 

A liquid oleoresin obtained from Abies balsamea (Linne), Mil- 
ler (nat. ord. Coniferas). 

Synonym. — Canada balsam, balsam of fir, balsamum Canadense, 
E. ; baume de Canada, Fr. ; Canadischer terpentin, G. 

Habitat. — Canada and ]ST. United States ; west to Minnesota, 
south on mountains to Virginia. 

Properties. — A yellowish or faintly greenish, transparent, viscid 
liquid, of an agreeable terebinthinate odor, and a bitterish, slightly 
acrid taste. When exposed to the air it gradually dries, forming a 
transparent varnish. It is completely soluble in alcohol, chloroform 
or benzol. 

Constituents.- — -1, volatile oil, 20-30 per cent.; 2, a resin; 3, a 
soluble bitter principle. 

Dose.—R. & C, 5 i.-iii. (30.-90.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., gr. xx. -xl. (1.3-2.6). 



ACTION AND USES OF BURGUNDY PITCH AND CANADA TURPENTINE. 

Burgundy pitch is slightly stimulating to the skin and is used 
as a mild counter-irritant (in plaster) in rheumatism, strains, swell- 
ing of joints, and upon the chest. Burgundy pitch, Canada turpen- 
tine, crude turpentine, Venice turpentine, Bordeaux turpentine and 
Frankincense have much the same action and uses as oil of turpen- 
tine internally. They are administered in the same manner and in 
nearly identical doses, but are less commonly employed than the latter. 



ROSIN 459 

Eesina. Eosin. (U. S. & B. P.) 

The residue left after distilling off the volatile oil from tur- 
pentine. 

Synonym. — Colophony, resin, E. ; colophonuin, P. G. ; colophane, 
Fr. ; kolophonium, geigenharz, G. 

Properties. — Usually in sharp, angular fragments. A trans- 
parent, amber-colored substance, hard, brittle, pulverizable ; fracture 
glossy and shallow-conchoidal ; odor and taste faintly terebinthinate. 
Spec. gr. 1.070-1.080. Soluble in alcohol, ether, and fixed or volatile 
oils; also in solution of potassium or sodium hydrate. 

Constituents. — Chiefly abietic acid anhydride (C 44 H 62 04 7 ), 
80-90 per cent. 

PREPARATIONS. 

Ceratum Resinw. Resin Cerate. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Basiliconi ointment. 

Rosin, 350; yellow wax, 150; lard, 500. 

Ceratum Resimce Compositum. (U. S. P.) 

Contains oil of turpentine and linseed oil in addition to wax, suet and 
rosin. 

Emplastrum Adhcesivum. Adhesive plaster. (U. S. P.) 

Rubber, 20; petrolatum, 20; lead plaster, 960. 

Emplastrum Resmce. Resin Plaster. (B. P.) 

Vnguentum Resince. (B. P.) 

ACTION AND USES OF EOSIN. 

Eosin is a local stimulant and antiseptic externally. The cerate 
is an excellent preparation for burns, wounds, ulcers, and abraded 
surfaces. The fumes arising from burning rosin (on a hot shovel) 
are said to be of value when inhaled in chronic or subacute bron- 
chitis. 

Pix Liquida. Tar. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

An empyreumatic oleoresin obtained by the destructive dis- 
tillation of the wood of Pinus palustris Miller, and of other species 
of Pinus (nat. ord. Conifers?). 

Synonym. — Eesina empyreumatica liquida — goudron, goudron 
vegetal, Fr. ; theer, G. 



460 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Habitat. — United States. 

Properties. — Thick, viscid, semi-fluid, blackish-brown ; heavier 
than water, transparent in thin layers, becoming granular and 
opaque with age; odor empyreumatic, terebinthinate ; taste sharp, 
empyreumatic. 

Tar is slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, fixed or 
volatile oils, and solutions of potassium or sodium hydrate. 

Constituents. — Mainly — 1, oil of turpentine ; 2, methylic al- 
cohol; 3, creosote; 4, guaiacol; 5, phenol; 6, pyrocatechin ; 7, toluol; 
8, xylol; 9, acetic acid; 10, acetone; 11, resins. 

Dose.— H. & C, I ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., Til xv. -5 i. (1.-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Unguentum Picis Liquidce. Tar Ointment. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Tar, 500; yellow wax, 150; lard, 350. 

Pix Carhonis Preparata. Prepared Coal Tar. (B. P.) 
Liquor Picis Carhonis. Solution of Coal Tar. (B. P.) 

Oleum Picis Liquids. Oil of Tar. (IT. S. P.) 

A volatile oil distilled from tar. 

Properties. — An almost colorless liquid when freshly distilled, 
but soon acquiring a dull, reddish-brown color, and having a strong 
tarry odor and taste. Spec. gr. about 0.965. Soluble in alcohol. 

Pix Nigea. Pitch. (Non-official.) 

A solid, shining, black, bituminous substance. Soluble in 
ether, oils, and aqueous alkaline solutions. It contains an altered 
resin, and a crystalline principle, Retine (C 1R H 1S ). 

Oleum Cadhstum. Oil of Cade. (U. S. & B. P.) 

A product of the dry distillation of wood of Juniperus Oxy- 
cedrus Linne (nat, ord. Conifers). 

Synonym. — Oleum juniperi empyreumaticum, E. ; huile de 
cade, Fr. ; cadol, G. 

Habitat. — North Africa, Spain, Prance, and Portugal, on the 
borders of the Mediterranean, in waste places and stony hill-sides. 

Properties. — A brownish or dark brown, clear, thick liquid; 
having a tarry odor, and an empyreumatic, burning, somewhat bitter 
taste. Spec. gr. about 0.990. It is almost insoluble in water, but 
imparts to it an acid reaction. Partially soluble in alcohol; com- 
pletely soluble in ether, chloroform, or carbon disulphide. 



ACTION AND USES OF TAR, ETC. 461 

Constituents. — The composition is similar to that of tar. 
Dose. — Same as that of tar. 



ACTION AND USES OF TAB, OIL OF CADE AND PITCH. 

Externally; tar produces hyperemia, and, when rubbed contin- 
ually into the skin, sometimes papules and pustules. It is a stimu- 
lant, rubefacient, antiseptic and parasiticide externally. Poisoning 
may follow the extensive application of large quantities of tar over a 
denuded surface, or if it be licked off the skin. Tar is mainly 
employed in veterinary medicine on the skin, and is a valuable rem- 
edy to relieve itching and as a local stimulant in chronic eczema 
("grease"), sometimes in moist eczema and erythema, psoriasis, 
pityriasis, pruritus, and lichen. It also destroys the parasites of 
mange and ringworm. It is applied with fat, vaseline, soap or al- 
cohol, in the proportion of 1-2 to 10. The official ointment (1-2) r 
is generally appropriate in the above-mentioned skin diseases, but 
may require dilution. The following preparation is serviceable on 
patches of scaly eczema : 

Tar, soft or green soap, each two ounces; alcohol, two ounces. 
Pure tar painted over the surface with a brush, is often most effi- 
cient in obstinate cases of eruptive disorders. A lotion of oil of 
tar, sulphurated potassa, or Peruvian balsam, is more cleanly 
and suitable for house dogs with eczema. (See diet for eczema in 
dogs, section on foods and feeding, p. 606.) Tar is of the greatest 
utility in stimulating the growth of horn, and is the principal in- 
gredient of hoof ointments for horses. It may be mixed with an 
equal part of lard for this purpose, or the following mixture is well 
spoken of: tar, yellow wax and honey, 1/4 lb. each; lard, 1% lbs.; 
glycerin, 3 ounces. Melt and mix the lard and wax together; add 
the other ingredients ; stir while cooling. Oakum, soaked with tar, 
is frequently packed under leather, beneath the shoes on horses' feet, 
to soften and stimulate the horn and to cure thrush and canker. 
Tar is also a beneficial application for foot rot of sheep. Tar is 
usually kept on hand for farming purposes, and is therefore, a 
popular antiseptic and protective in the treatment of wounds and 
broken horns in cattle. 

Internally. — Tar — on account of its constituents, phenol and 
creosote — in large quantities causes toxic effects, with symptoms re- 
sembling carbolic acid poisoning: e.g., abdominal pain, vertigo, signs 
of gastro-intestinal irritation, and the passage of dark-colored urine. 
It is not exceedingly poisonous, however, as recovery has been re- 
ported in man after the ingestion of an amount varying from one 
to two pints. Tar is eliminated by the kidneys, with the production 



462 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

of irritation and diuresis ; also by the mucous membrane, and affects 
more especially that lining the bronchial tubes, where it acts as a 
local stimulant and antiseptic. For this reason the drug is an ex- 
cellent expectorant in subacute or chronic bronchitis when given 
internally or by inhalation. The latter process may be conducted 
by pouring tar on a heated shovel, or, better, by dissolving tar in 
boiling sodium carbonate solution and steaming the patient with the 
vapor. Tar is occasionally exhibited in chronic gastro-intestinal ca- 
tarrh and obstinate diarrhoea, with good results. 

Tar is of value internally in influencing those skin disorders 
which are benefited by its external application. Inhalations of tar 
are sometimes serviceable in pharyngitis and laryngitis, as well as 
in bronchitis. Oil of tar may be applied, dissolved in alcohol (1-8), 
as a lotion, and is an agreeable substitute for tar in chronic eczema 
or psoriasis of dogs. It is used in the pure state as a parasiticide 
for mange, scab, ringworm or favus. Oil of cade represents oil of 
tar and tar in their actions and uses, but its odor is pleasanter. It 
is prescribed externally in chronic eczema and pruritis, as follows: 
Oil of cade, 1 ; soft soap and alcohol, 4 parts each ; or in equal parts 
with wax. Oil of cade can also be used in any proportion or manner 
in which tar is applicable. Pitch likewise possesses the same action 
as tar, and is sometimes employed for making hoof ointments and 
plasters. 

Baesamum Peruvianum. Balsam of Peru. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirge (Eoyle) Baillon 
(nat. ord. Leguminosse). 

Synonym. — Balsamum peruvianum nigrum, balsam indicum, 
baume de Peron, baume des Indes, Fr. ; Peru balsam, G. 

Habitat. — Central America. 

Properties. — A liquid having a syrupy consistence, free from 
stringiness or stickiness ; of a brownish-black color in bulk, reddish- 
brown or transparent in thin layers; of an agreeable, vanilla-like, 
somewhat smoky odor, and a bitter taste, leaving a persistent after- 
taste. On exposure to air it does not become hard. Spec. gr. 1.140 
to 1.150. Miscible in all proportions, with absolute alcohol, chloro- 
form, or glacial acetic acid. Completely soluble in 5 parts of al- 
cohol. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil, yielding cinnamein, C 9 H 7 
(C 7 H 7 )0.,, about 60 per cent.; 2, cinnamic acid, C 19 H s 2 ; 3, a 
resin (32 per cent.), yielding benzoic acid, IT0 7 H 5 2 on dry distilla- 
tion ; 4, styrol, C S H*; 5, stilbene, C 14 H 12 ; 6, a volatile oil, benzylic 



BALSAM OF TOLU 463 

benzoate, C 7 H 5 (C 7 H 7 )Oo; 7, benzylic alcohol, C 7 H s O; 8, styracin, 
C' 9 H 7 (C 9 H 9 )0 2 . 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., TT\x.-xxx. (.6-2.). 



Balsamum Tolutanum. Balsam of Tolu. (17. S. & B. P.) 

A balsam obtained from Toluifera Balsamum Linne (nat. ord. 
Leguminosa?) . 

Synonym. — Baume de Tolu, baume de Cathagene, Fr. ; Tolu- 
balsam, G. 

Habitat. — New Granada and Venezuela. 

Properties.- — A yellowish-brown, plastic solid, becoming brittle 
when old, dried or exposed to the cold ; transparent in thin layers ; 
having an agreeable odor, recalling that of vanilla, but distinct from 
it, and a mild aromatic taste. Soluble in alcohol, chloroform and 
solutions of fixed alkalies ; almost insoluble in water. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil, tolene, C 10 H 1G , 1 per cent. ; 2, 
a volatile oil, benzylic benzoate, C 7 H 5 (0 7 H 7 )0 2 ; 3, benzoic acid, 
HC 7 H 5 2 ; 4, cinnamic acid, C 9 H 8 2 ; 5, benzylic cinnamate, C 9 H 7 
(C 7 H 7 )0 2 ; 6, resins. 

Dose. — Same as balsam of Peru. 

PREPARATION. 

Syrupus Tolutanus. Syrup of Tolu. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Tincture of tolu, 50; magnesium carbonate, 10; sugar, 820; water to make 
1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— D., 3i.-iv. (4.-15.). 

ACTION AND USES OF BALSAMS OF PERU AND TOLU. 

Externally, the balsams are stimulant, antiseptic and para- 
siticide. Balsam of Peru is a useful remedy in alcoholic solution 
(1-8) for chronic eczema of dogs. It may also be serviceable in 
ointment (1-8) for sore teats in cows, or as an application to kill 
lice and the parasites of (sareoptic) mange and ringworm. It is, 
undiluted, a most excellent stimulant and antiseptic dressing upon 
wounds and ulcers. In fact there is no better agent for dressing ordi- 
nary wounds. Occasionally renal inflammation follows its very ex- 
tensive external use. 

Internally,, the balsams are stomachic and carminative, and are 
eliminated by the skin, mucous membranes and urinary organs, 
stimulating these parts. They are therefore occasionally prescribed 



464: VEGETABLE DRUGS 

in chronic bronchitis, pyelitis and cystitis. The syrup of tolu is an 
exceedingly mild preparation, but forms an agreeable vehicle for 
cough mixtures in canine practice. The balsams may be adminis- 
tered in emulsion rubbed up with either glycerin, mucilage, or white 
of egg and water. 



Benzoinum. Benzoin. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Kesina benzoe, asa dulcis, gum benjamin, E. ; ben- 
zoin, Fr. ; benzoe, G. 

A balsamic resin obtained from Styrax Benzoin Dryander, and 
another unidentified species of styrax (nat. ord. Styracese). 

Habitat. — Siam, Sumatra, Java and Borneo. 

Properties. — In pebble-like bodies or tears, mostly 0.5 to 5 Cm. 
long and about one-fourth as thick, slightly flattened, straight or 
curved, yellowish- to rusty-brown externally, milky-white on fresh 
fracture, separate or very slightly agglutinated (Siam Benzoin), or 
embedded in a dry resinous mass, which varies from reddish-brown 
to reddish-gray or grayish-brown ; opaque or slightly translucent and 
more or less lustrous (Sumatra Benzoin) ; brittle, becoming soft on. 
warming, and yielding benzoic acid on sublimation ; odor agreeable, 
balsamic (vanilla-like in the Siam variety) ; taste slightly acrid. It 
is almost wholly soluble in 5 parts of moderately warm alcohol, and 
in solutions of the fixed alkalies. When heated it gives off fumes 
of benzoic acid. 

Constituents. — 1, benzoic acid, 12 to 20 per cent. ; 2, cinnamic 
acid, sometimes ; 3, several resins ; 4, a volatile oil. 



PREPARATIONS. 

Adeps Benzoinatus. Benzoinated Lard. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Made by melting lard, 1000, with benzoin, 20; and straining. (U. S. P.) 

Tinctura, Benzoini. Tincture of Benzoin. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration of benzoin, 200, in alcohol; filtration, and addition 
of alcohol to make 1000. 

Dose.— H. & C, gi. (30.); D., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Tinctura Benzoini Composita. Compound Tincture of Benzoin. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Friar's balsam. 

Benzoin, 100; purified aloes, 20; storax, 80; balsam of tolu, 40; alcohol 
to make 1000. Made by digestion and filtration. (U. S. P.) 



BENZOIC ACID 465 

Acidum Benzoicum. Benzoic Acid. HC 7 H 5 9 . 
(U. S, & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acide benzoique, fleurs de ben join, Fi\ ; benzoe- 
saure, benzoeblurnen, G. 

Derivation. — Obtained from benzoin by sublimation, or arti- 
ficially prepared. 

Properties. — White, or yellowish-white, lustrous scales or fria- 
ble needles ; odorless, or having a slight characteristic odor resembling 
that of benzoin, and of a warm, acid taste. Somewhat volatile at 
a moderately warm temperature, and rendered darker by exposure 
to light. Soluble, when pure, in about 281 parts of water, and in 
1.8 parts of alcohol. Also soluble in 3 parts of ether, 7 parts of 
chloroform, and readily soluble in carbon disulphide, benzol, fixed 
and volatile oils, but sparingly soluble in benzin. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, ammonium carbonate. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., gr.v.-xv. (.3-1.). 

Ammonii Benzoas. Ammonium Benzoate. NH 4 7 H 5 2 . 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Made by the action of benzoic acid and ammonia water. In 
white crystals. Soluble in 10.5 parts of water; in 25 parts of alco- 
hol. 

Dose. — Same as benzoic acid. 

Sodii Benzoas. Sodium Benzoate. ]STaC 7 H 5 Oo. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by the action of a hot solution of sodium carbonate on 
benzoic acid. Occurs in a white powder. Soluble in 1.6 parts of 
water; in 43 parts of alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as benzoic acid. 

Lithii Benzoas. (II. S. P.) 
Dose. — Same as for sodium benzoate. 

ACTION OF BENZOIN, BENZOIC ACID AND BENZOATES. 

These substances may be represented by benzoic acid. 

Action External. — Benzoic acid is an irritant applied exter- 
nally, also when its vapor is inhaled. It is an efficient antiseptic; a 
solution (1-1000) will inhibit the growth of many forms of bacteria. 



466 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Action Internal. — Medicinal doses of benzoic acid exert only 
an antiseptic action in the alimentary canal. Large doses occasion 
increased bronchial and cutaneous secretion, with accelerated pulse. 
Enormous doses cause gastro-intestinal irritation, slowing of the pulse 
and respiration, convulsions, general paralysis and asphyxia. Ben- 
zoic acid is absorbed into the blood, acts as an antipyretic in fever, 
and is converted (probably in the kidneys) into hippuric acid and 
eliminated in the urine as such. It thus renders an alkaline urine 
acid, and stimulates and exercises an antiseptic influence upon the 
urinary mucous membrane. The change into hippuric acid is due 
to combination with a nitrogenous body — glycocoll — but the source 
of glycocoll is uncertain. 

Benzoic acid HC 7 H 5 (X -f- glvcocoll CoH^ISTO., = hippuric acid 
C H,NO 3 + water H 2 0. 

Benzoic acid is somewhat diuretic, but does not alter the com- 
position of the urine in any constant manner, although metabolism 
is said to be increased. It is eliminated by the bronchial mucous 
membrane, augmenting secretion, and acting as an antiseptic in the 
bronchial tubes. When the vapor of any of the substances under 
consideration is inhaled in proper dilution, a similar expectorant 
action is attained. Benzoic acid is likewise excreted by the skin 
and salivary glands, exciting their functional activity. 

Uses External. — The compound tincture of benzoin is a valua- 
ble stimulant and antiseptic application for wounds, sores and ulcers. 
It is often applied to the part on gauze or lint, followed by bandag- 

Uses Internal. — Benzoic acid is sometimes given in powder, 
pill, or ball, as an intestinal antiseptic, and as a remedy for rheu- 
matism. It is inferior to salicylic acid in the latter disorder. The 
benzoates are said to be equally efficient as antiseptics and have 
been highly recommended in diarrhea and dysentery. 

Benzoin, in the form of the tincture, and the benzoates, are 
serviceable in laryngitis, tracheitis, and bronchitis, to promote secre- 
tion and antisepsis. An inhalation of the tincture (5 ii.-Oi. hot 
water) is also very serviceable in these diseases for the same pur- 
poses. 

The benzoates are of value in pyelitis and cystitis, particularly 
in carnivora with a normal acid urine, to acidify and disinfect the 
decomposing urine and stimulate the tract. They should be given 
with hexamethylenamine in these disorders as this drug only acts 
favorably in an acid urine. 



WHITE MUSTARD 467 



Sinapis Alba. White Mustard. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Sinapis alba? semina, B. P. ; semen erucse, yellow 
mustard seed, E. ; moutarde blanche, Fr. ; weisser senf, G. 

The seed of Sinapis alba (Linne) nat. ord. Cruciferse). 

Habitat.- — Southern Europe and Asia; cultivated in temperate 
climates. 

Description. — About 2 Mm. in diameter; almost globular, with 
a circular hilum; testa yellowish, finely pitted, hard; embryo oily, 
with a curved radicle and two cotyledons, one folded over the other; 
free from starch ; inodorous ; taste pungent and acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, a glucoside, sinalbin (C 30 H 44 !N" 2 S 2 O 10 ), and 
a ferment, myrosin, 10-15 per cent. The latter converts the for- 
mer, in the presence of water, into the active principle of the drug, 
acrinyl sulphocyanide (C 7 H 7 0]>TCS), a very acrid, volatile body, 
sinapine sulphate (C 16 H 23 E"0 5 E[ 2 SO i ), and glucose; 2, a bland, 
fixed oil, 25 per cent. ; 3, gum, 20 per cent. 

Dose.— H., I ss. (15.) ; C, % ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. 
(1.-8.) ; D., gr. x.-xv. (.6-1.). 



Sinapis Nigra. Black Mustard. (II. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Sinapis nigra? semina, B. P. ; semen sinapis, P. G. ; 
moutarde noire (Grise), Fr. ; schwarzer senf, G. 

The seed of Brassica nigra (Linne) Koch (nat. ord. Crucifera?). 

Habitat. — Southern Europe and Asia; cultivated in temperate 
climates. 

Description, — About 1 Mm. in diameter, almost globular, with 
a circular hilum ; testa blackish-brown, or grayish-brown, finely pitted, 
hard ; embryo oily, with a curved radicle and two cotyledons, one 
folded over the other ; free from starch ; inodorous when dry, but 
when triturated with water, of a pungent, penetrating, irritating 
odor ; taste pungent and acrid. 

Constituents.— 1, a glucoside, sinigrin (or potassium myronate), 
and a ferment, myrosin. In the presence of water the latter con- 
verts the former into the acrid, volatile, official oil of mustard (allyl 
sulphocyanide, CoHgCNS), acid potassium sulphate, and glucose; 2, 
a fixed, bland oil, similar to that in white mustard ; 3, gum. 

Dose. — Same as white mustard. 

Commercial form of mustard is a mixture of black and white 
mustard, and constitutes Sinapis (B. P.) 



468 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

PREPARATION. 

Oleum Sinapis Volatile. Volatile Oil of Mustard. 

Synonym. — Oleum sinapis, B. P. ; allyl sulphocyanide 
(CoHgCJSTS), allyl-iso-thiocynate, oleum sinapis sethereum, E. ; es- 
sence de moutarde, Fr. ; setherisches senfol, G. 

Derivation. — A volatile oil obtained from black mustard by 
maceration with water and subsequent distillation. 

Properties. — A colorless or pale yellow, limpid and strongly re- 
fractive liquid, having a very pungent and acrid odor and taste. 
Freely soluble in alcohol, ether, or carbon disnlphide, the solutions 
being neutral to litmus paper. Spec. gr. 1.013 to 1.020. 

Preparation. — Linimentum Sinapis ( B. P. ) ; volatile oil of mustard, cam- 
phor and castor oil. 

Action External. — Mustard quickly dilates the vessels of the 
skin and causes hyperemia. If its application is frequently re- 
peated, there is so much vascular irritation that transudation of serum 
occurs under the epidermis, and blisters or even pustules are formed. 
Mustard induces a sensation of burning in man, but is not so irri- 
tating as oil of turpentine to horses, and the primary irritation is 
followed by partial anesthesia. It is one of the most useful counter- 
irritants, and by this action contracts vessels in the underlying parts, 
relieves pain and congestion. 

In rapidly stimulating the skin, mustard reflexly excites the 
nervous system, respiratory functions and heart. Mustard is there- 
fore a rubefacient, vesicant, and counter-irritant externally. 

Action Internal. — Mustard stimulates gastric vascularity, secre- 
tion and motion, and promotes the appetite in small doses. Large 
doses occasion vomiting in animals capable of the act. Intestinal 
peristalsis and secretion are probably likewise augmented by mus- 
tard. It is thus a stomachic, carminative and emetic internally, but 
is rarely administered save as a emetic because of its pungency and 
the difficulty attending its exhibition. Mustard is absorbed to some 
extent, but we are ignorant concerning its ultimate fate or remote 
action. It is said to be a diuretic. 

Uses External. Mustard is an extremely valuable counter-irri- 
tant for relieving pain or congestion in almost any internal part. 
It is more commonly employed in the acute respiratory disorders 
of the domestic animals, as in laryngitis, bronchitis, congestion of the 



VOLATILE OIL OF MUSTAKD 469 

lungs, pleurisy, pneumonia, to stop incessant cough, and after ex- 
posure to severe cold ; and the flour of mustard is used in a very thin 
paste made with warm water and applied with friction to the skin. 
Boiling water should not be mixed with mustard, nor vinegar, nor 
alcohol, as they interfere with its action. The volatile oil of mus- 
tard is a cleanly and convenient substitute for the crude drug. A 
small quantity, diluted with olive oil, or cottonseed oil (1-15), may 
be rubbed into either side of the chest in bronchitis, pleurisy, and 
other chest disorders, as a counter-irritant. 

After the application of mustard, the part may be bandaged, 
or hot blankets may be placed over the body and the treatment rein- 
forced by the use of mustard on the limbs and bandaging. If mus- 
tard is employed continuously to keep up constant counter-irritation, 
the drug should be washed off in 20 or 30 minutes, and the process 
repeated once in 2 hours. It is unwise to induce much vesication 
over an extensive surface with mustard, as the result is painful and 
resolution is slow. Mustard is also serviceable in painful abdominal 
diseases, as colic, tympanites, enteritis and peritonitis, but oil of tur- 
pentine appears here to be more efficient. 

A sinapism (mustard application) over the loins is useful in 
acute nephritis, and will not lead to irritation of the kidneys from 
absorption which may ensue after cantharidal blistering. C'an- 
tharides has, however, a more active, permanent and revulsant effect 
in most local inflammatory conditions, and is more potent in acute 
laryngitis. The action of mustard is rapid and fleeting, unless ap- 
plied continually in considerable strength. For this reason it is 
indicated to impress the nervous system instantaneously, in opium, 
alcohol and other narcotic poisoning; in respiratory failure, in col- 
lapse and extreme dejjression in the course of acute diseases (pneu- 
monia and parturient apoplexy), applied all over the body, or over 
the cardiac region in syncope. Mustard is of utility in muscular 
or articular rheumatism, and is employed on swollen glands (stran- 
gles), inflamed joints and tendons; but is usually less efficacious than 
a good cantharidal blister in these three latter conditions. 

Uses Internal. — Mustard is an efficient emetic for clogs, in ta- 
blespoonful doses, given in a cup of tepid water. It is usually at 
hand, and not only empties the stomach in poisoning, but reflexly 
stimulates the heart and respiration. If administered for its car- 
minative or stomachic effect, mustard must be given in pill or ball. 

Thioshstamina. Thiosinamine. CJTglSraS. 

Thiosinamine is made by heating together volatile oil of mus 
tard (allyl thiourea) and an alcoholic solution of ammonia, col- 



470 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

lecting the crystalline product of condensation, and recrystallization 
from alcohol. It occurs in colorless crystals, having a slight, al- 
liaceous odor, and is moderately soluble in water in which it is de- 
composed. It is also soluble in about 3 parts of alcohol and readily 
soluble in ether. 

Fibrolysin (M 2 CS. NHCH 2 OH: CH 2 ) + C 6 H 4 (OH) 
(COOjSTa) has now largely superseded thiosinamine because it is 
freely soluble in water, produces less irritation and is more readily 
absorbed than thiosinamine. Fibrolysin is a sterilized solution of a 
double salt of thiosinamine and sodium sulphate containing 15 per 
cent, of the double salt. It is a clear, colorless, aqueous solution 
of faint odor and acrid taste. It decomposes in the air but 
not in sealed, brown glass vials in which it is marketed. Each ampul 
contains 11.5 Cc, or sufficient for one injection for a horse. 

Actions and Uses. — -Thiosinamine and fibrolysin have a peculiar 
action on pathological exudates when given by the mouth, under the 
skin, or into the blood. They cause a local reaction, where old in- 
flammatory exudation exists, with softening and absorption of in- 
flammatory exudates beginning within a few hours after their subcu- 
taneous use. There may be considerable pain and dark congestion 
about the site of injection and the amount of urine is sometimes 
greatly increased. While they are said not to interfere with the 
general health, in man they sometimes produce nausea and vomiting. 

Fibrolysin is the better of the two for the reasons stated. It 
has been employed to cause resolution in indurated and thickened ten- 
dons, in anchylosis of joints, and elephantiasis of horses and cattle ; 
also in swollen and indurated glands, in large scars and keloid 
growths, and corneal opacites. The value of the drug is still unde- 
termined since reports have been more or less at variance. 

Fibrolysin solution is probably best given intramuscularly into 
the gluteals, but may also be injected intravenously or subcutaneously 
once daily, or once every second or third day. 



Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus. (U. S. P.) 



Synonym,. — Feuilles d' eucalyptus, Fr. ; eucalyptus-blatter, G. 

The dried leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere (nat. ord. 
Myrtacese), collected from the older parts of the tree. 

Description. — Petiolate, lanceolately scythe-shaped; from 15 to 
30 cm. long; 2 to 4 Cm. broad; rounded below, tapering above; en- 
tire, leathery, grayish-green, glandular, feather-veined between the 



USES OF EUCALYPTUS, ETC. 471 

midrib and marginal veins; odor strongly camphoraceous ; taste 
pungently aromatic and somewhat cooling, bitter and astringent. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil (see below) ; 2, a crystallizable 
resin; 3, a crystallizable, fatty acid; 4, cerylic alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ii.-iii. (60.-90.) ; D., 5 ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum. Eucalypti. Fluidextract of Eucalyptus. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration, percolation and evaporation, so that 1 cc. = 1 gm. of 
the crude drug. 

Dose. — Same as for eucalyptus. 

Unguentum Eucalypti. (B. P.) 



Oleum Eucalypti. Oil of Eucalyptus. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

A volatile oil is distilled from the fresh leaves of the eucalypus, 
rectified by steam distillation, and yielding when assayed, not less 
than 50' per cent, by volume of cineol (eucalyptol). 

Properties. — A colorless or faintly-yellowish liquid, having a 
characteristic, aromatic, somewhat camphoraceous odor, and a pun- 
gent, spicy, and cooling taste. Spec. gr. 0.905 to 0.925. Soluble 
in all proportions in alcohol, carbon disulphide, or glacial acetic acid. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil, eucalyptol or cineol (C 10 H 18 O) ; 
2, eucalyptene (C 10 H 16 ) ; 3, cymene (C 10 H 14 ). 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, mineral acids, and metallic salts. 

Dose.— H., 5 i.-ii. (4,-8.); D., Ulii.-x. (.12-.6). 



Eucalyptol. Eucalyptol. C 10 H 18 O. (IT. S. P.) 

An organic oxide (cineol) obtained from the volatile oil of 
Eucalpytus globulus Labillardiere, and from other sources. 

Derivation. — Crude eucalyptol distills over from eucalyptus 
leaves at a temperature varying from 338° to 352° F., and is purified 
by redistillation from potassium hydrate or calcium chloride. 

Properties. — A colorless liquid, having a characteristic, aro- 
matic and distinctly camphoraceous odor, and a pungent, spicy and 
cooling taste. Spec. gr. 0.925. Soluble in all proportions, in al- 
cohol. 

Dose. — Same as oil of eucalyptus. 



472 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



ACTION OF EUCALYPTUS, OIL OF EUCALYPTUS AND EUCALYPTOL. 

External. — The oil is a powerful antiseptic and disinfectant, 
and is even said to be three times more efficient in this respect than 
carbolic acid. It is but slightly irritating to the skin, unless its 
vapors are confined by bandaging, when it may cause vesicles and 
pustules. Some local anesthesia follows primary skin irritation. 

Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Oil of eucalyptus excites gastric 
and salivary secretion, and acts, both locally and during elimination, 
as a stimulant to the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal. 
Large doses occasion diarrhea, and the fecal discharges are impreg- 
nated with the odor of the oil. It is a stomachic, carminative, anti- 
septic and anodyne in the digestive tract. 

Circulation.- — .Oil of eucalyptus arrests the amoeboid movements 
of the white blood corpuscles, and diapedesis, in inflammatory areas ; 
inhibits the growth of the plasmodia malaria?; is an antipyretic and 
antiperiodic, and generally comports itself like quinine ; but is never- 
theless distinctly inferior to it. Small doses reflexly stimulate the 
heart and cause an increase in blood pressure ; while toxic doses de- 
press the heart's action and lower vascular tension. 

Respiration. — Small doses accelerate the respiratory move- 
ments. Large doses make the respiration slower and weaker, and 
death ensues through respiratory failure. 

Nervous System. — Poisonous quantities depress the brain, 
medulla and spinal cord. Reflex activity is lost. Animals stagger, 
suffer great loss of muscular power and sensation in their limbs, 
and fall; the breathing is slow and irregular, the pulse weak, and 
there are occasional convulsions. The breathing stops before the 
cardiac pulsations. 

Elimination. — Oil of eucalyptus is excreted by the skin, kid- 
neys, and mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes and bowels, and 
therefore stimulates and disinfects these parts during its elimination. 
Hence the drug is a diaphoretic, diuretic, and genito-urinary stimu- 
lant, stimulating expectorant, and carminative. 

Administration. — The oil, or eucalyptol, are administered in 
emulsion with gum; dissolved in alcohol; or in capsules. 



USES OF EUCALYPTUS, OIL OF EUCALYPTUS AND EUCALYPTOL, 

External. — Eucalyptol is probably more generally useful than 
either eucalyptus or the oil. It is employed as an antiseptic with 



MYRRH 473 

vaseline (1-8), on sores, wounds, and ulcers, and in lubricating in- 
struments for use in the cavities of the body. It partially dis- 
guises the odor of iodoform, and is frequently combined with the 
latter in ointment. Eucalyptol is serviceable as a stimulating, anti- 
septic and deodorant inhalation in catarrhal diseases of the res- 
piratory tract with putrid discharges, and in pulmonary gangrene. 
The ordinary doses (by the mouth) are placed in hot water for this 
purpose. Eucalyptol, with sweet oil (1-5), forms an efficient stimu- 
lating and anodyne liniment. 

Internal. — In chronic bronchitis, eucalyptol is often valuable 
in stimulating and disinfecting the bronchial mucous membrane 
during its elimination. It is also efficacious in chronic pyelitis and 
cystitis, for the same reason. The oil has been given with asserted 
success in various bacterial diseases, as septicemia, canine distem- 
per, influenza, etc., for its antiseptic action. In human medicine, 
eucalyptus and its derivatives are mainly of worth as substitutes for 
quinine in malaria, when the latter drug is inadmissible. Euca- 
lyptol may be given as a stomachic and carminative in digestive dis- 
orders with foul-smelling fecal evacuations. 



Myrrha. Myrrh. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Myrrhe, E. 

A gum-resin obtained from Commiphora Myrrha (ISTees) Eng- 
ler (nat. ord. Burseracese) . 

Habitat. — Eastern Africa and Southwestern Arabia, along the 
borders of the Red Sea. 

Description. — In roundish or irregular tears or masses ; dusty, 
brownish-yellow or reddish-brown ; fracture waxy, somewhat splin- 
tery ; translucent on the edges, somewhat marked with whitish veins : 
odor balsamic ; taste aromatic, bitter and acrid. When triturated 
with water, myrrh yields a brownish-yellow emulsion ; it is soluble 
in alcohol. 

Constituents. — 1, an active resinous principle, myrrhin (C 48 H 32 
O 10 ), 23 per cent.; 2, myrrhol (O 10 H 14 O!), a volatile oil 2-1 per 
cent. ; 3, arabin, a gum, 50 to 60 per cent. ; 4, a bitter substance. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; 
D., gr. v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Tinctura Myrrhce. Tincture of Myrrh. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Made by maceration of myrrh, 200, with alcohol, and filtration to make 
1000. (U. S. P.) 



474 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Dose.— H. & C., gi.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 3 iii.-vi. (12.-24.); D., 3 ss.-i. 
(2.-4.). 

Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhce. Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. 
(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of myrrh ? 100; purified aloes, 100; 
glycyrrhiza, 100; with alcohol and water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C., Bii.-iv. (60.-120.); Sh. & Sw., § ss.-i. (15.-30.); D., 3 i.-ii. 
(4.-8.). 

Pilulce Aloes et Myrrhce. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Dose. — D., 2 pills. 



Action and Uses. — Myrrh, externally, is a mild stimulant and 
antiseptic by virtue of its resin and volatile oil. It is a stomachic 
and carminative internally, exciting the appetite and increasing the 
secretion, motion and blood supply of the stomach and bowels. Myrrh 
is eliminated by the mucous membranes of the bronchial and genito- 
urinary tracts, and stimulates and disinfects these parts during its 
excretion. The drug is occasionally prescribed as a stimulating ex- 
pectorant in chronic bronchitis; as a stimulant and antiseptic in 
chronic cystitis; also as a uterine stimulant and emmenagogue in 
ammenorrhea, and in chronic leucorrhea. 

Myrrh is thought to prove beneficial in anemia, when combined 
with iron. It assists the action of purgatives, and myrrh may be 
exhibited as a laxative in the form of the tincture of aloes and myrrh. 
The tincture forms a serviceable mouth-wash in aqueous emulsion 
(1-16), and is sometimes employed as a stimulant and antiseptic on 
wounds, sores and ulcers, diluted with 4 to 8 parts of water. Myrrh 
is administered in tincture, ball or pill. 



capsicum 475 



Class 2.— Used Mainly for their Stomachic and Carminative 
Action Upon the Digestive Tract. 

Capsicum. Capsicum. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Capsici fructns, B. P. ; cayenne pepper, African or 
pod pepper, E. ; capsiqua, piment des jardins, pigment rouge, poivre 
de cayenne, Fr. ; spanischer pfeffer, G. Called commonly "red pep- 
per," when dried and powdered. 

The dried, ripe fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum Blume (nat. ord. 
SolanaceEe) deprived of its calyx. 

Habitat. — Tropical America; cultivated also in other tropical 
countries. 

Description, — Oblong-conical, from 10 to 20 Mm. long; sup- 
ported by a nattish, cup-shaped, five-toothed calyx with a red, shining, 
membranous and translucent pericarp enclosing two cells and contain- 
ing 10 to 20 flat, reniform, yellowish seeds, attached to a thick, central 
placenta. It has a peculiar odor, and an intensely hot taste. 

Constituents. — 1, capsaicin (C 9 H 14 N0 2 ), a crystallizable, acrid 
body ; 2, capsicin, a volatile alkaloid ; 3, a fixed oil ; 4, fatty matter ; 
5, resin. 

Dose.— H., gr. xx.-5 i. (1.3-4.) ; C, 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., gr. i.-viii. 
(.06-.5). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Capsici. Fluidextract of Capsicum. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, and evaporation, so that 
1 cc. = 1 gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H., TTLxx. 3i. (1.3-4.); C, 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., lu_i.-viii. (.06-.5). 

Tinctura Capsici, Tincture of Capsicum. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by percolation of capsicum, 100, with alcohol and water to make 
1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose— H., 3ii.-iv. (8.-15.); C, I ss.-i. (15.-30.); D., TTiv.-3 i. (.3-4.). 

Oleoresina Capsici. Oleoresin of Capsicum. (U. S. P.) 

Made by percolation with acetone, distillation, and evaporation of the 
residue. 

Dose.— H., TTix.-xxx. (.6-2.); C, 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); D., TlU-i. (.015-.06). 

Unguentum Capsici. (B. P.) 



476 VEGETABLE DKUGS 

Administration. — Capsicum and the oleoresin are given in ball 
or pill. The fluidextract should be freely diluted with water. 

Action and Uses. — Capsicum generally resembles the volatile oils 
in its action. Externally, it is rubefacient and counter-irritant, pro- 
ducing about the same degree of irritation as mustard, but causing 
considerably more pain, while its fumes are unbearable. Capsicum 
is used mainly as a stomachic and a carminative in augmenting the 
appetite, gastric vascularity, secretion and motion, and intestinal 
peristalsis. Capsicum is employed on the skin in local paralysis — 
as of the lip — in horses, with mustard in paste ; or as the fluidextract 
painted on plaster splints to prevent dogs from gnawing them off. 

Internally, capsicum is of greater value than black or white pep- 
per, and is indicated in atonic indigestion and flatulent colic in horses 
(see ammonium carbonate, p. 140). It may be combined advantage- 
ously with bitters, as nux vomica. Capsicum is a favorite stimulant 
and tonic remedy — to the digestion — with bird fanciers. It is also 
said to increase the laying of eggs when given to hens. 

Zingiber. Ginger. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Ingwer, G. ; gingember, Fr. 

The dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (nat. ord. Zingi- 
beracese) . 

Habitat. — East and West Indies and India ; cultivated in trop- 
ical climates. 

Description. — Laterally compressed, irregularly branched 
pieces ; externally whitish or pale buff, longitudinally striate ; frac- 
ture short-fibrous, mealy, showing numerous small oil and resin cells 
and circular groups of flbrovascular bundles ; odor agreeably aro- 
matic; taste aromatic and pungent. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil (% to 2 per cent.) ; 2, a resin; 
3, gingerol, said to supply pungent taste, while the oil gives flavor. 

Dose.— H., 3 ii.-i i. (8.-30.) ; G, § i.-iv. (30.-120.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., gr. v.-xv. (.3-1.). 

PREPARATION. 

Fluidextractum Zingiberis. Fluidextract of Ginger. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, and evaporation, so that 
1 cc. = 1 gm. of the crude drug. 
Dose. — Same as that of ginger. 

Oleoresina Zingiberis. (TJ. S. P.) 
Dose. — H., gr.xxx.-3 i.ss. (2.-6.); D., gr.i.-v. (.06-.3). 



PEPPERMINT 477 

Action and Uses. — Ginger is chiefly administered in powder as 
a stomachic and carminative in atonic indigestion of horses and 
ruminants. It is frequently combined -with sodium bicarbonate and 
bitters. Ginger also aids the action of purgatives and prevents grip- 
ing. The powder or fluidextract should be added to magnesium 
sulphate when it is given in full purgative doses to cattle or sheep. 
(See magnesium and sodium sulphate, p. 154). 

Mentha Piperita. Peppermint. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Folia (herba) menthe piperita?, P. G. ; menthe 
poivree, Fr. ; pfenerminze, G. 

The dried leaves and flowering tops of Mentha piperita Linne 
(nat. ord. Labiatse). 

Habitat. — Indigenous in North America, Europe and Asia. 

Description, — Branches quadrangular, with scattered, deflexed 
hairs; leaves petiolate, ovate-lanceolate, 3 to 8 Cm. long, acute, 
sharply serrate, light or dark green ; flower-whorls in oblong or oval 
spikes which are usually compact, or somewhat interrupted at the 
base, 1 to 1.5 Cm. broad, rounded at the summit, when in fruit 
becoming 3 to 7 Cm. long; calyx tubular, 5-toothed and often pur- 
plish; corolla small, purplish, and 4-lobed; stamens four, short and 
equal ; odor strong and characteristic ; taste pungent and cooling. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil; 2, menthol; 3, menthene (C ia 
H 1S ). 

Oeeum Mentha Piperita. Oil of Peppermint, 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Essence de menthe poivree, Fr. ; pfefferminzol, G. 

Properties. — A volatile oil distilled from the fresh or partly 
dried leaves and flowering tops of Peppermint, rectified by steam 
distillation, and yielding, when assayed, not less than 8 per cent, of 
ester, calculated as menthyl acetate, and not less than 50 per cent, 
of total menthol (free and as ester). A colorless liquid, having the 
characteristic strong odor of peppermint, and a strongly aromatic, 
pungent taste, followed by a sensation of cold when air is drawn 
into^the mouth. Spec. gr. 0.894 to 0.914 at 77° F. 

It forms a clear solution with an equal volume of alcohol, but 
becomes turbid when somewhat further diluted. 

Constituents.— 1, menthol; 2, menthene, a liquid terpene ob- 
tained by distillation. 

Dose.— H. & C, nixv.-xxx. (1.-2.); D., ffli.-v. (.06-.3). 



478 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



PKEPARATIONS. 

Spiritus Mentlice Piperitce. Spirit of Peppermint. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Essence de menthe poivree, Fr. ; Englisch pfefferminzessenz, G. ; 
spiritus menthse piperitse anglicus, P.G. 

Oil of peppermint, 100; peppermint, 10; alcohol to make 1000. Made by 
maceration and nitration. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, 3ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D. Hl.xv.-xxx. (1.-2.). 

Aqua Menthce Piperitce. Peppermint Water. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Oil of peppermint, 2; purified talc, 15; water to make 1000. Made by 
trituration and nitration. (U. S. P.) 

Dose. — Used as vehicle in canine practice. 



Menthol. Menthol. C 10 H 10 OH. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Mint or peppermint-camphor. 

A stearopten (having the character of a secondary alcohol) ob- 
tained from the official oil of peppermint (from Mentha piperita 
Linne), or other peppermint oils. 

Derivation. — Made from the oil of peppermint by fractional 
distillation; freezing of the higher boiling point product, and crys- 
tallization. 

Properties. — Colorless, acioular or prismatic crystals, having a 
strong and pure odor of peppermint, and a warm, aromatic taste, 
followed by a sensation of cold when air is drawn in the mouth. 
Slightly soluble in water; freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, 
carbon disulphide or glacial acetic acid. When it is triturated with 
about an equal weight of camphor, thymol, or chloral hydrate, the 
mixture becomes liquid. Menthol may be dissolved by heat in oleic 
acid, fats or liquid vaseline. 

Dose.— II., gr. vii.-xv. (.5-1.) ; D., gr. ss.-ii. (.03-.12). 



ACTION AND USES OF PEPPERMINT AND MENTHOL. 

Peppermint and oil of peppermint owe their medicinal virtues 
chiefly to the menthol they contain. They resemble the other vola- 
tile oils in most respects, but are more anesthetic and antiseptic than 
some. Menthol is used mostly externally, and is extremely valuable 
in relieving itching and neuralgic pain. It may be employed with 



anise 479 

alcohol or chloroform in solution (5 ss. to ,3 i.) in urticaria or pruritus. 
An ointment is also serviceable, or a solution by heat in oleic acid 
(1 to 24). For burns, the following will be found beneficial : Sweet 
oil and lime water, each one ounce; menthol, one drachm. The 
cooling sensation produced by menthol is due to a specific effect 
upon the nerves of temperature. The anesthetic and antiseptic ac- 
tion of menthol has been taken advantage of in the treatment of 
boils and superficial abscesses. A 10 to 50 per cent, solution in 
ether is said to abort these lesions when painted frequently on the 
inflamed parts. A menthol and camphor solution, obtained by dis- 
solving fifteen grains of each in an ounce of liquid petrolatum, is one 
of the best preparations to use in a medicine dropper for acute or 
chronic nasal catarrh of dogs. 

Internally , the essence of peppermint or oil are of worth in 
cases of mild colic and flatulence on account of their anesthetic, car- 
minative and antiseptic action. Menthol may be given to dogs to 
relieve vomiting. Peppermint water assuages thirst in fever, and 
this preparation is also used as a pleasant vehicle in the administra- 
tion of disagreeable drugs to dogs. The oil is prescribed in pill or 
ball to prevent the griping of cathartics. 

Administration. — The essence is the preparation in most com- 
mon use and is given in water. The oil is dissolved in spirit, or 
exhibited to dogs on sugar. Menthol may be administered in alcohol 
and syrup, equal parts ; or in pill or capsule to dogs. 

Mentha viridis (spearmint) is official together with oleum 
menthse viridis (oil of spearmint), spiritus menthse viridis (spirit 
of spearmint), and aqua menthse viridis. The actions, uses and 
doses are the same as those of peppermint and its preparations, but 
the latter are more popular and pleasant. 



Anisum. Anise. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym.. — Anisi fructus, B. P. ; anis, Fr. ; anis, G. 

The fruit of Pimpinella Anisum Linne (nat. ord. ITmbellifera 1 ). 

Habitat. — Southeastern Europe, Egypt, Western Asia ; also cul- 
tivated. 

Description. — Ovoid, laterally compressed, 4 to 5 Mm. long; 
carpels usually cohering and attached to a slender pedicel ; grayish 
or greenish-gray to grayish-brown ; each with a flat face and five light 
brown filiform ridges and about 16 oil-tubes; odor and taste agreeable 
and aromatic. 

Ko mouse-like odor should be developed when solution of potas- 
sium hydroxide is poured upon Anise (absence of conium). 



480 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Constituents. — Oil of anise. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ii.-iii. (8.-12.) j 
D., gr. x.-xxx. (.6-2.). 



Oleum Anisi. Oil of Anise. (U. S. & B. P.) 

A volatile oil distilled from anise or from the fruit of star anise. 

Properties. — A colorless or pale yellow, thin and strongly re- 
fractive liquid, having the characteristic odor of anise, and a sweetish, 
mildly aromatic taste. Spec. gr. about 0.975 to 0.985. Soluble in 
an equal volume of alcohol. 

Dose.— H., Tllxx.-xxx. (1.3-2.); D., TTli.-v. (.06-.3). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Aqua Anisi. Anise Water. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Oil of anise, 2; purified talc, 15; water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) Used 
as vehicle. 

Spiritus Anisi. Spirit of Anise. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Oil of anise, 100; deodorized alcohol, 900. (U. S. P.) 
Dose.— D., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.). 



ACTIONS AND USES OF ANISE. 

Oil of anise resembles in action the other volatile oils. It is 
employed with olive oil or alcohol (1-10) to kill fleas or lice on dogs, 
rubbed over the skin; and one drop of the pure oil may be placed 
on the feathers of fowl to cause destruction of lice. The oil is some- 
times prescribed to disguise the taste or odor of drugs (see potassa 
sulphurata), and is ordered in cough mixtures for its expectorant 
properties. 

Anise fruit is given to horses and ruminants on their food — 
frequently with sodium bicarbonate and ginger — to relieve mild 
forms of indigestion and flatulence through its stomachic and car- 
minative action. 



Oardamomum. Cardamom. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Oardamomi semina, B. P. ; fructus vel semen car- 
damomi minors, P. G. ; cardamomes, Fr. ; cardamomen, kleine kar- 
damomen, G. 



CORIANLER 481 

The dried, nearly ripe fruit of Elettaris repens (Sonnerat) 
Baillou (nat. ord. Scitaminese). 

Habitat. — Malabar. 

Description. — Fruit ovoid or oblong, from 10 to 15 Mm. long ; 
of a pale buff color, with a thin, tasteless pericarp. Seeds 4 Mm. 
long, reddish-brown, and have an agreeable odor and a pungent, 
aromatic taste. The seeds are active ; the pericarp has no medicinal 
virtue. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil, which is a terpene (C 10 H 16 ) ; 
2, a fixed oil. 

Dose. — Same as that of anise. 

A tinctura and tinctura cardamomi composita are official. They 
serve as coloring (red) and flavoring agents, and may be employed 
as vehicles in doses of one to two drachms, in canine practice. The 
dose of the fluidextract is the same as that of the drug. 



Coeiaistdeum. Coriander. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym,. — Coriandri fructus, B. P. ; coriander fruit, E. ; 
coriandre, Fr. ; koriander, G. ; fructus coriandri, P. G. 

The dried, ripe fruit of Coriandum sativum Linne (nat. ord. 
Umbelliferae). 

Habitat. — Southern Europe or Central Asia. 

Description. — Globular, about 4 Mm. in diameter, brownish- 
yellow ; odor and taste agreeably aromatic. 

Constituents. — 1, the volatile oil, oleum coriandri, a colorless, 
or slightly yellow liquid, having the characteristic odor of coriander, 
and a warm, spicy taste. 

Dose of coriander and its oil, same as for anise and its oil. 



Fceniculum. Fennel. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Fceniculi fructus, B. P. ; semen fceniculi, fennel 
fruit or seeds, E. ; semences de fenouil, Fr. ; fenchelsamen, G. 

The dried, nearly ripe fruit of Fceniculum Vulgare, Miller (nat. 
ord. TTmbellif era?) . 

Habitat. — Southern Europe and Levant. 

Description. — Oblong, nearly cylindrical, from 4 to 8 Mm. long ; 
brownish or greenish-brown ; odor and taste aromatic, anise-like. 

Constituents. — A volatile oil of almost similar action and com- 



482 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

position to oil of anise, oleum fceniculi. A colorless, or pale yellow- 
ish liquid, having the characteristic aromatic odor of fennel, and a 
sweetish, mild and spicy taste. Soluble in alcohol. 

Dose of fennel and its oil, same as that for anise and its oil. 



Fcenugreeik. ( Non-official. ) 

The seeds of Trigonella foenum grseeum, cultivated in France 
and Germany. They are oblong, cylindrical, somewhat compressed, 
obliquely truncated at each end ; 1 to 2 lines long ; of a brownish- 
yellow color, and have a strong, peculiar odor, and oily, bitterish 
taste. Fcenugreek contains both a volatile and fixed oil. 

Dose.- — Same as for anise. 



ACTIONS AND USES OF CARDAMOM, CORIANDER, EENNEE AND 
FENUGREEK. 

These drugs resemble anise in actions, uses, and doses. They 
enter into the composition of many popular tonic or "condition" 
powders and drinks, and, by their stomachic and carminative proper- 
ties, aid digestion. Ginger is perhaps in more frequent demand than 
other agents of this class, by the profession. 



Class 3. — Used Mainly for Their Antispasmodic Action in 
Stimulating the Nervous System. 

Vaeeiriana. Valerian. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Valeriana? rhizoma, B. P. ; valeriane, Fr. ; baldrian- 
wurzel, G. 

The rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis Linne (nat. ord. 
Valerianacese). 

Habitat. — Europe and Northern Asia. Naturalized in New 
England. 

Description. — Rhizome from 2 to 4 Cm. long, and 1 to 2 Cm. 
thick ; upright, subglobular, or obconical ; truncate at both ends ; brown 
or yellowish-brown, internally whitish or pale brownish, with a nar- 
row circle of white wood under the thin bark. Roots numerous, 



AMMONIUM VALEEATE 483 

slender, brittle, brown, with a thick bark, and slender, ligneous cord. 
Odor peculiar, becoming stronger and unpleasant on keeping; taste 
carnphoraceous and somewhat bitter. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil (y 2 to 2' per cent.), consisting 
of pinene, a terpene, and Borneol, C 10 H ls O; 2, valeric acid (C 5 
H 10 O 2 ), a colorless, oily acid, with burning taste and odor of valerian. 
Soluble in alcohol and ether, and in 30 parts of water. Valeric acid 
is also made artificially by a complicated process from the distillation 
of chromic acid and amylic alcohol ; 3, tannic acid ; 4, resin ; 5, 
malic, formic and acetic acids. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; D., gr. x.-o i. (6.-4.). 



PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Valerianae. Fluidextract of Valerian. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with water, and evaporation, so that 
1 cc. = 1 gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., 11TX.-3 i. (.6-4.). 

A tinctura Valerianae (1-5) and a tinctura Valerianae ammoniata (1-5), pre- 
pared with aromatic spirit of ammonia, are also official. The dose of either 
is 3 ss.-ii. (2.-8.), for dogs. 

Tinctura Valeriana Ammoniata. (B. P.) 
Dose.— D., 3ss.-i. (2.-4.). 



Ammonii Valeeas. Ammonium Valerate. NH 4 C 5 H O 2 . 

(U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Ammonium valerianate. 

Made by the action of ammonia gas upon valerianic acid, and 
crystallization. 

Properties. — Colorless, or white, quadrangular plates, emitting 
the odor of valeric acid, of a sharp and sweetish taste, and deliques- 
cent in moist air. 

Very soluble in water and in alcohol ; also soluble in ether. 

Dose.— J),, gr. ii.-v. (.12-.3). 



Feebi Vaeeeas. Ferric Valerate. (ISTon-official.) 

Made by precipitating a solution of ferric sulphate with a so- 
lution of sodium valerianate, and washing and drying the precipitate. 



484 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Properties. — A dark, brick-red, amorphous powder of somewhat 
varying chemical composition; having the odor of valerianic acid 
and a mildly styptic taste ; permanent in dry air. Insoluble in cold 
water, but readily soluble in alcohol. 

Dose. — D., gr. i.-iii. (.06-. 18). 



Zinci Valbras. Zinc Valerate. Zn(C 5 H 9 2 ) 2 -j- 2 H 2 0. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Zinc valerianate. 

Made by crystallization from a mixture of hot solutions of zinc 
sulphate and sodium valerate. 

Properties. — White, pearly scales, having the odor of valeric 
acid, and a sweetish, astringent and metallic taste. On exposure to 
the air it slowly loses valeric acid. Soluble in 50 parts of water, 
and in 35 parts of alcohol. 

Incompatibility. — Incompatible with acids, metallic salts and 
soluble carbonates ; also vegetable astringents. 

Dose.— D., gr. i.-iii. (.06-.18). 

Administration. — Valerian should be given in the form of the 
fluidextract to horses, and this preparation or the tinctures may be 
exhibited to dogs in dilution. Valeric acid is not used in luedicine 
except to make valerianates. Of the salts, the zinc valerate is the 
most popular, and is administered in pills to canine practice. 

ACTION AND USES OF VALERIAN AND VALERATES. 

The physiological action of valeric acid and the valerates is an 
unknown quantity, but clinical evidence supports their value. The 
volatile oil in valerian has much the same properties as other volatile 
oils in stimulating secretion, motion, vascularity and appetite, in 
relation to the digestive organs ; and, in its elimination, the oil ex- 
cites the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes and genito-urinary 
tract. The oil also stimulates the circulation reflexly. Toxic doses 
of the oil paralyze the brain and cord and depress the circulation ; 
while lethal quantities of ammonium valerate are said to first excite 
the spinal motor tract and cause convulsions, and to finally occasion 
spinal depression and paralysis. Valerian and the valerates are 
called antispasmodics in stimulating and strengthening an enfeebled 
nervous system and thus combating disorders which are created by 
an increased susceptibility to impulses originating within the brain, 



ASAFETIDA 485 

or outside of the body. Valerian is both recommended and used in 
the treatment of polyuria and diabetes insipidus of the horse; in 
chorea of dogs resulting from distemper, and occasionally in hysteria, 
epilepsy, convalescence from acute diseases, and nervous restlessness. 
Although the drug is of secondary importance, it finds a much larger 
field of usefulness in human medicine. 

Zinc valerate is more commonly employed in canine practice 
for chorea. Ferric valerate is supposed to combine the tonic and 
antispasmodic action of the two constituents in one preparation. The 
oil of valerian is a useful remedy (in emulsion) as a carminative in 
flatulence. It may be given to horses in doses of 5 ss.-i. ; and to 
dogs in quantities of trtii.-v. 



AsAF03Tir>A. Asafetida. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Asafetida, B. P. ; Gummi-resina asafoetida, ase 
fetide, asafoetida, Fr. ; stinkasant, teufelsdreck, G. 

A gum-resin obtained from the root of Ferula fcetida (Bunge) 
Eegel (nat. ord. Umbelliferse) and probably other species of Ferula. 

Habitat. — Persia, Afghanistan and Turkestan. 

Properties. — In roundish tears, from 2 to 6 Mm. or more in 
diameter ; externally pale yellowish-brown, internally milk-white ; 
brittle when cold, and breaking with a flat, conchoidal, and waxy 
fracture ; or the tears are superficially united into irregular masses 
without any intervening dark-colored substance. It has a peculiar 
odor, and a bitter, acrid, nauseous taste. When triturated it readily 
yields a milk-white emulsion. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil (5 per cent.), containing as its 
most important ingredient, allyl sulphide, which gives asafoetida its 
disagreeable odor; 2, gum, about 25 per cent.; 3, bassorin resin, 65 
per cent, containing ferulaic acid (C 10 H 10 O 4 ). 

Dose.— H. & 0., I ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., gr. iii.-xii. (.18-. 8). 

Administration. — Asafoetida is given in ball to the larger ani- 
mals or in an extemporaneous emulsion which is readily made — 
owing to the gum in the drug — by trituration with water. Asafetida 
is administered to dogs in pill. The drug may also be injected in 
aqueous mixture per rectum. 

Preparations. — Pilulse asafoetida? (gr. iii. each) ; dose — D., 1-4. 
Tinctura asafcetidse (1-5) ; dose — FL, % ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; D.. 3 ss.-i. 
(2.-4.). Emulsum (mistura) asafcetidse, milk of asafetida (1-25) ; 
dose— D., % ss.-i. (15.-30.). 



486 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Action and Uses. — Asafetida is of value by reason of its volatile 
oil. and therefore possesses much the same action as other agents of 
this class. In experiments on man asafetida caused "stomachache," 
activity of the bowels, increased pulse rate and respiratory move- 
ments, headache, dizziness, and sexual desire. 

Asafetida is chiefly used as a carminative, stimulating expec- 
torant, and nerve stimulant or antispasmodic. Liquid preparations 
may cause nausea and vomiting in dogs owing to the nauseous taste. 
The drug is of most service in flatulent colic of horses, when it is 
combined with ammonium carbonate in ball, or is given in this form 
simultaneously with linseed oil and oil of turpentine. 

In atonic constipation of horses, asafetida is prescribed with 
aloes in ball. Asafetida is occasionally employed as a stimulating 
expectorant in chronic bronchitis, and in the later stages of bronchial 
catarrh, but it is probably inferior to ammoniacum for this purpose. 
As an antispasmodic agent, asafetida is useful in functional spas- 
modic affections, including hysteria, chorea and convulsions. The 
emulsion may be given in enema to dogs, in the two latter disorders. 

Finally, tincture of asafetida is recommended to be added to 
alcoholic liquors in veterinary practice to prevent their "misappro- 
priation" by stable attendants. 

Class 4.— Used Mainly for their Stimulant and Diuretic 
Actions on the Kidneys and Genito-Urinary Tract. 

Buchu. Buchu. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Buchu folia, B. P. ; feuilles de bucco, Fr. ; 
buckublatter, buccoblatter, G. 

The dried leaves of Barosma betulina (Thunberg) Bartling et 
Wendland (nat. ord. Rutacese). 

Habitat. — South Africa. 

Description. — About 15 Mm. long, roundish, obovate, with a 
rather wedge-shaped base, or varying between oval and obovate, ob- 
tuse, crenate or serrate, with a gland at the base of each tooth ; dull 
yellowish-green; thickish, pellucid-punctate; odor and taste strongly 
aromatic, somewhat mintlike, pungent and bitterish. 

Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil, having an odor somewhat like 
peppermint, 1^2 P er cent - 5 2 , a stearopten (Buchu camphor or dios- 
phenol, C 10 H 16 O 2 ), possessing an odor like peppermint and in solu- 
tion in a liquid hydrocarbon, but crystallizing on exposure to the 
air; 3, barosmin, a glucoside, soluble in ether, volatile oils, diluted 
acids and alkalies; 4, gum; 5, rutin, a bitter substance. 

Dose.— H. & C, § i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; D., gr. xv.-xxx. (1.-2.). 



ACTION AND USES OF BUCTIU 487 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Buchu. Fluidextract of Buchu. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration, percolation and evaporation, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. 
of Buchu. 

Dose.— H. & C, g i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., TT|xv.-xxx. (1.-2.). 

An infusion (1-20) by steeping leaves in boiling water for half an hour 
in a closed vessel, is sometimes preferred, and will be taken voluntarily by 
the larger animals in linseed tea. 

Tinctura Buchu. Tincture of Buchu. (B. P.) 
Dose. — Same as that of the fluidextract. 

ACTION AND USES. 

The volatile oil and bitter principle act upon the digestive or- 
gans as an aromatic bitter, promoting appetite and digestion in small 
doses, while large doses cause nausea and vomiting in dogs. The 
volatile oil is absorbed and eliminated by the mucous membranes, 
particularly of the bronchial tubes and genito-urinary tract. It thus 
stimulates and disinfects the mucous membranes, slightly increases 
the secretion of urine, and imparts its peculiar odor to the latter. 

The drug is of considerable value in the treatment of chronic or 
subacute pyelitis, cystitis and urethritis. It is stimulating, but only 
slightly irritating. Buchu has been recommended in chronic ne- 
phritis, and is useful in irritation of the urinary bladder, with fre- 
quent micturition, combined with spirit of nitrous ether. , Buchu is 
occasionally prescribed in the later stages of bronchitis or in the 
chronic form of this disease, and is employed in its native country 
as a remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery. 

Oleum Juniperi. Oil of Juniper. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Oleum fructus (Vel Baccas) juniperi, oil of juniper 
berries, E. ; essence de genievre, Fr. ; wachholderbeerol, G. 

A volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Juniperus Communis 
Linne (nat. ord. Coniferse.) 

Habitat. — Canada and United States; Rocky Mountains, south 
to New Mexico. 

Properties. — A colorless, or faintly greenish-yellow liquid, be- 
coming darker and thicker by age and exposure to air; having the 
characteristic odor of juniper, and a warm, aromatic, somewhat 
terebinthinate and bitterish taste. Spec. gr. 0.860 to 0.880. Solu- 
ble in 10 volumes of 90 per cent, alcohol. 



488 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Composition. — Oil of juniper is a terpene (C 10 H 16 ), and is 
isomeric with oil of turpentine. 

Dose.—H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., ulii.-x: (.12-.6). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Spiritus Junvperi. Spirit of Juniper. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Oil of Juniper, 50; alcohol, 950. (U. S. P.) 
Dose.— H. & C, 3 i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. Compound Spirit of Juniper. 

Oil of juniper, 8; oil of caraway, 1; oil of fennel, 1; alcohol, 1400; water 
to make 2000. 

Dose.— H. & C, gii.-iv. (60.-120.); D., 3 i.-iv. (4.-15.). 



ACTION'S AND USES. 

Oil of juniper resembles oil of turpentine physiologically as 
well as chemically. It is a stomachic and carminative, particularly 
when combined with alcohol and other aromatic oils (sp'r. juniper. 
co.), but is used in medicine chiefly for its stimulant and diuretic 
action upon the kidneys and genito-urinary tract during its elimina- 
tion. Oil of juniper is capable of irritating the kidneys in large 
doses, and causing congestion, strangury, and even suppression of 
urine. It is less likely, however, to disturb digestion than oil of 
turpentine, and does not so readily occasion hematuria and albu- 
minuria. Oil of juniper is indicated in chronic nephritis, pyelitis 
and cystitis ; also in dropsy of cardiac, renal, or hepatic origin. It is 
efficient in assisting absorption of effusions into serous cavities, 
through its diuretic properties. The compound spirit of juniper 
approximates gin in composition, although it is not the official name 
for that liquor. This preparation is useful in the convalescent per- 
iod of acute bronchitis and influenza, stimulating the bronchial 
mucous membrane by virtue of the volatile oil, and acting as a cir- 
culatory stimulant and diuretic. The oil of juniper is an efficient 
renal stimulant in passive congestion of the kidneys, and following 
the active stage of acute nephritis. 

Juniper berries are sometimes given to the larger animals on 
their food (§i.-ii.), or are exhibited in infusion. 



savin 489 



Class 5. — Used Mainly for its Emmenagogue Action on the 
Female Generative Organs. 

Sabina. Savin. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Sabinse cacumina, B. P. ; savin tops, E. ; sabine, 
Fr. ; sadebaumspitzen, sevenkraut, G. ; summitates (herba) sabinse, 
P. G. 

The tops of juniperus Sabina Linne (nat. ord. Coniferse). 

Habitat.— Canada, Northern United States, Europe and Siberia. 

Description. — Short, thin, sub-quadrangular branchlets ; leaves 
rather dark green, in four rows, opposite, scale-like, ovate-lanceolate, 
more or less acute, appressed, imbricated on the back with a shallow 
groove containing an oblong or roundish gland; odor peculiar, tere- 
binthinate; taste nauseous, resinous and bitter. The chief constitu- 
ent is the volatile oil, about 2 per cent. 

Dose.— H., 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; D., gr. v.-xv. (.3-1.). 

PREPARATION. 

Fluidextractum Sabince. Fluidextract of Savin. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, and evaporation, so that 
1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., 1T1 v.-xv. (.3-1.). 

Oleum Sabine. Oil of Savin. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Essence de sabine, Fr. ; sadebaumol, G. 

A volatile oil distilled from the fresh tops of savine. 

Properties. — A colorless, yellowish liquid, having a peculiar 
terebinthinate odor, and a pungent, bitterish and camphor aceous taste. 
It becomes darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Spec, 
gr. 0.855-0.865. Soluble in one-half volume of 90 per cent, alcohol 
and glacial acetic acid. It is composed of several terpenes. 

^Dose.— H. & C, o ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; D., nii.-v. (.06-.3). 

Administration. — The oil is given in capsules or pills to small 
animals ; in emulsion with gum, or in bland oil, to the larger animals. 

Action External. — The oil is a powerful irritant to the skin, pro- 
ducing redness, vesication and even pustulation. 

Action Internal.- — The oil resembles oil of turpentine, but is 
more irritating. Full doses cause gastric stimulation, reflex circu- 
latory excitement, and frequent micturition. Toxic quantities oc- 
casion gastro-enteritis with vomiting (in dogs), purging, colic, pain- 



490 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

ful micturition, and the passage of bloody, albuminous urine. There 
are also unconsciousness, stertor, rapid breathing and pulse, con- 
vulsions and collapse. Lesions of gastro-enteritis are observable after 
death, except in rare cases, when only congestion of the brain and 
lungs occur. The oil is eliminated by the skin and bronchial mucous 
membrane, but chiefly by the kidneys, with consequent stimulation 
of the genito-urinary organs. The uterus and ovaries are irritated 
and congestion of them follows with acceleration of ovulation. The 
oil also excites uterine contractions in the pregnant state. The drug 
is therefore an emmenagogue and ecbolic. 

Uses.- — -The Unguentum (B. P.) may be applied externally as a 
counter-irritant. The oil is occasionally employed as an anthelmin- 
tic, but is inferior to other agents for this purpose. It may be given 
in atonic ammenorrhea, or in metrorrhagia due to uterine relaxation, 
with benefit, but it should be used cautiously. The oil is not to be 
used as an abortifacient, since sufficient doses to cause abortion will 
usually endanger the life of the mother or fetus, or both. 



So-called Solid Volatile Oils or Stearoptens. 

Camphoka. Camphor. C 10 H 16 O. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Gum camphor, laurel camphor, E. ; camphre, Pr. ; 
kampfer, Gr. 

A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) obtained from 
Cinnamomum Camphora (Linne) JSTees et Ebermaier (nat. ord 
Laurinese), and purified by sublimation. 

Habitat. — China, Japan, Cochin China and Sunda Islands. 

Properties. — White, translucent masses, of a tough consistence 
and a crystalline structure, readily pulverizable in the presence of 
a little alcohol, ether, or chloroform ; having a penetrating, charac- 
teristic odor, and a pungently aromatic taste. Spec. gr. 0.990. 
Very sparingly soluble in water, but readily soluble in alcohol, ether, 
chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzin, and in fixed and volatile oils, 
and milk. When camphor is triturated, in about molecular propor- 
tions, with menthol, thymol, phenol, or chloral hydrate, liquefaction 
ensues. On exposure to the air it evaporates, and when moderately 
heated, it sublimes without leaving a residue. 

Composition. — "A stearopten is a solid crystalline substance 
separated from any volatile oil on long standing or at low tempera- 
ture." Camphor is a stearopten and is chemically an oxidation 
product of a terpene (Pinene or Cymene), — the principal constituent 
of all volatile oils. A terpene is a hydrocarbon containing 10 atoms 



CAMPHOK 491 

i 

of carbon, and the terpene (C 10 H 16 ) from which camphor is derived 
is isomeric with that of oil of turpentine and many other volatile 
oils. 

Dose.—H.., 3 i.-iii. (4.-12.) ; C., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
gr. xv.-3 i. (1.-4.) ; D., gr. iii.-xx. (.18-1.3). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Aqua Camphorce. Camphor Water. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Triturate camphor, 8, with alcohol, 8, and purified talc, 15; then with 
water to make 1000. Filter. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — Ad lib. 

Spiritus Gamplxorce. Spirit of Camphor. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Dissolve camphor, 100, in alcohol, 800; filter, and add alcohol to make 
1000. (U. S.) 

Dose.— H. & C, § i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., Z ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Linimentum Camphora?. Camphor Liniment. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Camphorated oil. 

Camphor. 200: cottonseed oil, 800. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, Bss.-i. (15.-30.); D., nlx.-xv. (0.6-1.) 

Ceratum Campliorce. Camphor Cerate. (U. S. P.) 
Camphor liniment. 100; white petrolatum, 150; white wax, 350; lard, 400. 

Tinctura Camphorce Composita. (B. P.) (Paregoric.) 

Contains 1 part of morphine in 2000 = gv.l opium in 3 i. paregoric. 
Dose. — D., 3 ss.-i. 

Campliora Monooromata. Monobromated Camphor. Ci H 15 BrO. 

(U. S. P.) 

Derivation. — Made by heating camphor and bromine together at a tem- 
perature of 172°F. (77.7°C.) and solution in benzin. C 10 H 16 + 2 Br = C 10 H 15 
Br O + H Br. Pecrystallized from hot alcohol. 

Properties.— Colorless, prismatic needles or scales, having a mild, cam- 
phoraceous odor and taste; permanent in the air, unaffected by light, and 
neutral to litmus paper. Almost insoluble in water; freely soluble in alcohol, 
ether, and chloroform, hot benzin and fixed and volatile oils; slightly soluble 
in glycerin. 

Dose. — D., gr.ii.-x. (.12-.6). 

Action External. — Camphor resembles the volatile oils chemi- 
cally and physiologically. It is a slight antiseptic externally, and 
parasiticide. The vapor of camphor kills moths, fleas, bugs, etc. 
Camphor is a mild irritant, producing a rubefacient action followed 



492 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

by partial anesthesia. It is eliminated in part by the skin and oc- 
casions some diaphoresis. 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — Camphor stimulates the 
stomach, increasing the secretion, motion and vascularity of the 
organ. In the bowels camphor is supposed to overcome pain, spasm, 
and check secretion in diarrhea, but has little effect in normal con- 
ditions and in therapeutic doses. 

Circulation. — The frog's heart is stimulated by camphor, and 
the pulse is slowed and increased in force by moderate doses. The 
drug acts in part directly on the heart muscle and in part reflexly 
from irritation of the stomach. While animal experiments do not 
show that camphor has any material effect on the heart in ordinary 
doses yet clinical experience has proved that it does stimulate the 
circulation in conditions of general depression of the circulation from 
acute illness, in poisoning and after surgical operations. Moreover, 
when ingested, camphor stimulates the heart reflexly by irritation 
of the stomach, as in the case of alcohol. 

Animal experiments do show that it sometimes first stimulates 
and then depresses the vasomotor centres in large doses, producing a 
corresponding effect on blood pressure. Poisonous quantities of 
camphor depress the heart and the pulse becomes feeble and rapid. 
Leucocytosis is favored by camphor. 

Respiration. — Camphor does not influence the respiration ma- 
terially in therapeutic doses. Occasionally the respiration is made 
slower and deeper. Camphor, like volatile oils, stimulates the bron- 
chial mucous membranes in its elimination by the lungs, and in- 
creases the blood supply and secretion of these parts. The charac- 
teristic odor is imparted to the breath after the ingestion of camphor. 
The drug is believed to relieve spasm and cough in bronchitis. 

Nervous System. — Camphor is often classed as an antispas- 
modic. It stimulates the nerve centres in the brain, medulla, and 
spinal cord, and thus overcomes spasm due to nervous weakness and 
incoordination. Poisonous doses depress and paralyze the higher 
nervous centres. 

Kidneys and Sexual Organs. — Camphor is oxidized in the body 
into camphorol (C 10 H 16 O 2 ) and eliminated in the breath and sweat, 
but mainly in the urine, as camphoglycuronic acid. The drug in- 
fluences the sexual organs, in some cases, hut in most instances does 
not affect them. Full medicinal doses sometimes stimulate the sex- 
ual functions (aphrodisiac action). Very large doses are said to 
depress sexual desire (anaphrodisiac action), but these quantities may 
irritate the genito-urinary tract and produce erotic excitement. 

Temperature. — Camphor is a slight antipyretic. 

Toxicologv. — Two to four ounces of camphor given to horses 






CAMPHOR 



493 



or cattle induce delirium and convulsions (cerebral stimulation) with 
rapid pulse and breathing, but usually recovery ensues. Two to four 
drachms cause, in dogs, vomiting, unsteady movements, asphyxia, 
coma (cerebral depression) and death from respiratory failure. 

Administration. — Camphor is exhibited internally in the form 
of the spirit, in pill or ball; and in solution in oil or milk. 

Uses External. — Camphor is applied in powder as a stimulant 
and antiseptic on indolent sores ; mixed with chalk or zinc oxide, as 
a dusting powder, in chafing or erythema, for its anesthetic proper- 
ties. It'is employed in liniments (Lin. Saponis, Lin. Camphorse), 
in strains, bruises, rheumatism and myalgia, as a rubefacient and 
local anodyne. 

Uses Internal. — Camphor is a valuable agent in stimulating the 
vital nerve centres in depression, collapse and shock and also, in less 
degree, the circulation. 

In poisoning by alcohol, opium, belladonna, etc., and post- 
operative shock and collapse it has the highest reputation with 
leading surgeons and clinicians. It should be given subcutaneously 
dissolved in almond, olive or cottonseed oil in the proportion of the 
linimentum camphorae (U. S. P.), that is 1 to 4. The oil should 
be first sterilized by boiling. 

Camphorse ' i. 

Olei olivse 3 iv. 

M. 
Sig. Inject as one dose subcutaneously (Horses). 
Inject m. xv for dogs. Repeat hourly. 

The effect of these injections is to produce some induration and 
not more than iy 2 drams should be injected at one point. ^ 

Camphor is of benefit in exhausting acute diseases (influenza, 
pneumonia and canine distemper), for the same reason, and because 
it possesses diaphoretic and antipyretic properties. It may be 
combined with alcohol, spirit of nitrous ether, and ammonia com- 
pounds, in these affections. 

Respiratory disorders are improved by camphor, since it is an 
expectorant, diaphoretic, stimulant and antiseptic. It is prescribed 
in spasmodic cough, bronchitis and pharyngitis. For the latter, in 
electuary with belladonna. 

Camphor is a valuable drug in diarrhea, particularly in the 
serous variety, and in that form following exposure to cold. It is 
not useful in inflammatory conditions, but checks secretion and pain. 
Camphor is prescribed alone in diarrhea, or with brandy and lauda- 
num. 



491 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Camphor is sometimes given as an antispasmodic in hysteria 
and "thumps" (spasm of diaphragm) of horses; and in nervous pal- 
pitation of the heart, and chorea (monobromated camphor) of dogs. 

Spirit of camphor and nitrous ether are efficient in relieving 
irritation of the genito-urinary tract. Camphor has proven of serv- 
ice in purpura hemorrhagica of horses given thrice daily in pills 
(gr. 75). 

Thymol. Thymol. C 10 H 14 O. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

A phenol (or stearopten, B. P.) occurring in the volatile oils 
of Thymus Vulgaris Linne, and in other volatile oils. 

Habitat. — Thymus vulgaris, Southern Europe, cultivated. 

Derivation. — Thymol is made from the terpenes of the volatile 
oils mentioned above, by fractional distillation and saponifying the 
result with caustic soda to remove more terpenes, and by cooling. 
The resulting soap, or soda-thymol compound is decomposed with 
hydrochloric acid, and thymol is crystallized from an alcoholic solu- 
tion. 

Properties. — Large, colorless, translucent crystals of the hexag- 
onal system, having an aromatic, thyme-like odor, and a pungent, 
aromatic taste, with a very slight caustic effect upon the lips. Its 
specific gravity, as a solid, is 1.030, but when liquefied bv fusion it 
is lighter than water. It melts at 50° to 51° C. (122° to 123.8° P.), 
remaining liquid at considerably lower temperatures. When tri- 
turated with about equal quantities of camphor, menthol, or chloral, 
it liquefies. 

Soluble in about 1100 parts of water, and in less than its own 
weight of alcohol, ether or chloroform ; also readily soluble in carbon 
disulphide, glacial acetic acid, and in fixed or volatile oils. 

Dose. — H., 5 ss.-ii. (2.-8.); Sh. (single dose), 3 ss.-ii.ss. ; D., 
gr. i.-xv. (.06-1.). 

Action and Uses. — Thymol resembles carbolic acid chemically 
and physiologically. It is less poisonous and irritant, more costly, 
and possesses greater antiseptic powers. It is much less valuable, 
however, medicinally, on account of its expense, and odor which 
strongly attracts flies. 

Poisoning is not produced readily, as absorption from the diges- 
tive tract is slow; but after considerable doses by the mouth, or when 
injected into the blood, toxic symptoms occur. One drachm given 
intravenously to a dog caused prostration, coma and respiratory fail- 
ure. Recovery ensued after the use of artificial respiration. Often 
no lesions are discoverable after death. At other times there is 
hyperemia of the lungs and kidneys caused by elimination of the 



GENTIAN 



495 



drug. The urine is colored greenish or yellowish-brown by trans- 



mitted light. 



Thymol is used externally for general antiseptic purposes, for 
application to ulcers, and as an injection in cystitis in aqueous satu- 
rated solution. It is employed in ointment with vaseline (1-15) to 
destroy ringworm and to relieve itching in pruritus, eczema, lichen, 
psoriasis, etc. It may be applied as follows for the same purposes: 



n 



M. 



Thymol gr.xv. 

Alcohol 3 ii. ss. 

Glycerin 3 v. 

Aq. ad Oi. 



An efficient antiseptic mouth wash consists of borax, gr. 40; 
thymol, gr. 20 ; water, § iv. It is indicated in stomatitis. Thymol 
internally is a powerful anthelmintic and parasiticide. It is em- 
ployed as an intestinal antiseptic; as a remedy for tape and round 
worm (uncinariasis in dogs), in goitre, and as a urinary antiseptic 
in cystitis. It is given in diluted alcoholic solutions; better in oil 
or capsules. As a vermifuge full doses (D., gr. x.-xxx.) should be 
preceded and followed by a purge, but not oil which acts as a solvent. 



SECTION X.— VEGETABLE BITTERS. 

Gentiana. Gentian. (U. S. P.) 

Bynonym. — Gentianse radix, B. P. ; radix gentiana? rubra? (vel 
lutse vel majoris), gentian root, E. ; radix gentiana 3 , P. G. ; raoine de 
gentiane (de gentiane jaune), Er. ; enzianwurzel, bitterwurzel, rother 
(gelber) enzian, G. 

The root of Gentiana lutea Linne (nat. ord. GentianeEe). 

Habitat. — The yellow gentian is indigenous in the Alps and 
mountains of southern and central Europe. 

Description. — In nearly cylindrical pieces or longitudinal slices, 
of variable length and from 5 to 35 Mm. thick; externally yellowish- 
brown, the rhizome annulate, the roots longitudinally wrinkled ; 
fracture short but uneven, the bark rather thick, separated from the 
somewhat spongy, reddish-yellow or brownish inner portion by a 
dark brown cambium zone ; odor strong, characteristic ; taste slightly 
sweetish, strongly and persistently bitter. 



496 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Constituents. — The chief one is (1) gentiopicrin (may be split 
into gentigenin and glucose), a bitter crystalline glucoside, soluble 
in alcohol and water. There is also (2) gentisic acid (C 14 H 10 O 5 ), 
combined with gentiopicrin and gum, and (3) a trace of volatile oil; 
(4) gentigenin, a sugar. Contains no tannin. 

I nc compatibles. — Iron in solution forms a black compound with 
the coloring matter in gentian. Silver nitrate and lead salts are 
incompatible with gentian. 

Dose.— H., I ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
5 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., gr. v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Ewtractum Gentiance. Extract of Gentian. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with water, and evaporation to a 
pilular consistence. 

Dose. — About one-third that of gentian. 

Fluidextracturn Gentiance. Fluidextract of Gentian. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporation, 
so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drag. 
Dose. — Same as gentian. 

Tinctura Gentiance Composita. Compound Tincture of Gentian. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Gentian, 100; bitter orange peel, 40; cardamon, 10; made by maceration 
and percolation with alcohol and water, to 1000. (U. S. P.) 
Dose.— H. & C, gi.-iv. (30.-120.); D., 3 i.-iv. (4.-15.). 

Administration. — Gentian is usually given to horses, cattle and 
sheep in powder, or to the former in the form of the compound 
tincture. The extract is suitable for dogs when exhibited in pills. 
Gentian is often employed as an excipient in the preparation of balls. 

Action. — The simple bitters, as gentian, act as stomachic and 
bitter tonics. They are stomachics in promoting gastric digestion 
by stimulation of the gustatory nerves, thus improving the appetite 
and reflexly causing dilatation of the blood vessels in the stomach 
and increasing salivary and gastric secretions. Furthermore, the 
bitters excite gastric and intestinal peristalsis to a slight extent. The 
bitters only act as tonics by their local effect in facilitating the diges- 
tion and assimilation, and by increasing the appetite. Externally the 
bitters are mildly antiseptic; while internally they are inimical to 
intestinal parasites. 

Uses. — Gentian is serviceable in simple loss of appetite. It is 
especially indicated in feeble gastric digestion caused by acute dis- 



QUASSIA 497 

ease, overwork, insufficient and poor food, and in that form associ- 
ated with, general debility and anemia. In the latter state, char- 
acterized by a pasty tongue, anorexia, rough coat and pallid 
mucous membranes, which may often be co-existent with the presence 
of intestinal worms, powdered gentian is most efficient when given to 
horses on the food three times daily with dried ferrous sulphate. 

Again, loss of appetite, general weakness, and feeble digestion 
occurring in horses during convalescence from acute diseases, as in- 
fluenza and pneumonia, is favorably met by a combination of com- 
pound tincture of gentian and whisky (1 ounce each), or by diluted 
hydrochloric acid and the compound tincture. The drag is useful 
in atonic indigestion, or mild chronic gastric or intestinal catarrh of 
young animals, when conjoined with sodium bicarbonate, which acts 
as a sedative and solvent of mucus. 

The simple bitters, including gentian, are contra-indicated in 
any acute inflammation of the digestive tract, since they are mild 
irritants. Gentian is a valuable bitter for cattle and sheep, but 
quinine is more commonly given to dogs. 



Quassia. Quassia. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Quassia lignum, B. P. ; quassia wood, bitter wood, 
bitter ash, E. ; quassie, bois amer, Fr. ; quaissienholz, G. 

Habitat. — Jamaica and West Indies. 

Description, — The wood of Picrasma excelsa (Swartz) Planchon 
(Pain. Simarubacece) , known commercially as Jamaica Quassia, or 
of Quassia amara Linne (Fam. Simarubacew) , known commercially 
as Surinam Quassia, 

Jamaica Quassia. — Occurring in various forms, usually in chips, 
raspings, or billets ; yellowish-white or pale yellow, and of rather 
coarse texture; odor slight; taste intensely bitter; medullary rays 
containing tetragonal prisms or small, arrow-shaped crystals of cal- 
cium oxalate. Billets of Jamaica Quassia are usually 12.5 Cm. or 
more in diameter ; in tangential section, the medullary rays are mostly 
3 to 5 rows of cells in width. 

Surinam Quassia. — Occurring usually in billets not exceeding 
7.5 Cm. in diameter; the wood is heavier, harder, and more deeply 
colored than that of Jamaica Quassia, and the medullary rays in 
tangential section are mostly 1 or 2 rows of cells in width. 

Constituents. — Chiefly, quassiin (C 10 JI 12 O 5 ), a bitter, neutral 
principle occurring in crystalline rectangular plates. There is also 
a volatile oil, but no tannin. 

Dose.— Quassiin, P., gr. Vg-Vs (.008-.02). 



498 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

PREPARATIONS. 

Extractum Quassice. Extract of Quassia. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by percolation with, water, boiling and evaporation to pihilar con- 
sistence. 

Dose.— H., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., gi-.ss.-iii. (.03-. 18). 

Fluidextractum Quassice. Fluidextract of Quassia. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evapora- 
tion, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of quassia. 

Dose.-— H. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., Til xv.-3 i. 
(1.-4.). 

Tinctura Quassice. Tincture of Quassia. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of quassia, 200, with alcohol and 
water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose. — Twice that of fluidextract. 

Liquor Quassi-ce Concentratus. (B. P.) 

Dose. — Same as for fluidextract. 
| 

Administration. — Quassia may be given to horses in the official 
preparations, — preferably the fluidextract, — or in infusion (1-80, in 
cold water for half an hour, B. P. ) . The dose of the infusion is § iv. 
for horses, 5 ii.-iv. for dogs. 

Actions. — Quassia is the most active and bitter stomachic we 
possess. Large doses irritate the digestive tract. The drug is poi- 
sonous to the lower forms of animal life. One grain will kill a frog 
with the production of convulsions and respiratory and heart failure. 
A sweetened infusion is often employed to destroy flies. Consid- 
erable doses of quassia increase the secretion of urine, and stimulate 
peristaltic action and contraction of the urinary bladder. It is an 
antiseptic and prevents fermentation in the digestive canal. Quassia 
acts generally in the same manner as gentian, by sharpening the 
appetite, and increasing salivary and gastric secretions, together with 
vascularity and peristalsis of the stomach. The volatile oil assists 
the stomachic action. 

Uses. — Quassia, like gentian, is very serviceable in promoting 
appetite and digestion in atonic dyspepsia. Tt has this advantage, 
however, that it may be combined with liquid preparations of iron 
without incompatibility. Quassia is the most efficient vermicide in 
our possession for the destruction of Oxyuris curvula, horse ; and O. 
vermiculari s, dog, in the lower bowel. An infusion is employed for 
this purpose, made by soaking quassia chips in cold water (3 ii.-OL") 
for half an hour. The rectum should be first thoroughly washed 



CALUMBA 499 

out with soap and water, and one-half pint of this infusion is given 
in enema to dogs; two quarts to horses. 

Calumba. Calumba. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym.— Calumhse radix, B. P. ; columbo, E. ; columbo, Er. ; 
kolumbowurzel, G. 

The root of Jateorhiza palmata (Lamarck) Miers (nat. ord. 
Menispermacese) . 

Habitat. — Mozambique, East Africa. Cultivated in the East 
Indies. 

Description. — In transverse, circular or oval, biconcave sections, 
2.5 to 5 Cm. in diameter and 2 to 1.2 Mm. thick; externally greenish- 
brown and roughly wrinkled ; internally yellowish or grayish-yellow, 
with a few interrupted circles of fibre vascular bundles, distinctly 
radiate in the outer portion, with a dark cambium; fracture short, 
mealy ; odor slight ; taste slightly aromatic, very bitter. 

Constituents. — 1, calumbin (C 21 H 22 7 ), a neutral bitter, crys- 
talline substance; 2, an alkaloid, berberine (C 20 H 17 ]SrO 4 ), found in 
berberis, hydrastis, etc. ; 3, calumbic acid (C 21 H 22 O u ) ; 4, starch, 
33 per cent. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ss.-i. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., gr. v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Calumbce. Fluidextract of Calumba. 
(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evapora- 
tion, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drag. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — Same as Calumba. 

Tinctura Calumbce. Tincture of Calumba. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of calumba, 200, in alcohol, and 
water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, gii.-iv. (60.-120.); D., 3 i.-iv. (4.-15.). Dose of tincture 
(B. P.) half that of U. S. P. tincture. 

Administration. — Calumba is given in powder on the food, or 
in the official preparations to the larger animals. The infusion 
(1-16, B. P.) may be used in the same doses as that of cascarilla. 
The tincture, and extract (gr. ii.-x., B. P.) are the best preparations 
for dogs. 

Actions and Uses. — Calumba is a mild but pure bitter. Ber- 
berine, calumbin and calumbic acid are all bitter, but none of them 



500 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

possess any powerful physiological action. Calumba is indicated in 
the same cases as gentian, but, being free from tannin, may be com- 
bined with iron preparations without producing an unsightly, inky 
mixture. It is less irritating than other bitters, and may be pre- 
scribed in more irritable conditions of the stomach. Calumba is 
frequently used during convalescence from the acute diseases and 
diarrhea. 

Taraxacum. Taraxacum. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Taraxici radix, B. P. ; dandelion, E. ; pissenlit, dent 
de lion, Fr. ; lowenzahn, G. 

The dried root of Taraxacum officinale Weber (nat. ord. Com- 
posita?), gathered in autumn. 

Habitat. — Naturalized in the United States and growing com- 
monly in waste places. Indigenous in Europe. 

Description. — Cylindraceous and tapering very gradually, of 
variable length, and 1 to 2 Cm. thick above, crowned with several 
short, thickish heads, usually simple or somewhat branched, the 
branches closely parallel ; externally blackish-brown, longitudinally 
wrinkled ; fracture short, showing a yellowish, porous central axis, 
surrounded by a thick, whitish bark, containing numerous milk ves- 
sels arranged in concentric circles ; inodorous ; bitter. 

Constituents. — 1, taraxacin, a bitter, soluble, crystalline sub- 
stance; 2, inulin; 3, taraxacerin (C s H 1G 0) ; 4, resin, causing the 
milkv juice ; 5, asparagin, of no medicinal value. 

"Dose.— H., gi.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ii.-iv. (S.-15.) ; D., 
5 i.-ii. (4.-8.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Extractum Taraxaci. Extract of Taraxacum. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by percolation of powdered taraxacum, 1000; with alcohol and water, 
1000; and evaporation to pilular consistence. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3i.-iv. (4.-15.); D., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3.). 

Fluidextractum Taraxaci. Fluidextract of Taraxacum. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporation, 
so that 1 cc. =: 1 gm. of taraxacum. 
Dose. — Same as taraxacum. 

Extractum Taraxici Liqmdum. (B. P.) 
Dose. — Same as taraxacum. 

Administration. — The fresh juice squeezed from the root (suc- 
cus, T>. P.) may be given to horses; or the official preparations may 
be used. 



HYDRASTIS 501 

Action and Uses. — Taraxacum is a simple stomachic and bitter 
and may be employed in place of gentian or calumba. It has been 
generally taught that taraxacum is an hepatic stimulant and increases 
the secretion of bile. This has been proved fallacious. The extract 
is often used as an excipient in preparing masses. 



Hydrastis. Hydrastis. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym-. — Hydrastis rhizoma, B. P. ; golden zeal, yellow root, 
yellow puccoon, orange root, Indian dye, Indian tumeric, E. ; racine 
d'hydrastis de Canada, Fr. ; Canadische gelbwurzel, G. 

The rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis Linne (nat. ord. 
Ranunculacese) , yielding not less than 2.5 per cent, of hydrastine. 

Habitat. — ISTorth America in woods, west to Missouri and Ar- 
kansas. 

Description. — Rhizome of oblique growth, snbcylindrical, 
straight or somewhat tortuous, 2 to 5 Cm. long, and 3 to 6 Mm. in 
diameter, with short stem remnants, or stem scars, and slightly an- 
nulate ; externally brownish-gray to yellowish-brown ; fracture short, 
waxy, deep yellow; bark about 0.5 Mm. thick, wood wedges bright 
yellow, pith large, light yellow; the roots thin, brittle, with a thick 
yellow bark and a somewhat quadrangular wood ; odor distinct ; taste 
bitter. 

Constituents. — 1, berberine (C 20 H 17 NO 4 ), an alkaloid occurring 
in yellow crystals and found in many plants of the families Ber- 
beracese, Ranunculacese, and Menispermacea? ; 2, hydrastine (C 2 i 
H 21 N0 6 ), a colorless, crystalline alkaloid, soluble in alcohol and 
ether; 3, canadine (C 21 H 21 N"0 4 ), occurring in white, acicular crys- 
tals. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 iu-5 i. (8.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; 
D., gr. v.-3 i. (.3-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

FhMextractum Hydrastis. Fluidextract of Hydrastis. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, glycerin and water, and 
evaporation. Assayed and enough menstruum added so that it will contain 2 
per cent, of hydrastine. 

Dose.—R.k C, 3 ii.-B i. (8.-30.); Sh. & Sw., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., 1T1.V.-3 i. 
(.3-4.). 

Extractum Hydrastis Liquidum. (B. P.) 
Dose.— H. & C, 3i.-iii. (4.-12.); D., TTlv.-xv. (.3-1.). 



502 VEGETABLE DBTTGS 

Tinctura Hydrastis. Tincture of Hydrastis. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of hydrastis, 200; with diluted alcohol, 
to 1000. 

Dose.— H., § i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., 3 ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

Glyceritum Hydrastis. Glycerite of Hydrastis. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of hydrastis. 1000: add water to the 
percolate and evaporate. Add water to the residue, set aside 24 hours and 
filter; add enough water to the filtrate to make 500; then add glycerin, 500. 

Dose. — Same as fluid extract. 



Hydkastin^e Hydrocheoeh>tjm. Hydrastine Hydrochloride. 
CnH^NOoH CI. (IT. S. P.) 

The hydrochloride of an artificial alkaloid derived from hydras- 
tine. 

Properties. — Light, yellow, amorphous granules, or a pale yel- 
low crystalline powder ; odorless, and having a bitter, saline taste ; 
deliquescent on exposure to damp air. Yery soluble in cold and hot 
water, and in alcohol. 

Dose.— H., gr. i.-ii. (.06-.12) ; D., gr. 1 / 12 - 1 A (.Q05-.01). 



Hydrasthst. (ISTon-official). 

The commercial name for a mixture of variable composition, 
consisting chiefly of berberine, together with hydrastine, and a resin. 
A greenish-yellow powder, having a bitter taste. Wrongly termed 
hydrastine. 

Dose.— H., gr. xv.-xxx. (1.-2.) ; D., gr. iii.-v. (.1S-.3). 

Actions. — Hydrastis and its alkaloids, berberine and hydrastine, 
act as simple bitters and stomachics, in small doses, by improving 
the appetite and stimulating the secretion, motion and vascularity of 
the stomach. Hydrastis causes contraction of the non-pregnant 
uterus, and may induce abortion in pregnant animals. It also in- 
creases the flow of urine. The drug is a mild anti-periodic, but 
is decidedly inferior to quinine in this respect. Hydrastine and 
berberine resemble each other in actions, uses and doses. Berberine 
sulphate and hydrastine hydrochloride are to be found in the market, 
and are used in the same doses as the pure alkaloids. Poisonous 
doses of hydrastine and berberine are followed by convulsions and 
paralysis ; the former is more convulsant. Hydrastine is said pri- 
marily to markedly increase vascular tension. It is uncertain 
whether this action is due to vascular contraction or cardiac stimula- 



CALAMUS 503 

tion. Tn poisoning by either alkaloid there is great cardiac and 
vasomotor depression. 

Uses. — Hydrastis, berberine, and hydrastine are employed in 
anorexia and atonic indigestion. The fluidextract of hydrastis and 
hydrastine (both, however, are very expensive) are especially efficient 
for horses in combination with other bitters and iron, as follows: 

Fluidextr. Capsici 3 ii. 

Fluidextr. Hydrastis. 

Fluidextr. Nucis Vomicae aS o iii- 

M. (Furnish 3 ii. bottle) 

Sig. Small bottleful tid. on tongue. 

or : — 

Hydrastine gr.xxx. 

Pulv. Gentianse 

Pulv. Nucis Vomicae 

Ferri Sulpli. Exsicc fur § ii. 

M. et div. in ch't, no. xii. 
Sig. One powder on food tid. 

Hydrastis is exhibited empirically (probably as a local stimu- 
lant and antiseptic) in atonic and inflammatory conditions of the 
digestive organs, with great benefit, as in chronic gastro-rntestinal 
catarrh or catarrhal jaundice. Hydrastis is used most frequently in 
human medicine to stop uterine hemorrhage of all descriptions, and 
is often conjoined with the fluid extract of ergot for this purpose. 
Hydrastinine hydrochloride has been employed with great success as 
a hemostatic in metrorrhagia. Hydrastine is given to horses as a 
bitter tonic in doses of gr. iii.-v. ; and to dogs in quantities of gr. 
}4-%. Externally, the fluidextract of hydrastis (1-8 to 1-2), or 
hydrastine (gr. v.-§ i.), in aqueous solution, are most serviceable as 
local stimulants in the treatment of the subacute stages in inflam- 
matory diseases of mucous membranes, and in relaxed or atonic 
conditions of these tissues. The solutions are applied as injections, 
or lotions, in leucorrhea, endometritis, balanitis, otorrhea, stomatitis, 
etc., and upon indolent ulcers. 

Calamus. Calamus. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Sweet flag, radix acori, E. ; rhizoma calami, P. G. ; 
acore vrai, acore odorant, Er. ; kalmuswurzel, G. 

The unpeeled, dried rhizome of Acorus Calamus Linne (nat. 
ord. Aroidea?.) 



504 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Description. — Rhizome 1 to 2 Cm. thick, usually in longitudi- 
nally split pieces of various lengths ; when entire, cylindraceous and 
somewhat vertically flattened, externally reddish-brown, somewhat 
annulate from remnants of leaf-sheaths ; upper surface with triangu- 
lar leaf-scars, the lower surface with circular pitted scars of roots ; 
fracture short, showing numerous oil-cells and scattered fibrovascular 
bundles, the latter crowded within the endodermis ; odor aromatic ; 
taste pungent and bitter. 

Constituents. — 1, acorin (C 36 H 60 O 6 ), a liquid, yellow glucoside 
having a bitter taste; 2, a volatile oil, 1-2 per cent. ; 3, calamine; 4, 
choline. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 i.-iii. (4.-12.) ; 
D., gr. xv. -3 i. (1.-4.). 

PREPARATION. 

Fluidextractum Calami. Fluidextract of Calamus. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration, percolation and evaporation, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. 
of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 3 i.-iii. (4.-12.); D., n\xv.-3 i. 
(1.-4.). 

The powdered root may be given on the food to the larger animals; the 
fluidextract, or an infusion (1-16), may be exhibited to any patients. 

Action and Uses. — Calamus is a mild aromatic bitter, and is 
therefore useful in anorexia and indigestion associated with mild 
forms of flatulence. The powdered root is employed as an excipient 
in powders, balls and electuaries. It is innocuous, and the dose is 
therefore unimportant. 



SECTION XI.— VEGETABLE CATHARTICS. 
Class 1. — Simple Purgatives. 

Aloe. Aloes. (II. S. P.) 

(Aloe Baebadensis, Aloe Socotbina, PSabm. 1890.) 

The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe vera (Linne) Webb, 
Aloe Chinensis Baker, Aloe Perryi Baker, or other species of Aloe 
(Fam. Liliacea?). 

Properties. — In yellowish-brown or orange-brown to blackish- 



BARBADOES ALOES 



505 



brown opaque masses ; translucent in thin fragments ; fracture un- 
even, dull and waxy, somewhat resinous, or smooth and glassy, some- 
what conchoidal; occasionally exhibiting microscopic crystals of 
aloin ; odor characteristic ; taste nauseous, bitter. 

Aloe Barbadexsis. Barbadoes Aloes. (B. P.) 

Synonym, — Curacoa aloes, E. ; aloes des Barbades, Fr. ; Barba- 
dos-aloe, G. 

The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe vera (Linne) Webb 
(nat. ord. Liliacese). 

Habitat. — The island of Barbadoes. 

Properties. — In hard masses, orange-brown, opaque, translucent 
on the edges; fracture waxy or resinous, somewhat conchoidal; odor 
saffron-like ; taste strongly bitter. Almost entirely soluble in alcohol. 

Aloe Soootrixa. Socotrine Aloes. (B. P.) 

Synonym. — Aloe succotrina, aloes sucotrin, s. socotrin, Fr. ; 
socotora s. socotrinische aloe, G. 

The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe Perryi Baker (nat, 
ord. Liliacese). 

Habitat. — Eastern Africa, 

Properties. — In hard masses, occasionally soft in the interior; 
opaque, yellowish-brown, orange-brown, or dark ruby-red, not green- 
ish, translucent on the edges ; fracture resinous, somewhat conchoidal. 
When breathed upon, it emits a fragrant saffron-like odor ; taste pe- 
culiar, strongly bitter. Almost entirely soluble in alcohol and in 
4 parts of boiling water. The aqueous solution becomes turbid on 
cooling and yields a deposit. 

The color of socotrine aloes is lighter, and it is less opaque than 
Barbadoes aloes. The powdered socotrine aloes is brighter and red- 
der, and the odor less disagreeable than that of Barbados aloes. 

Aloe Capexsis. Cape Aloes, (^on-official.) 

Synonym. — Aloes der Cap, Fr. 

Habitat. — Africa. 

Properties. — Occurs in dark-brown or olive-green resinous 
masses; fracture conchoidal; odor strong, sour and disagreeable. 
Yields a gamoge-yellow powder. Solubility same as socotrine aloes. 
Product of several varieties of aloes obtained from Cape Town and 
Natal. 



506 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Dose of Aloes.— H., 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; C, % i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; SL, 
3 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sw., 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.) ; D., gr. xx.-5 i. (1.3-1.). 

Constituents. — 1, aloin; 2, a resin; 3, a volatile oil, giving the 
odor ; 4, a trace of gallic acid. 

Aloinum. Aloin. (IT. S. & P>. P.) 

Synonym. — Aloine, Fr. 

A neutral principle obtained from several varieties of aloes, 
chiefly from Curacoa aloes and Barbadoes aloes (yielding Barbaloin), 
and Socotra or Zanzibar aloes (yielding Socaloin), differing more 
or less in chemical composition and physical properties according to 
the source from which it is derived. 

Derivation. — Obtained by pulverizing and macerating Barba- 
does aloes in cold water, and evaporating the resulting solution in 
vacuo. Aloin crystallizes out and is dried between folds of bibulous 
paper. It is purified by repeated solution in hot water, filtration, 
recrystallization, and finally by solution in hot alcohol and crystalliza- 
tion. ISFataloin is derived from Cape aloes. 

Properties. — A micro-crystalline powder or minute acicular 
crystals, lemon yellow to dark yellow in color, possessing a slight 
odor of aloes and an intensely bitter taste. It is slightly hygyro- 
scopic. Aloes from Curacoa aloes is soluble in about 65 parts of 
water and 10.75 parts of alcohol. Barbaloin and socaloin are 
soluble in about 60 parts of cold water. Barbaloin is soluble in 20 
parts of alcohol. Socaloin in 30 parts of absolute alcohol. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ii.-iii. (8.-12.); D., gr. ii.-xx. (.12-1.3), in 
combination with other purgatives. 

PREPARATIONS OF ALOES. 

The official preparations are numerous, but most are not applicable to 
veterinary practice. 

Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhce. Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. 

(U. S. P.) 

Synonym.— "Elixis pro," elixir proprietas Paracelsi, E. 

Made by maceration and percolation of purified aloes, 100; myrrh, 100; 
and liquorice root, 100; with alcohol and water to make 1000. 

Pilulffi Laxative Composita3, U. S. P. Aloin 1.3 gm. ; strychnine, 0.05 gm.; 
extr. belladonna leaves, 0.8 gm.; ipecac, 0.4 gm.; glycyrrhiza, 4.6 gm.; syrup 
q. s. to make 100 pills. Dogs. Dose, 1 to 2 pills. 

Action External. — Aloes is a slight stimulant to raw surfaces. 
It is absorbed from the denuded skin and thus may occasion purging. 



AT.OIN 507 

Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — Aloes is first of all a 
purgative. In addition to this it is a bitter, and therefore small 
doses excite salivary and gastric secretion, together with the move- 
ments and vascularity of the stomach, and appetite. The activity 
of aloes in the bowels is due largely to the solvent action of bile upon 
it. Aloes is absorbed from the digestive tract and is eliminated by 
the bowels, kidneys and mammary glands. It may be excreted in 
sufficient quantity in the milk to create looseness of the bowels in 
nursing animals. 

Aloes stimulates peristalsis of the large intestines, but does not 
notably increase the secretions of the bowels. Moreover, its action 
is very slow (12-24 hours). This probably happens because the drug 
does not act till it reaches the large intestines, locally, or through 
elimination. Aloes is preeminently the best purgative for horses, 
but does not operate so well on the other domestic animals. Epsom 
salts, glauber salts or linseed oil are preferable for cattle; linseed 
oil or carron oil for foals and calves ; and castor oil or calomel for 
dogs. In chronic constipation in dogs cascara sagrada, phenol ph- 
thalein and aloes are, however, effective (see below). A full close of 
aloes often creates some general disturbances in horses, including 
nausea, slight colic, diuresis, elevation of temperature (l°-2° F.) and 
pulse, with purging lasting from 2 or 3 to 24 hours. Aloes also pos- 
sesses anthelmintic properties because of its bitter qualities and pur- 
gative action. Socotrine aloes may be used in the official prepara- 
tions, but Barbadoes aloes finds most favor in veterinary medicine, 
and is probably the stronger of the two. Cape aloes is a little in- 
ferior to the other varieties and is more apt to produce diuresis. 
Aloes and aloin lead to catharsis, whether injected under the skin, 
into the blood, or applied on raw surfaces. Administration by the 
mouth is more effective. Aloin appears to contain the active princi- 
ples of aloes, and is usually as operative, but some manufactures are 
ineffective. 

Kidneys and Sexual Organs. — Aloes causes reflex, or sympa- 
thetic irritation of the female pelvic organs in its operation on the 
lower bowel ; is an emmenagogue, and may prove abortifacient. The 
drug sometimes excites diuresis. 

Administration. — Aloes is given to horses in semi-solution after 
being rubbed up with hot (115°-120° F.) water; or in ball. The 
patient should, if possible, be previously prepared by a diet of bran 
mashes and salt only, for 2 or 3 feedings before exhibition of the 
purge. An effective aloes ball is made by melting and mixing Bar- 
badoes aloes (1 lb.) with glycerin and molasses (each % ii.), and 
powdered ginger root {% i.), on a water bath. When the mass is 
properly mixed it is removed from the fire and alcohol (5 v.) is 



508 VEGETABLE DKUGS 

added. The mass is poured on a layer of flaxseed meal to cool, and 
then is weighed into portions of 5 10% each. These are rolled into 
balls, covered with tissue paper, and preserved in tight tin or glass 
vessels. Horses should not be worked after receiving aloes balls, but 
should be given a little walking exercise 12 hours after the adminis- 
tration of the dose. Colic and superpurgation may follow if the dose 
is repeated within 48 hours, or if large quantities of cold water are 
allowed during the action of the cathartic. Tf aloes does not operate 
satisfactorily, it is safer to give linseed oil by the mouth and rectal 
injections, than to administer a second dose of aloes. 

Uses External. — The tincture of aloes and myrrh is sometimes 
applied as a stimulant to wounds, and powdered aloes is mixed with 
plaster of Paris in making splints for dogs, to prevent these animals 
from biting and tearing them off. 

Uses Internal. — Aloes is employed in the treatment of the horse, 
whenever an active purge is desirable, with the following exceptions : 
It, must not be used in acute diseases of the respiratory tract lest 
metastasis occur, and the inflammation attack the bowels. Neither 
in acute inflammation of the alimentary canal nor the kidneys is it 
desirable; nor in intestinal obstruction or impaction of the colon. 
In the first two named conditions, aloes is too irritating to the organs 
implicated; in the two last, the drug may aggravate the trouble by 
the production of impotent peristaltic movements. Pregnancy con- 
tra-indicates the use of aloes, lest abortion ensue. The therapeutic 
scope of aloes being large, it is impossible to enumerate all the dis- 
eases in which it is useful. Perhaps this cathartic is more com- 
monly serviceable in indigestion and spasmodic or flatulent colic. 

In acute inflammatory diseases of the brain and cord aloes is 
often combined with calomel (5 i.) in ball to enhance the effect. The 
administration of an aloes ball is followed by that of small doses of 
Epsom salts (% iv.) in the drinking water in the treatment of hemo- 
globinemia of horses, or in conditions when we wish to assist the 
depleting action of aloes. Turpentine is followed by aloes, or aloes 
is given prior to a course of iron sulphate and gentian, for the de- 
struction of round-worms in horses. A laxative ball may be com- 
posed of aloes (5 ii.-iv.), ginger and powdered mix vomica (each 
5 ii.), mixed with glycerin or molasses. 

It is often taught that aloes is contraindicated in hemorrhoids, 
but this teaching does not obtain unless the piles are inflamed. In 
piles, associated with an atonic condition, aloes may be beneficial by 
improving the tone of the bowels. The U. S. P. compound laxative 
pills is one of the best laxatives in chronic constipation of dogs and 
cats. Each pill contains M20 gr. of strychnine. Aloes may be use- 
ful in jaundice due to constipation, but in general it is inferior to 



LINSEED OIL 509 

salines, calomel and podophyllin in the treatment of this disorder. 
According to Brunton, the presence of bile in the intestines is es- 
sential for the action of aloes. Therefore the absence of bile in the 
bowels would forbid the use of aloes as a purgative. Laxative doses 
of aloes are valuable in amenorrhea, or absence of estrum, about 
the time that "heat" should occur, in combination with iron. 

Oleum Lini. Linseed Oil. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Oil of flaxseed, E. ; huile de lin, Fr. ; leinol, leinsa- 
menol, G. 

A fixed oil expressed from linseed without the use of heat. 

Properties- — A yellowish or yellow, oily liquid, having a slight, 
peculiar odor and bland taste. When exposed to the air it gradually 
thickens and acquires a strong odor and taste; and if spread in a thin 
layer on a glass plate and allowed to stand in a warm place, it is 
gradually converted into a hard, transparent, resin-like mass (absence 
of non-drying oils). 

Spec. gr. 0.925 to 0.935 at 77° F. Soluble in about 10 parts 
of absolute alcohol, and in all proportions in ether, chloroform, ben- 
zin, carbon disulphide, or oil of turpentine. 

Constituents. — 1, linolein; 2, myristin ; 3, palmitin; 4, albumin, 
which gives the oil its drying qualities. 

Dose. — LL, Oss.-i. (250.-500.). Mild laxative, on bran mash. 
C, Oi.-ii. (500.-1000.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 vi.-xii. (180.-360.) ; D. & 0., 
I ss.-ii. (15.-60:) 

Action and Uses. — Linseed oil exerts a laxative, or mild purga- 
tive effect by its mechanical action in lubricating the bowels and 
their contents. It is suitable for horses when a derivative or de- 
pleting action is not desirable, as in fecal impaction or overloaded 
bowels in weak animals, and in those suffering from inflammatory 
diseases of the respiratory tract or digestive organs; diarrhea, dys- 
entery, and in pregnancy. Aloes, on the other hand, would be con- 
traindicated in these conditions. Oarron oil (linseed oil and lime 
water, equal parts), is particularly appropriate as a remedy for 
a heaves" in horses (§ ii.-iv.), and is one of the best cathartics for 
foals, lambs and calves (5 ii.-iv.). The laxative and antacid 
properties of this preparation tend to combat intestinal fermentation 
which is so common in young animals with digestive disorders and 
diarrhea. The same qualities of carron oil prevent flatulence and 
interference with the already impeded breathing in "heaves" of 
horses. 

Linseed oil is frequently given to ruminants, although Epsom 
salts is generally the best purge for them. It is indicated for these 



510 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

animals when a milder operation than that obtained by a full dose 
of salts is required, and for its demulcent action in irritable states 
of the digestive organs. Linseed oil, combined with salts, is useful in 
impaction of the rumen and omasum in cattle. By combining linseed 
oil with croton oil we procure a potent purge for cattle. Castor oil 
or sweet oil are usually preferable to linseed oil in the treatment of 
dogs. Soap suds enemata are made more effective by the addition 
of 1 or 2 pints of linseed oil (for horses), and 1 or 2 ounces (for 
dogs). The oil may be given in its pure state, but more uncommonly 
is prescribed with gruel, glycerin, mucilage, or molasses. One ounce 
each of linseed oil and molasses may be given to the larger animals; 
or one drachm of either to the smaller animals, as an expectorant in 
bronchitis. The mixture is often a most serviceable one and prob- 
ably acts by improving the nutrition of the bronchial mucous mem- 
brane. Linseed oil and sweet oil resemble cod liver oil in this 
respect, and while both are probably inferior to the latter, as expec- 
torants, they are more palatable and cheaper. 



Oleum Bicixi. Castor Oil. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Oleum palms? christi, huile de ricin, Br. ; ricinu- 
sol, G.' 

A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Bicinus communis Linne 
(nat. ord. Euphorbiacese). 

Habitat. — India. Cultivated in many countries. 

Properties. — A pale, yellowish and almost odorless, transparent, 
viscid fluid, having a bland, afterwards slightly acrid, and generally 
offensive taste. Spec. gr. 0.945 to 0.965 at 77° F. Soluble in equal 
volumes of alcohol, and in all proportions in absolute alcohol, or in 
glacial acetic acid; also soluble in three times its volume of 92.5 per 
cent, alcohol (absence of more than about 5 per cent, of most other 
fixed oils). 

Constituents. — 1, ricinolein, or ricinoleic acid glycericle, C 3 H 5 
(C 1S H 34 3 ) 3 ; 2, an acrid principle; 3, palmitin, stearin and myris- 
tin; 4, possibly a non-purgative alkaloid, ricinine. 

Dose.—R. & C, Oi. (500.) ; Sh. & Sw., % ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; 
D. & Cats, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; poultry, 5 i. (4.). 

Castor Oil Seeds. — These are not official. The name Bicinus 
is applied to the plant because of the resemblance of the seed to a 
ricinus, or tick. The seeds are of a shiny, gray color, marked with 
brownish spots and streaks. They are about the size of small beans 
(17 Mm. X 8 Mm.), ovoid, flattened, and white inside. They con- 
tain 50 per cent, of oil, and an acrid, poisonous substance, a toxalbu- 



CASCAKA SAGEADA 511 

min, ricin. Three seeds have caused death in man, and they are ten 
times more purgative than the oil. 

Action and Uses. — Castor oil closely resembles olive oil save that 
when saponified ricin oleic, instead of oleic, acid is formed. In the 
intestines the ricinoleic acid is further changed to ricinoleates which 
axe irritant and therefore cause purgation. Much of the castor oil 
is absorbed like other oils and in China castor oil is even used for 
food. Castor oil is mild, but has a more decided purgative action 
than linseed oil and often occasions griping. It acts within 4 or 5 
hours and will purge when absorbed from the skin or rectum. Castor 
oil is specially applicable in canine practice, to unload the bowels, and 
in irritated conditions of the digestive tract. It is useful in con- 
stipation only as an occasional remedy, since it is followed by greater 
tendency to this condition. It is generally used as an occasional 
remedy in constipation but small doses are sometimes given daily in 
chronic constipation. It is also indicated in overloaded bowels, in- 
digestion, diarrhea, and pregnancy ; after the ingestion of foreign or 
putrid matters ; and to assist the action of anthelmintics. Castor oil 
is inferior to linseed oil for horses, as a simple laxative, because it 
is more prone to cause colicky pains, and because it is more expensive. 
Castor oil is thought to be notably useful in irritation and inflam- 
mation of the intestines in these animals, however, as in diarrhea, 
dysentery, and enteritis ; and can be combined with anodynes and 
antispasmodics to prevent griping. Two or three ounces of castor 
oil are suitable for calves or foals with gastro-intestinal disorders. 
One or two teaspoonfuls are suitable for poultry. 

A administration.— Castor oil is given to dogs with syrupus 
rhamni cathartici in the proportion of 1 ounce of the former to 1 
drachm of the latter; or with glycerin (equal parts) and a few drops 
of oil of wmtergreen. It is administered to puppies (5 i.-ii.) with 
an equal volume of sweet oil. Castor oil may be exhibited to horses 
with oil of peppermint (Tt\xx.) ; or in digestive irritation, in warm 
cooked flour gruel with laudanum (§ ss.) and fluidextract bella- 
donna (5 i.) ; to foals and calves with mucilage or gruel and 5 drops 
of oil of peppermint. 

Rhamnus Purshiana. (II. S. P.) Cascara Sagrada. (B. P.) 

Synonym. — California buckthorn, sacred bark, chittem bark. 

The bark of Rhamnus Purshiana de Candolle (nat. ord. Eham- 
nacese). Collected at least one year before being used. 

Habitat. — United States from northern Idaho west to Pacific 
Ocean. 

Description, — In quills or curved pieces, of variable length and 



512 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

1 to 5 Mm. thick ; outer surface reddish-brown, frequently more or 
less covered with grayish or whitish lichens, several of which are 
peculiar to this bark, and with small groups of their brownish fruit- 
heads ; inner surface yellowish to light brownish, becoming dark 
brown with age and reddened by alkalies, longitudinally striate; 
fracture short, with projections of bast fibres in the inner bark, and 
the medullary rays forming converging groups ; odor distinct ; taste 
bitter and slightly acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, three resins ; 2, a neutral body ; 3, a volatile 
oil ; 4, malic and tannic acids. 

Dose. — D., gr. v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Rhamni Purshianw. Fluidextract of Rhamnus Purshiana. 

Made by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporation, 
so that 1 cc. = 1 gm. of the crude drug. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — D., TIlv.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

Fluidextractum Rhamni Purshianw Aromaticum. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — Ttlv.-xxx. 

Extractum Gascarw Sagrade Liquidum. ( B. P. ) 
Dose. — D., rTv.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

Extractum Gascarw Sagradw. (B. P.) 
Dose. — D., gr.ii.-viii. (.12-.5). 

Syrupus Gascarce Sagradce Aromaticus. (B. P.) 
Dose.— D., 3 ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

Frangula. Frangula. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Rhamni frangula 1 cortex, E. P. ; buckthorn, alder 
buckthorn, black alder, E. ; bourdaine, bourgene, Fr. ; faulbaumrinde, 
G. ; cortex f rangulse, P. G. 

The dried bark of Rhamnus Frangula Linne (nat. ord. Rham- 
nese), collected at least one year before being used. 

Habitat. — Europe and northern Asia. 

Description. — In quills of variable length, frequently flattened 
or crashed; bark 0.3 to 1 Mm. thick, externally grayish-brown to 
purplish-black, with numerous lenticels and occasional patches of 
foliaceous lichens; inner surface smooth, minutely striated, brown- 
ish-yellow to deep brown; fracture short and of a purplish tint in 
the outer layer, fibrous and pale yellow in the inner layer ; odor 



PHEJSTOLPHTHALIEN 513 

distinct ; taste somewhat aromatic, sweetish, and bitter ; when chewed, 
imparting to the saliva a yellow color. 

Constituents. — 1, a glucoside, frangulin (C 20 II 20 O 10 ), converted 
in time into (2) emodin (C 15 H 10 O 5 ), a glucoside, to which the drug 
owes its purgative action. Frangulin also yields emodin, a constitu- 
ent of rhubarb as well, and rhamnose (C 6 H 12 5 ), by hydrolysis. 

Dose. — D., 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Frangulce. Fluid extract of Frangula. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evapora- 
tion, so that lcc. of the preparation = 1 gm. of the crude drug. 
Dose.— D., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Actions and Uses. — The buckthorns are laxatives in the doses 
employed in medicine. The fresh bark of R. frangula produces vio- 
lent gastroenteritis (frangulin), and the same effect is produced by 
the bark of cascara sagrada, so that both should be kept a year before 
using. 

Frangula is rarely employed, but Cascara sagrada is one of the 
best purgatives for chronic constipation in dogs. The dose does 
not require to be increased on repetition. On the contrary, the tone 
of the bowels is improved by the drug. It has a very bitter taste 
and is apt to cause griping so that cascara is commonly given with 
aromatics. Fluidextractum Ehamni Purshianse Aromaticum (U. S. 
P.), Syrupus Cascarse Sagrada? Aromaticus, are the best prepara- 
tions. A solid and fmidextract are also official (U. S. & B. P.). 
The aromatic syrup of cascara sagrada may be prescribed to advan- 
tage with an ounce or two of castor oil, as an occasional purgative 
for dogs. A syrup of purging buckthorn (Ehamnus catharticus) is 
also occasionally given dogs and cats with castor oil. D., § i.-ii. ; 
Cats, § ss.-i. 

Phenolphthaliew, Co H 14 4 . 

Is made from phenol, phthalic anhydride and sulphuric acid by 
the action of heat. It occurs in white, yellowish or grayish-white 
amorphous or crystalline powder. It is tasteless and odorless, and 
soluble in 600 parts of water, in 10 parts of alcohol, and in solutions 
of hydroxides and carbonates. Its solutions in acids are colorless but 
with alkalies turn red. It is used in chemistry as an indicator of 
acidity or alkalinity. It does not apparently have any other 
physiological effect than that of a purgative and is especially indi- 



514 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

catecl in habitual constipation. It does not cause griping, and pro- 
duces no bad effect on the system even when used over long periods 
of time. It is sometimes prescribed with aloes. Phenolphthalein is 
eliminated chiefly by the intestines. 

Dose. — H., 5 i.-5 iss. (4.-6.) ; dogs, gr. ii.-x. (0.13-0.6) ; puppies 
and cats, gr. ss.-ii. (0.03-0.12). 

Phenolphthalein may be given to horses with food. To dogs and 
cats it is given in capsule, or tablets with chocolate (Thaletts, Mul- 
ford), or in pill with aloes, strychnine, belladonna and cascara 
(Phenalos, Mulford). 

V\ 
Rheum. Rhubarb. (IT. S. R) 

Synonym. — Rhei radix, B. P. ; rhubarbe, Fr. ; rhubarber, G. 

The dried rhizome of Rheum officinale Baillon, Rheum pal- 
matum Linne, and the var. tanguticum Maximowicz (Fam. Poly- 
gonacece), or probably other species of Rheum, grown in China and 
Thibet, and deprived of most of the bark and carefully dried. 

Description. — Subcylinclrical, barrel-shaped, conical, plano-con- 
vex or irregularly formed pieces, frequently with a large perforation ; 
hard and moderately heavy; 5 1 to 15 Cm. long, 4 to 8 Cm. in diam- 
eter; externally mottled with alternating stria? of light brown paren- 
chyma cells and dark brown medullary rays, occasionally with red- 
dish-brown cork patches and small, radiate scars of nbrovascular 
tissue, smooth and sometimes covered with a bright brownish-yellow 
powder; fracture somewhat granular, presenting a peculiar marbled 
appearance ; odor characteristic ; taste bitter, astringent ; gritty when 
chewed. 

Powder bright orange-yellow, becoming red with alkalies, con- 
taining rosette-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate which are from 
0.050 to 0.100 Mm. in diameter, and spherical starch grains from 
0.005 to 0.020 Mm. in diameter, either single or 2- to 4- compound. 

Constituents. — 1, the purgative principle which gives the yellow 
color, a glucoside, chrysarobin (C2 7 Ho 14 ), yields 2-3 per cent, of 
chrysophanic acid (C 15 H 10 O 4 ), also called rhein or chrysophan; 2, 
rheotannic acid (C 26 H 26 4 ), which gives astringency to rhubarb; 3, 
calcium oxalate (35 per cent.), causing grittiness; 4, resinous bod- 
ies : phseoretin^ emodin, aporetin and erythroretin. Chrysophanic 
acid and the resins are somewhat purgative, but the exact purgative 
principles have yet to be discovered. 

Dose.— Stomachic— IT. & C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh., o i. (4) ; 
D. & Cats, gr. v.-x. (.3-. 6). 

Mild Purgative. — Foals and calves, 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., 3 i.-ii. 
(4.-8.). Fowl, gr. v.-vii. in pill. 



EHUBAKB 515 



PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Rhei. Fiuidextract of Rhubarb. 

(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evapora- 
tion, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 
Dose. — Same as that of rhubarb. 

Pulvis Rhei Compositus. Compound Powder of Rhubarb. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Gregory's powder. Rhubarb, 25; magnesia, 65; ginger, 10. 
Dose. — Foals and Calves, 3 ss.-i. (15.-30.). 

Extraction Rhei. Extract of Rhubarb. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Dose.— D., gr.v.-x. (.3-.6). 

There are many other official preparations, but they possess no value in 
veterinary medicine. 



Action Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — Rhubarb is a bitter, and 
therefore in small doses improves digestion in all animals by increas- 
ing the flow of salivary and gastric juices, and by stimulating the 
appetite, vascularity, and movements of the stomach. It is called a 
stomachic and bitter tonic. Larger doses cause mild* purgation in 
the case of dogs and cats, but horses and cattle are but slightly affected 
in this way. The activity of rhubarb is partly due to the solvent 
action of bile. It is commonly described as an agent which stimu- 
lates peristaltic action, but it is not certainly known how purging is 
brought about. Secondary constipation is more apt to follow the 
use of rhubarb than other drugs, because of rheotannic acid. This 
substance may be absorbed and eliminated into the bowels after the 
occurrence of purgation. Rhubarb, by virtue of chrysophanic acid, 
stains the feces., urine, milk and sweat yellow in its excretion. 

Uses. — Rhubarb is an efficient laxative remedy for the treat- 
ment of indigestion in young animals associated with diarrhea. In 
this condition it sweeps out the source of irritation and then exerts 
an astringent effect. The drug often acts most favorably with an 
antacid in the disorders noted. Gregory's powder is useful in the 
care of foals, calves and lambs with diarrhea. The fluidextract 
may be given to dogs, but rhubarb is not so generally useful a purga- 
tive for these animals as castor oil, calomel, cascara sagrada, phenolph- 
thalein, or compound laxative pills. Rhubarb has been recommended 
when a laxative is desirable, in cases of hemorrhoids, to improve local 
tone, and also as a purgative in diarrhea of young animals due to 
worms. 



516 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

One or two drops of the tincture of rhubarb in the drinking 
water form a serviceable laxative for small birds. 

Chrysarobinum. Chrysarobin. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Goa powder, araroba powder. 

A neutral principle, extracted from Goa Powder, a substance 
found deposited in the wood of Vouacapoua xVraroba (Aguiar) 
Druce (nat. ord. LeguminosEe) . 

Habitat. — Brazil. 

Properties. — A pale orange-yellow, microcrystalline powder, 
odorless and tasteless ; turning brownish-yellow on exposure to the 
air. Very slightly soluble in cold water or alcohol. Soluble in so- 
lutions of alkalies. 

Constituents. — Chiefly chrysarobin (C 27 H3o0 14 ) — also called 
rhein and chrysophan, — an orange-yellow, crystalline glucoside, some- 
what soluble in alcohol and ether; freely soluble in chloroform and 
benzol. It is oxidized into chrysophanic acid (C 15 II 10 O 4 ), and glu- 
cose. 

PREPARATION. 

Unguentum Clirysarobini. Chrysarobin Ointment. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Chrysarobin, 6; benzoinated lard, 95. (U. S.) 

Action and Uses. — Chrysarobin is a powerful irritant to the 
skin and destroys parasites. It stains the skin and other materials 
dark brown. This may be removed, unless fixed by an alkali, with 
a weak solution of chlorinated lime or caustic soda. Chrysarobin is 
also a strong irritant in the gastro-intestinal tract, causing vomiting 
and purging in carnivora. It is eliminated by the kidneys, coloring 
the urine yellow. 

Chrysarobin is used as a parasiticide in the treatment of ring- 
worm, and as a stimulant to the skin in chronic cutaneous disorders, 
as eczema (with much itching and scaling), and in alopecia areata. 
The official 5 per cent, ointment should be diluted 2 or 3 times for 
delicate skins. It should be applied over a large area with care, but 
is one of the most efficient remedies in obstinate diseases of the skin. 

Senna. Senna. 

Synonym. — Senna Alexandrina, senna Indica, B. P. ; senna 
leaves, folia sennse, E. ; feuilles de sene, Pr. ; sennesblatter, G. 

The dried leaflets of Cassia acutifolia Delile (Alexandria Sen- 



SENNA 517 

na) ? and of Cassia augustifolia Vahl (India Senna) ; nat. ord. Legu- 
minosa?) . 

Description. — Alexandria Senna. — Leaflets about 25 m. . long 
and 10 Mm. broad, having extremely short, stout petioles ; inequilater- 
ally lanceolate or lance-ovate, acutely cuspidate, entire, subcoriaceous, 
brittle, pale green or grayish-green, sparsely and obscurely hairy, es- 
pecially beneath, the hairs appressecl, 1-celled, and thick-walled ; odor 
characteristic; taste somewhat mucilaginous and bitterish. 

India Senna, — -Leaflets 25 to 50 Mm. long, 10 to 15 Mm. broad, 
inequilaterally lanceolate, entire, thin, more abruptly pointed than 
.those of Alexandria Senna, yellowish-green, and smooth above, paler 
beneath ; in odor and taste closely resembling Alexandria Senna. 

Senna should be free from stalks, and from Argel leaves, which 
are sometimes present in Alexandria Senna, and which are equi- 
lateral, 1-veined, thick, wrinkled, glaucous, and possess 3-celled hairs. 

Habitat.— Alexandria Senna. — Upper Egypt, Nubia, and Cen- 
tral Africa. 

Indian Senna, or Tinnivelly Senna, — Eastern Africa to India. 

Constituents. — 1, the purgative properties are chiefly due to 
magnesium and calcium cathartates ; salts of cathartic acid (C 180 
I-:92^s2S0 2 ), a black, amorphous sulphurated glucoside; 2, two glu- 
cosides, sennacrol and sennapicrin, insoluble in water; 3, chrysophanic 
acid; 4, cathartomannit (C 91 LI 44 19 ), an unfermentable sugar. 

Dose.—K.k C, 5 iv.-v. (120.-150.); Sh. & Sw., % i.-ii. (30.- 
60.) ; D. & C, o i.-iv. (4.-15.) ; fowl, gr. xv.-xx. in pills. 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Sennce. Fluidextract of Senna. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporation, 
so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 
Dose. — Same as senna. 

Pulvis Glycyrrhizce Compositus. Compound Powder of Glycyrrhiza. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Compound liquorice powder. 

Senna, 180; glycyrrhiza, 236; washed sulphur, 80; oil of fennel, 4; sugar, 
500. 

Dose. — D., 3ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

Syrupus Sennce. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Dose.— D., 3 i.-iv. (4.-15.). 

Action Internal. — Senna stimulates and increases the vascularity 
of the intestinal mucous membrane, and causes increased peristalsis 



518 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

of the large intestines, particularly of the colon. It produces copious 
pale-yellow and watery evacuations. The drug has a nauseous taste 
and purging is accompanied by some griping and flatulence. Senna 
acts more satisfactorily when combined with other purgative agents. 
It is absorbed and will occasion catharsis in sucklings after admin- 
istration to their mothers, and after intravenous injection. The 
urine may be colored red or yellow by its elimination. It is ex- 
tremely doubtful if senna exerts any influence on biliary secretion. 

Uses. — Senna is but rarely employed in veterinary medicine. 
It may be used where a simple, vigorous cathartic is indicated in 
constipation, or in cases of slight fecal accumulation. 

The drug acts more effectively when given in conjunction with 
salts. The fluidextract, or an infusion made by pouring boiling- 
water over the leaves and allowing them to macerate until the water 
becomes cold, are added to solutions of magnesium sulphate. This 
combination is more suitable for cattle or sheep. The syrup or com- 
pound liquorice powder may be given to dogs as simple purgatives 
in occasional or habitual constipation. 



Class 2. — Drastic Purgatives. 

Oleum Tiglii. Croton Oil. (IL S. P.) 

Synonym. — Oleum crotonis, B. P. ; huile de croton, huile de 
graines de tilly, Pr. ; crotonol, G. 

A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Croton Tiglium Linne 
(nat. ord. Euphorbiacea?) . 

Habitat. — India, Indian Archipelago, and Philippine Islands. 
Also cultivated. 

Properties. — A pale yellow or brownish-yellow, somewhat viscid, 
and somewhat fluorescent liquid, having a slight fatty odor, and a 
mild, oily, afterwards burning and acrid taste (great caution is 
necessary in tasting). Spec. gr. 0.935 to 0.950 at 77° P. When 
fresh it is soluble in about 60 parts of alcohol, the solubility increas- 
ing by age. It is freely soluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disul- 
phide, and in fixed and volatile oils. 

Constituents. — 1, crotonoleic acid, the purgative principle, A 
slight amount is free in the oil but it is mostly formed in the bowels. 
It resembles ricinoleic acid in its chemistry; 2, crotonol (C 1S H 24 4 ), 
a non-purgative body causing irritation of the skin; 3, tiglinic acid 
(C H 8 O 2 ), and many volatile acids existing as glycerides and ac- 
counting for the odor of croton oil ; 4, free and combined fatty acids. 



CKOTON OIL 519 

Dose.— H., Til xv.-xxx. (1.-2.) ; C., 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.); Sh. & Sw., 
TTlV.-x. (.3-.6) ; D., TtlssV-iii. (.03-.18). , 

Croton seeds resemble caster seeds in size, but are not mottled 
or shiny. They are 13 Mm. long by 8 Mm. wide; oval in shape; 
white within, and possessing a mild, mucilaginous taste at first, but 
soon becoming hot and sharp. They contain from 50 to 60 per cent, 
of croton oil and a toxalbmnin, crotin, which is, however, less poison- 
ous than the toxalbumin of castor oil, Eicin. 

Action 'External. — Croton oil is a most powerful irritant, caus- 
ing pain, redness and swelling of the skin, soon followed by vesicles 
and pustules. Permanent destruction of the hair follicles succeeds 
with loss of hair and cicatrices. When applied to the skin, injected 
into the blood or under the skin, it is eliminated to some extent by 
the bowels, producing purging ; and sometimes by the kidneys, creat- 
ing diuresis, irritation of these organs and strangury. 

Action Internal. — The acrid, irritant, purgative principle of 
croton oil is crotonoleic acid. Some already exists free in the oil 
while more is formed by saponification or decomposition of the oil 
in the bile and alkaline juices of the bowels into crotonoleic acid and 
glycerin. Croton oil is an intense internal irritant. It increases the 
vascularity of the stomach and bowels and in large doses creates 
gastro-enteritis. Medicinal doses notably augment the intestinal se- 
cretions—but not that of bile — and to a degree peristalsis. The drug 
may act in half an hour, but usually within a few hours, and pur- 
gation is attended with colicky pain and griping. The movements 
are very fluid and sometimes contain blood. Croton oil is therefore 
a drastic hydragogue cathartic. The purgative action is probably 
due in part to direct irritation of the intestinal mucous membrane; 
in part to absorption and elimination of the purgative principle by 
the bowels. 

Toxicology. — Ten drops of croton oil will kill a dog unless vom- 
iting occurs. Eight to thirty drops prove fatal to a horse, intra- 
venously. The treatment of poisoning includes the use of emetics 
or stomach tube, demulcents and opium. 

Administration. — Croton oil may be placed on the tongue of an 
unconscious animal, in a small quantity of linseed oil, olive oil, or 
lard. The oil can also be given in enema with a pint of linseed oil. 
It may be exhibited to dogs in pill, castor oil, or rubbed up with a 
little butter and smeared on the back of the tongue. Croton oil (in 
a pint of linseed oil) is valuable in assisting the action of salts in 
obstinate constipation of cattle. It may be administered to horses 
(nix.), when a powerful derivative and purgative action is indi- 
cated, as in acute inflammation of the brain and cord, with calomel 
and aloes in ball. 



520 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Uses External. — Croton oil is ordinarily superseded by milder 
counter-irritants, as turpentine, mustard, or stimulating liniments ; 
but it may be employed so as to secure any degree of irritation ac- 
cording to its strength. It is occasionally used for horses in acute 
diseases of the brain, applied around the poll and on the back of the 
neck; 1 part (20-30TT\,), with 30 parts each of oil of turpentine and 
linseed oil; in acute disorders of the chest (10-15 Til 011 either side) 
and abdomen (401TL), similarly diluted. 

Absorption, purging and revulsant action may be secured by 
the external application of croton oil. Croton oil is more often 
employed in cattle (1-6 or 10, with cod liver oil) for its counter- 
irritant effect when rubbed into the skin, as in laryngitis, glandular 
enlargement, and rheumatic joints. It is less likely to cause severe 
inflammation and blemishing than in horses. For swine, croton oil 
is diluted with 2 volumes of linseed or cod liver oil. 

Uses Internal. — Croton oil is more suitable as a drastic cathartic 
for cattle, than for horses. It is prescribed in obstinate constipation 
(not of organic origin) when other remedies fail. Also in uncon- 
scious conditions where its small bulk will allow of its exhibition. 
Again, for its derivative and rapid effect in cerebral congestion, par- 
turient apoplexy, etc. Croton oil may be given to dogs and pigs in 
similar conditions. The oil is too irritant for horses to justify its 
use save in exceptional cases. 



Scammonium. Scammouy. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Scammonee, Fr. ; scammonium, G. 

A gum resin obtained by excising the living root of Convolvu- 
lus Scammonia Linne (nat, ord. Convolvulacea 1 ). 

Habitat. — Syria. 

Description. — In circular cakes or irregular, angular pieces of 
various sizes, greenish-gray or brownish-black, often covered with a 
grayish-white powder; very brittle, breaking with an angular frac- 
ture, porous and of a resinous lustre ; internally of a uniform brown- 
ish-black color, more or less translucent in thin fragments; odor pe- 
culiar, somewhat cheese-like; taste slightly acrid. 

Scammony is easily reduced to an ash-gray powder, which when 
triturated with water yields a greenish emulsion; ether dissolves at 
least 75 per cent, of it. 

Constituents. — 1, a resin (80-95 per cent.) ; 2, gum; 3, starch. 

Dose.— D., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); Cats, 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.); Sw., 
5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.). 



JALAP 521 



PREPARATION. 

Resina Scammonii. Resin of Scarnmony. (U. S. P.) 
Scammoniw Resina. (B. P.) 

Derivation. — Made by solution in boiling- alcohol, and precipitation with 
water. 

Properties. — Yellowish-brown or brownish-yellow masses or fragments, 
breaking with a glossy, resinous fracture; translucent at the edges; or a 
yellowish-white or grayish-white powder, having a faint, peculiar odor, and 
a slight, peculiar taste. Soluble in alcohol, ether, and oil of turpentine. 

Constituents.— Mainly scammonin ( C ss H 150 O 12 ) , identical with jalapin. 

Dose. — One-half that of scammony. 



Jalapa. Jalap. (U. S. & B, P.) 

Synonym.— Tuber jalapa?, P. G. ; jalap, radix jalapa?, Fr. ; 
jalape, jalapenknollen, G. 

The dried tuberous root of Exogonium Purga (Wenderoth) 
Beutham (Fam. Convohulacew), yielding not less than 8 per cent, 
of total resin, but not more than 1.5 per cent, of resin soluble in ether. 

Habitat. — Mexico. 

Description. — Napifomi, piriform or oblong, 3 to 8 Cm. long 
and 1 to 5 Cm. in diameter, the large roots often incised, more or 
less wrinkled, dark brown, with lighter colored spots, and short 
transverse ridges; hard, compact, internally dark brown, with nu- 
merous concentric circles composed of small resin cells ; fracture resin- 
ous, lustrous, not fibrous; odor slight, but peculiar, smoky and 
sweetish; taste sweetish and acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, a hard resin, chiefly the glucoside jalapurgin; 
2, a soft resin. 

Dose.— D., 5 i.-ii. (4.-8.); Cats, 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.); Sw., 3 ii.-iv. 
(8.-15.) 

PREPARATIONS. 
Pulvis Jalapa; Compositus. (TJ. S. & B. P.) 
Jalap, 35; potassium bitartrate, 65. Dose — D., gr.xv.-lx. 

Resina Jalapa?. Resin of Jalap. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Derivation. — Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, partial 
distillation; precipitation with water; washing and drying. 

Properties. — Yellowish-brown or brown masses or fragments, breaking with 
a resinous, glossy fracture, translucent at the edges, or a yellowish-gray or 
yellowish-brown powder, having a slight, peculiar odor, and a somewhat acrid 
taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in alcohol; insoluble in carbon disulphide, 



522 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

benzol, and fixed and volatile oils. Not more than 10 per cent, of it is soluble 
in ether. 

Constituents. — 1, jalapurgin or convolvulin ( C 62 H 100 O. ;2 ) , the most active 
principle; insoluble in ether; 2, jalapin, identical with scamxnonin; 3, starch 
or gum. 

Dose. — One-quarter that of jalap. 



ACTION OF SCAMMONY AND JAEAP. 

Scammony and jalap are powerful hydragogue cathartics in 
their action on swine, dogs and cats. Horses and cattle are but 
slightly affected by them in ordinary doses. Their resins are dis- 
solved by the bile in the duodenum, and a purgative substance is 
formed which chiefly stimulates the intestinal glands and causes a 
copious outpouring of secretion. 

Both drugs excite peristaltic action and increase the vascularity 
of the intestinal mucous membrane, particularly scammony, so that 
griping may occur. They produce gastrointestinal irritation, with 
vomiting and purging, in animals capable of the act, after large doses. 
While jalap and scammony are active purgatives, they are not always 
certain, and are therefore more frequently employed in combination 
with other cathartics. They are indirectly cholagogue — like calomel 
— in sweeping out bile from the small intestines and preventing its 
reabsorption, and are said to be anthelmintics as well. The active 
principles of both drugs are absorbed, as death has taken place in 
an infant after exhibition of scammony to its nurse, and purging has 
followed the rubbing of jalap into the shaven skin of dogs. 

Uses.- — Jalap is in more common use than scammony because 
it is somewhat more of a hydragogue and less prone to cause griping. 
It is particularly indicated in dropsy or ascites of dogs, made into 
pills with 3 grains of calomel. Jalap may also be given to expel 
round or thread worms ; in torpidity of the liver ; and in obstinate 
constipation in dogs. The latter is treated more satisfactorily by 
massage, rectal enemata, manual evacuation and repeated doses of 
sweet oil. 

Cambogta. Gamboge. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Gutti, P. G. ; gummi resina guttse s. gutti, gutta 
gamba, cambodia, gutte, gomme-gutti, Fr. ; gummigutt, gutti, G. 

A gum-resin obtained from Garcinia Hanburii Hooker filius 
(nat. ord. Guttiferse). 

Habitat. — Siam, Anam, and Camboja. 

Properties. — In cylindrical pieces, usually hollow in the centre, 



COLOCYNTH 523 

of variable length, 2 to 5 Cm. in diameter, externally grayish orange* 
brown, longitudinally striate ; fracture conchoidal, orange-red, waxy, 
and somewhat porous ; inodorous ; taste very acrid. 

Powder bright yellow, sternutatory, containing few or no starch 
grains. iSTot more than 25 per cent, should be insoluble in alcohol; 
ash not more than 3 per cent. 

Constituents.- — 1, gambogic acid, a bright yellow or orange-red 
resin, to the extent of about 75 per cent, of the crude drug; it is not 
so active as the crude drug; 2, a soluble gum. 

Dose.— II., 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; C, % i.-iss. (30.-45.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
gr. xx.-3 i. (1.3-4.) ; D., gr. v.-x. (.3,6). 

Action and Uses. — Gamboge is a drastic, hydragogue purgative, 
and slightly diuretic. Its action is uncertain and often violent, with 
production of griping pains. Large doses cause vomiting in carniv- 
ora and omnivora, and gastro-enteritis in all animals. 

Gamboge is dissolved by the bile and alkaline intestinal juices 
and some of it is absorbed, since it colors the urine yellow in its 
elimination and occasions diuresis. Attempts to create catharsis by 
injection of gamboge into the blood, have proved futile. Gamboge 
should never be prescribed alone and is rarely used in veterinary 
medicine. It has been recommended in obstinate constipation, in- 
digestion, impaction of the third stomach, and cerebral diseases of 
cattle, combined with salts, or rubbed up with water and an equal 
amount of aloes (aa*i). The gum forms an emulsion when the 
drug is triturated with water. 



Colooynthis. Colocynth. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Colocynthidis pulpa, B. P.; coloquintida, bitter ap- 
ple, E. ; coloquinte, Fr. ; koloquinten, G. 

The peeled and dried fruit of Citrullus colocynthis Schrader 
(nat. ord. Cucurbitacese). 

Habitat. — A vine growing in Xorth and South Africa, South 
and West Asia, and Japan, etc. 

Description. — Prom 5 to 10 Cm. in diameter; globular, white 
or yellowish-white ; light, spongy, readily breaking into three wedge- 
shaped pieces, each containing, near the rounded surface, many flat, 
ovate, brown seeds ; inodorous ; taste intensely bitter. The pulp only 
should be used; the seeds separated and rejected. 

Constituents. — 1, the chief purgative principle is colocynthin 
(C 5G H S4 23 ), 1-2 per cent. An amorphous or crystalline bitter 
glucoside. Soluble in water and alcohol. There is also (2) an 
insoluble, resinous body called colocynthitin, colocynthein or citrullin. 



524: VEGETABLE DEUGS 

Dose. — Colocynthin, — LL, 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; D., gr. 14-i. (.015- 
.06). 

Colocynth. — D., gr. ii.-iii. (.12-.1S). 

Elaterinum. Elaterin. C 20 H 2S O 5 . (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Cucumis asininus, cucumis agrestis, wild or squirt- 
ing cucumber, E. ; concombre sauvage (purgatif d'ane), Er. ; spring- 
gurke essels-kiirbis, spritzgurke, G. 

A neutral principle obtained from elaterium, a substance de- 
posited by the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linne) 
A. Richard (nat. ord. Cucurbitacese). 

Habitat. — Elaterium grows in North Africa, West Asia and 
Southern Europe. It is also cultivated. 

Derivation, — Elaterium is exhausted with chloroform. Ether 
is added and elaterin is precipitated and is purified by redissolving 
in chloroform and crystallizing. 

Properties. — Minute, white, hexagonal scales, or prismatic crys- 
tals, without odor, and having a slight, acrid, bitter taste. Insoluble 
in water, and in 262 parts of alcohol; also soluble in 318 parts of 
ether, or in 22 parts of chloroform. Permanent in the air. 

Dose,-— D., gr. 1 / 2 o- 1 /i2 (.OO3-.005). 

ACTIONS AND USES OF COLOCYNTH AND ELATERIN. 

The action of colocynth and elaterin is similar in man, but the 
latter is more powerful. Both greatly increase secretions while they 
stimulate peristalsis in some degree. Large closes cause painful 
griping, gastro-intestinal inflammation, excessive watery purging, 
and collapse. Elaterin frequently fails to purge horses and dogs, 
although death may follow large doses. Colocynth acts more cer- 
tainly in the lower animals and is recommended by P. Cagny in 
dropsy and cerebral disease. Neither drug, however, is of any im- 
portance in veterinary medicine. Colocynth is contained in the 
compound cathartic pill given to clogs in closes of from one to three 
pills. 

Podophyllum. Podophyllum. 

Synonym, — Podophylli rhizoma, B. P. ; May apple, mandrake 
root, E., podophylle, Er. ; fussblatwurzel, G. 

The dried rhizome of Podophyllum pellatum Linne (nat. ord. 
Berberidese). 

Habitat, — North America. 



PODOPHYLLUM 525 

Description. — Of horizontal growth and variable length, sub- 
cylindrical, flattened above, sometimes branched, consisting of joints 
5 to 10 Cm. long, the intemodes 2 to 8 Mm. thick; externally pale 
yellowish-brown to dark brown, nearly smooth ; nodes annulate, the 
upper surface being marked by large cup-shaped scars, the lower 
surface with numerous root-scars or remains of roots ; fracture short, 
the fractured surface mealy or horny, whitish to pale brown, with a 
circle of small wood-bundles, and a large pith; odor slight, more 
pronounced and characteristic in the powder ; taste sweetish and disa- 
greeably bitter and acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, a resin, podophyllin (4-5 per cent.) ; 2, a 
coloring matter, podophyllic acid. 

PREPARATION. 

Resina Poclophylli. Resin of Podophyllum. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Podophyllin. 

Derivation. — Made by maceration and percolation of podophyllum with 
alcohol; partial evaporation, and precipitation of the. resin with diluted hy- 
drochloric acid; washing with water, drying. 

Properties. — An amorphous powder, varying in color from grayish-white 
to pale greenish-yellow or yellowish-green; having a slight, peculiar odor, and 
a peculiar, faintly bitter taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in alcohol and 
in solutions of potassium and sodium hydrate. 

Constituents. — Chiefly podophyllotoxin (CWEoA + S H„0), stated to be a 
mixture of a purgative principle, picropodophyllin, and an inert body, podo- 
phyllinic acid, associated with a coloring matter, podophylloquercitin, and other 
resins. 

Dose.— H. & C. 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12). 

Pilulce PodophylU, Belladonnce et Capsici, Pills of Podophyllin, 
Belladonna and Capsicum. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— D., 1 pill. 

Action. — Podophyllin is a powerful though slow acting ca- 
thartic. Podophyllotoxin when given in large doses under the skin 
or into a vein causes glomerular nephritis and hemorrhages into vari- 
ous organs. Large doses cause purging and vomiting in animals, 
and lethal quantities occasion gastro-enteritis, colic, super-purgation, 
with bloody fecal evacuations, convulsions and death. It acts in 
the same way whether it is applied externally, injected into the blood, 
or given internally. Podophyllin must therefore exert its effect after 
absorption, during excretion from the bowel, and about ten hours are 
required to produce purgation. The action is exerted mainly on 
the duodenum, which is intensely inflamed and even ulcerated in 
poisoning. Podophyllin owes its activity partly to the presence of 



526 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

bile, which seems to be a solvent for it. It is probable that the in- 
testinal secretions are somewhat augmented. The fecal movements, 
after medicinal doses of podophyllin, are liquid, often stained with 
bile, and may be accompanied by some nausea and griping. Since 
podophyllin is an uncertain purgative, affecting different patients 
unequally, it should be combined with other agents when a purgative 
action is desired; preferably calomel and aloes. The time required 
for the action of these drugs is nearly the same as that necessary 
for podophyllin. Podophyllin has heretofore been regarded as es- 
sentially a cholagogue, but there is no sufficient evidence to warrant 
this assumption. 

Administration. — Podophyllin should be given to clogs in pills; 
to horses in ball with calomel and aloes, if purgation is desired; or 
dissolved in liquor potassa? and diluted with water. 

Uses. — Podophyllin, clinically, appears to be particularly use- 
ful in chronic constipation associated with jaundice and hepatic dis- 
orders. The result of its action is said to be more favorable when 
the fecal discharges are dark colored, whereas calomel is more suc- 
cessful if the evacuations are of a light hue. 



SECTION XII.— TANNIC ACID, AND DRUGS 
CONTAINING IT. 

Galla. Nutgall. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym, — Galls, E. ; gallse, P. G. ; noix de galle, galle de 
chene, Fr. ; gallafel, G. 

An excrescence on Quercus lusitanica Lamarck (nat. ord. Cupuli- 
ferse), caused by the punctures and deposited ova of Cynips tiiictoria 
Olivier. 

Habitat. — Levant. 

Description. — Subglobular, 1 to 2 Cm. in diameter, externally 
blackish olive-green or blackish-gray, more or less tubereulated above, 
the basal portion nearly smooth and contracted into a short stalk, 
sometimes with a perforation on one side ; heavy ; fracture horny, 
yellowish or grayish; in the centre a cavity containing either the 
partly developed insect, or pulverulent remains left by it; nearly 
inodorous ; taste strongly astringent. 

Constituents. — 1, (gallo) tannic acid, 60 per cent. ; 2, gallic 
acid, 2-3 per cent. ; 3, sugar ; 4, resin. 



NUTGALL 527 

PREPARATIONS. 

Unguentum Gallce. Nutgall Ointment. ( U. S. & B. P. ) 
Nutgall, 20; Ointment, 80. (U. S. P.) 

Unguentum Gallce Cum Opio. (B. P.) 

AciD'UM Tajstnicttm. Tannic Acid. H0 14 IT 9 9 . 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acidum gallo-tannicum, tanninum, tannin, digallic 
acid, E. ; acid tannique, tannin, Fr. ; gerbsaure, tannin, G. 

An organic acid obtained from nutgall. 

Derivation. — Powdered nutgall is exposed to damp air for 48 
hours. It is then treated with water and ether. The water dis- 
solves tannic acid; the ether removes gallic acid, coloring matters 
and impurities. The mixture is filtered and allowed to stand, when 
the lower aqueous layer yields tannic acid on evaporation. 

Properties. — A light yellowish, amorphous powder, gradually 
turning darker when exposed to air and light, usually cohering in 
the form of glistening scales or spongy masses, odorless, or having a 
faint, characteristic odor, and a strongly astringent taste. 

Soluble in about 0.3-1 part of water and in about 0.23 part of 
alcohol at 25° C. (77° P.) ; very soluble in boiling water, and in 
boiling alcohol ; also in about 1 part of glycerin, with the application 
of a moderate heat; freely soluble in diluted alcohol, sparingly in 
absolute alcohol ; almost insoluble in absolute ether, chloroform, ben- 
zene, or petroleum benzin. 

Incompatibles. — Alkaloids, alkalies, mineral acids, silver, ferric, 
lead and antimony salts, gelatin and emulsions. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ss.-§ ss. (2.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ss.-i. (2.-1.) ; 
R, gr. i.-xv. (.06-1.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Collodium Stypticum. Styptic Collodion. (U. S. P.) 

Tannic acid, 20; alcohol, 5; ether, 25; collodion, to 100. Made by solution. 

Unguentum Acidi Tannici. Ointment of Tannic Acid. (U. S. P.) 

Tannic acid, 20; glycerin, 20; ointment, 60. 

Glyceritum Acidi Tannici. Glycerite of Tannic Acid. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Tannic acid. 20; glycerin, 80. (U. S. P.) 



528 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Administration. — Tannic acid is given in solution in aromatic 
waters, alcohol, syrup, wine, glycerin, and water ; also it is exhibited 
in powder. The drug is used externally in powder, ointment, glyeer- 
ite, and lotion. Suppositories containing tannic acid are sometimes 
introduced into the rectum. 

Action External. — Tannic acid coagulates albumin, gelatin, and 
fibrin. It has little effect upon the unbroken skin, but when applied 
to a raw surface or mucous membrane, it coagulates and dries secre- 
tion, and so fills up the mouths of glands, making the tissues harder, 
denser, and drier. Tannic acid causes a species of "tanning" com- 
patible with life, by occasioning coagulation of the interstitial fluid 
in the tissues, abstraction of moisture, and contraction of the cells 
of the part — through the formation of protein tannate. It is the 
most important astringent principle contained in vegetable drugs. 
Tannic acid is, moreover, a local styptic or hemostatic in arresting 
hemorrhage by contraction of the smooth muscles of the vessel walls, 
by coagulation of the blood, and constriction of the tissues surround- 
ing the blood vessels. Tannic acid causes arrest of leucocyte move- 
ments, and diapedesis of the same, at the point of its application. 
Tannic acid, although a slight local irritant to raw surfaces, exerts 
a depressing action upon the sensory nerve endings, and is essentially 
a sedative in inflammatory conditions by causing ischemia. There 
are several kinds of tannic acid, possessing slightly different chemical 
and physiological properties. The official tannic acid — gallotannic 
acid — is contained in nutgall and oak bark, while another variety — 
catechutannic acid — is found in kino, catechu, etc. 

Action Internal. — Tannic acid dries the mouth by closure of 
glandular (mucous) ducts with coagulated secretion, and by con- 
striction of the surrounding parts. It lessens the flow of mucus and 
of the digestive juices in the stomach and intestines by the same- 
process. In the stomach tannic acid precipitates protein but as di- 
gestion proceeds and peptones are formed, with which tannic acid 
does not combine, the acid is set free again and acts as an astringent. 
Large doses irritate the alimentary canal and may create vomiting 
and diarrhea. Tannic acid is converted into gallic acid in the bow- 
els. Traces appear in the blood and urine as sodium tannate or 
gallate which has no astringent action. Of the tannic acid swal- 
lowed not more than 1 per cent, is excreted in the feces and urine 
as tannic or gallic acid. All the rest is oxidized in the body. Gallic 
acid does not coagulate albumin or gelatin and has a very feeble 
astringent action — like that of any weak acid — so that tannic acid 
should always be used for a local effect. The remote astringent in- 
fluence of tannic or gallic acid on the tissues, after absorption in 
the form of sodium gallate or tannate, is nil. Catechu and kino 'are 



& 



TANJSriGElSr, TANNYL ACETATE 529 

often chosen in place of tannic acid in the treatment of diarrhea, 
because they are less soluble (than tannic acid) and the contained 
catechutannic acid comes in contact with the intestinal mucous mem- 
brane for a longer time. The salts of tannic acid (tannates) are 
not astringent. 

Uses External. — Tannic acid is a valuable astringent in a great 
variety of local inflammatory lesions. In the form of the glycerite, 
tannic acid may be applied advantageously to the skin in moist ec- 
zema, and as a remedy for frost bites. It is a useful application for 
sore and cracked teats. The mouth is painted with the glycerite for 
the cure of ulcerative or apthous stomatitis. The same preparation 
is injected into the ear in otorrhea of dogs, and into the vagina to 
arrest vaginitis and leucorrhea. Pure tannic acid is an excellent 
agent when dusted upon raw surfaces, ulcers, and sores ; and to stop 
bleeding in slight wounds. An aqueous solution is useful in leu- 
corrhea (2-5 per cent.), in eczema (5-10 per cent.), as a high enema 
in dysentery (1 per cent), and to kill ascarides (1-2 per cent.) in 
the rectum. A one per cent, aqueous solution is sometimes utilized 
as an inhalation in subacute laryngitis, tracheitis, and bronchitis. 
Powdered opium and nutgall ointment (1-11), or glycerite of tannin, 
are serviceable in hemorrhoids and rectal fissures, ulcers, or prolapse 
of the rectum. 

Uses Internal. — Tannic acid is exhibited in powder or solution 
to arrest bleeding in the stomach. It is a good astringent in diar- 
rhea and an hemostatic in intestinal hemorrhage, given in ball or pill, 
and often with opium. Tannic acid is an antidote to alkaloids, 
metallic salts, and tartar emetic, forming comparatively insoluble tan- 
nates, which should be removed if possible by evacuation of the stom- 
ach. 

Tannalbin is a tasteless, odorless, non-irritating, brown powder 
of tannic acid (50 per cent.), combined with albumin by heat, and 
only soluble in the pancreatic juice in the bowel. It is more suitable 
for young animals in diarrhea than is tannic acid. 

Dose. — H". & C, 5 i.-iv. (4.-15.) ; foals & calves, gr. xx.-xl. 
(1.3-2.6) ; D. & C, gr. x.-xx. on food. 

Tan^ige^, Taishstyl Acetate, C 18 H 14 11 . 

Made by heating tannin and acetic anhydride in the presence of 
glacial acetic acid. Occurs as a light gray, odorless, tasteless powder. 
Insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and alkalies. It passes un- 
changed through the stomach into the bowels where it acts as an 
astringent in the presence of the solvent action of the alkaline juices. 
It is useful in diarrhea and dvsenterv in young animals. Foals and 



530 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

calves take gr. xxx. (2.) with food. The advantage of both of these 
preparations over tannic acid depends upon the fact that they do not 
irritate the stomach, passing through it unchanged, and being only 
dissolved by the alkaline intestinal juices. 



Acidum Gallictim. Gallic Acid. HC 7 H 5 5 -4- H,0. 
(IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Acide gallique, Fr. ; gallussaure, G. 

An organic acid, usually prepared from tannic acid. 

Derivation. — Made by exposure of paste of nutgall and water 
to the air for a month, when tannic acid undergoes hvdration (tannic 
acid) HC 14 H 9 9 + HoO = 2 HC 7 H 5 5 (gallic acid). The liquid 
is then expressed from the paste and the residue is boiled with dis- 
tilled water and filtered, when hot, through animal charcoal. Gallic 
acid crystallizes out from the filtrate. 

Properties. — White, or pale fawn-colored, silky, interlaced 
needles or triclinic prisms ; odorless ; having an astringent or slightly 
acidulous taste ; permanent in the air. Soluble in 83.7 parts of 
water, and in 4.14 parts of alcohol; in 40 parts of ether, and in 12 
parts of glycerin. Very slightly soluble in chloroform, benzol, or 
benzin. 

Incompatibles. — Metallic salts and spirit of nitrous ether. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ii.-g ss. (8.-15.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; 
D., gr. v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 

Action and Uses. — Experiments show that gallic acid has a very 
feeble astringent action when locally applied and tannic acid should 
always be preferred. It is absorbed and transformed into sodium 
gallate and exists in this form in the tissues. 

Since sodium gallate has no remote astringent action its use by 
the mouth for such a purpose is without scientific basis, although 
successful results are alleged to have followed its administration in 
the treatment of hemorrhage from the lungs, uterus and kidneys, and 
in polyuria, albuminuria, bronchorrhea, leucorrhea, and excessive 
sweating. 



Pyrogaeeol. Pyrogallol. C 6 H 3 (OII) 3 . (II. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Pyrogallic acid. 

Derivation. — A triatomic phenol obtained chiefly bv the dry 
distillation of gallic acid, HC 7 H 5 05 = C 6 H 3 (OH) 3 + C0 2 . 

Properties. — Light, white, shining lamina?, or fine needles; 
odorless, and having a bitter taste ; acquiring a gray or darker tint 



WHITE OAK 531 

gh exposure to the air and light. Soluble in 1.6 parts of water, and 
in 1 part of alcohol; also soluble in 1.1 parts of ether. 

Action and Uses. — Pyrogallol is an excellent agent for the treat- 
ment of chronic psoriasis and for ringworm. An ointment contain- 
ing an amount of pyrogallol, varying from gr. x.-5 i. to the ounce of 
lard, is commonly employed. Toxic symptoms may follow its ex- 
tensive application. 

Quercus. White Oak. (IT. S. P.) 
[Quercus Alba, Pharm. 1890.] 

The dried bark of Quercus alba Linne (Fam. Cupuliferce), col- 
lected from trunks or branches ten to twenty-five years of age, and 
deprived of the periderm. 

Synonym.- — Quercus cortex, B. P. ; cortex quercus, ecorce de 
chene, Fr. ; eichenrinde, G. 

Habitat. — North America, in woods. 

Description. — In nearly flat pieces, 2 to 10 Mm. thick; exter- 
nally light brown, becoming darker with age, rough-fibrous ; fracture 
uneven, coarsely fibrous ; odor distinct ; taste strongly astringent ; not 
tingeing the saliva yellow when chewed. 

Constituents. — 1, quercitannic acid, 6 to 11 per cent. ; 2, a 
bitter principle, quercin; 3, resin; 4, a sugar, quercite. 

Dose.— H., 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; C, % i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
o i-ii. (1.-8.) ; D., gr. x.-xxx. (.6-2.). 

Preparation. — Fluidextractum Quercus (U. S. P.) — H. § ss. 
(15.). D. 5 TTU5 (1.). . 

Action and Uses. — White oak bark is identical in action with 
tannic acid, but the latter is preferable for internal use. Oak bark 
is a cheap substitute for tannic acid applied externally in poultices, 
infusions, and decoctions, as an astringent. It is administered in- 
ternally in infusion, or decoction (1-8), in diarrhea and dysentery. 
The infusion may be given in gruel and combined with ginger, opium 
and alcohol in the treatment of "scouring" in foals and calves. 



Catechu. Catechu. (B. P.). 

Synonym. — Catechu pallidum, catechu nigrum, terra japonica, 
cutch, E. ; cachou, Fr. ; katechu, pegucatechu, G. 



532 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Gambir. Gambir. (IT. S. P.) 

[To replace Catechu, Piiabm. 1890]. 

An extract prepared from the leaves and twigs of Ouruaparia 
Gambir (Hunter) Baillon (Fam. Rubiacece). 

Description. — Irregular masses, or cubes about 25 Mm. in diam- 
eter ; externally reddish-brown, pale brownish-gray, or light brown ; 
fracture dull-earthy, friable, crystalline ; inodorous, bitterish, very 
astringent, with a sweetish after-taste; free from starch. Not less 
than 70 per cent, should be soluble in alcohol. 

Constituents. — 1, catechutannic acid (about 45 per cent.) is the 
active principle ; it is converted into the isomeric inactive catechuic 
acid, or catechin (C 21 H 20 O 9 -f- 5 H 2 0), by the saliva and by boiling, 
a red color being developed. There is also (2) pyrocatechin or 
catechol. 

Incompatibles. — Metallic salts, alkalies, and gelatin. 

Dose.— IT., § ss.-i. (15.-30.); C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 
5 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., gr. v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

PKEPABATIOXS. 

Tinctura Catechu. (B. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C., I i.-ii. (30.-60.); Foals, Calves and Sheep, § ss.-i. (15.-30.); 
D., 3ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

Pulvis Catechu Compositus. Kino, Rhatany and Catechu. (B. P.) 

Dose. — Same as catechu. 

Tinctura Gambir Composita. Compound Tincture of Gambir. 

Gambir (a species of catechu), 50; cinnamon, 25; alcohol to make 1000. 

(U. S. P.) 
Now replaces the compound tincture of catechu and possesses the same 
action and is given in the same doses as the tincture. 

Administration. — The compound tincture, or an infusion (made 
by pouring boiling water over catechu, digesting for an hour, and 
straining), and the powder, are employed internally. The powder 
is given in flour gruel. The powder, or an infusion of any strength 
may be applied externally. 

Catechu is represented in the B. P. by catechu pallidum, an 
extract of the leaves and young shoots of TJncaria gambier, Indian 
Archipelago. It occurs in brown cubes, about an inch square, and 
possesses a bitter, astringent taste. It is employed in the same doses 
and for the same purposes as catechu. 



kino 533 

Action and Uses. — The action of catechu is exactly like that of 
tannic acid. The latter is preferable for external use on account 
of its greater solubility and astringency. Catechu acts more slowly 
and persistently in the digestive tract, by virtue of its tardy solu- 
bility, and is a useful remedy in diarrhea, particularly in that of a 
watery or serous nature. It is frequently prescribed in this dis- 
order with other synergistic agents, as opium, ginger and chalk. 
Finlay Dun recommends the following combination : Catechu, pre- 
pared chalk, and ginger, each three ounces ; powdered opium, six 
drachms. Divide into eight balls, for horses; into six doses sus- 
pended in starch gruel for cattle; and into eight or ten doses (given 
in gruel) for calves or sheep. The compound tincture of gambir 
with laudanum is an equally suitable combination for all animals 
with diarrhea, given in drench. If there is much mucus in the fecal 
discharges, showing a catarrhal state of the intestinal mucous mem- 
brane, it is advisable to order oil, salts, or calomel before locking 
up the bowels with an astringent. Catechu has been given internally 
in dysentery, and to stop uterine and other hemorrhages. 

Kino. Kino. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

The inspissated juice of Pterocarpus Marsupium Roxburgh 
(nat. ord. Leguminosse) . 

Habitat.- — East Indies. Kino, indigenous in the West Indies, 
is occasionally imported here. 

Properties. — Small, angular, dark brownish-red, shining pieces ; 

brittle, in thin layers, ruby-red and transparent ; inodorous, very 

. astringent and sweetish, tingeing the saliva deep red. Soluble in 

alcohol ; nearly insoluble in ether, and only slightly soluble in cold 

water. 

Constituents. — The most important is (1) kinotannic acid (C 18 
H^isOs? 75 per cent.), resembling catechu-tannic acid, but not identi- 
cal with it. There are also: 2, kinoin, a crystalline, neutral sub- 
stance; 3, pyrocatechin, C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 ; 4, gum; 5, pectin; 6, kino- 
red, formed by oxidation from kinotannic acid. 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids, metallic salts, strong solutions of 
alkaloids, alkalies, and gelatin. 

Dose.— H., 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; C, % i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
5 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., gr. v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Tinctura Kino. Tincture of Kino. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Prepared by maceration and filtration of kino, 150, and purified talc, 10; 
with glycerin, 150; water and alcohol to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 



534 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

Dose.— H. & C, § i.-ii. (30.-60.); Foals, Calves and Sheep, § ss.-i. (15.-30.); 
D., 3ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

Pulvis Kino Compositus. Compound Powder of Kino. (B. P.) 

(Pulv. cinnamon, 4 grs.; kino, 15 grs.; opium, 1 gr. ) 

Dose. — Dog, 1 powder; Foals and Calves, 4 powders. 

Administration. — Kino may be given in ball, powder, infusion (1-32), or 
tincture. 

Action and Uses. — The physiological actions and therapeutics of 
kino are nearly similar to those of catechu. The gum and pectin 
contained in kino renders its effect milder and more soothing to 
mucous membranes. Aqueous solutions gelatinize on standing, on 
account of the gum in them. The drug is prescribed chiefly in 
serous diarrhea, and also is occasionally exhibited in dysentery and 
internal hemorrhages. 



Kbameeia. Krameria. (TJ. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Kramerise radix, B. P. ; radix rhatanhias, rhatany 
root, E. ; radix ratanhse, P. G. ; ratanhia, Fr. ; ratanhawurzel, G. 

The dried root of Krameria triandra Ruiz and Pavon (Peruvian 
Krameria), Krameria Ixina Linne (Savanilla Krameria) or of Kra- 
meria argentea Martius (Para or Brazilian Krameria) (Fam. 
Krameriaceoe) . 

Habitat. — Peru and Brazil. ■ 

Description. — Peruvian Krameria. — "Root-branches several or 
many, usually attached to a short, hard, and woody tap-root, which 
is 1.5 to 4 Cm. thick, roughly fissured, and supporting a knotty, sev- 
eral- to many-headed crown; roots of variable length, rarely exceed- 
ing 50 Cm. and usually less than 1 Cm. thick, cylindrical, flexuous 
or wavy, very flexible ; externally light red-brown, more or less 
marked with dark, scaly patches, especially upward, otherwise smooth- 
ish, devoid of transverse fissures; fracture tough and splintery, the 
pinkish-brown bark occupying less than one-third of the radius, the 
wood yellowish or pinkish-white, finely radiate ; inodorous and of a 
very astringent taste. 

Savanilla and Brazilian Kramerias. — Branches usually occur- 
ring detached from the tap-root and crown, less flexuous than those 
last described, externally of a purple-brown or chocolate brown, and 
with numerous transverse cracks or fissures ; fracture less tough than 
that of Peruvian Krameria, the bark and wood both darker, the bark 
occupying two-fifths or more of the radius, the taste more astringent 
than that of Peruvian Krameria. 



HEMATOXYLON 535 

Constituents. — The chief principle is (1) kramero-tannic acid, 
C 54 H 2 40 21 , about 20 per cent. There are also : 2, rhatanin ; 3, 
rhatanic-red (C^H^On), the coloring matter. 

Inconipatibles. — Metallic salts, alkalies, gelatin, and lime water. 

Dose.— H., 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; C, 5 i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 
3 i.-ii. (4.-8,); I>- 5 gr- v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Kramerice. Fluidextract of Krameria. 

(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of krameria with glycerin and diluted 
alcohol, and evaporation, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 
Dose. — Same as krameria. 

Extractum Kramerice. Extract of Krameria. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by filtration, and evaporation of a cold, aqueous infusion to dryness. 
Dose.— H. & C, 3 ii.-iii. (8.-12.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.xxx.-xl. (2.-2.6) ; D., gr.v.-x. 
(.3-.6J. 

Tinctura Kramerice. Tincture of Krameria. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of krameria, 200 ; with diluted alcohol 
to 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, § i.-ii. (30.-60.) Foals, Calves and Sheep, I ss.-i. (15.-30.); 
D., 3ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

Action and Uses. — Krameria and its preparations nearly resem- 
ble catechu and kino in all respects as astringents. The fluid extract 
is a serviceable preparation in watery diarrhea, and in arresting 
hemorrhage from the stomach and bowels. An infusion (1-20, 
B. P.) is an efficient remedy for leucorrhea when injected into the 
vagina. The powdered extract is blown into the nostrils, or applied 
to the rectum to stop bleeding in these parts. 

HiEivrATOXYLOisr. Hematoxylon. 

Synonym.— Hematoxyli lignum, B. P. ; logwood, E. ; lignum 
campechianum, P. G. ; lignum coeruleum — bois de campeche, bois 
d'inde, bois de sang, Pr. ; blauholz, campecheholz, G. 

The heart wood of Efematoxylon Campechianum Linne (nat. 
ord. Leguminosse. ) 

Habitat. — Central America ; naturalized in the West Indies. 

Description. — Usually in small chips, reddish-brown, the freshly 
cut surface dark yellowish-red ; on transverse section the wood show- 
ing medullary rays which are four cells wide ; odor faint, agreeable ; 
taste sweetish, astringent. 



536 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Hematoxylon imparts to water containing a little acid a yellow- 
ish color, which is changed to purple or violet-red by alkalies. 

When the surface has a greenish metallic lustre, the wood has 
undergone fermentation and should be rejected. 

Constituents. — The most important is (1) tannic acid. There 
are also; 2, hematoxylin, C 16 H 14 6 (12 per cent.), a coloring matter, 
but in nearly colorless crystals when pure. It turns red on exposure 
to light, and solutions are used to stain pathological specimens ; 3, 
hematein, 16 H 12 O 6 , formed hematoxylin by oxidation, and posses- 
sing a green, metallic lustre. 

Incompatibles. — Lime water, and tartar emetic, with metallic 
salts, form a blue compound. 

PREPAKATION. 

Extractum Hcematoxyli. Extract of Hsematoxylon. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by boiling in water, straining, and evaporating to dryness. 
Dose.— H. & C, 3ss.-iv. (2.-15.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); D., gr.v.-xv. 
(.3-1.). 

A non-official fluidextract is often found in commerce. 
Dose. — Three times that of extract. 

Actio?! and Uses. — Hematoxylon is a mild astringent, coloring 
the feces and urine red during its elimination. The extract is given 
in diarrhea of young animals, and may be combined for this purpose 
with aromatic sulphuric acid, ginger, chalk and opium. It is also 
employed internally in dysentery, atonic indigestion, and in leucor- 
rhea. The decoction (1-16, B. P.) may be exhibited in Oss.-i. doses 
to the larger animals ; in * i.-ii. doses to smaller patients. 



Hamamelidis Folia. Hamamelis Leaves. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Witch-hazel. 

The leaves of Hamamelis virginiana Linne (nat. ord. Hama- 
melidaceae), collected in autumn. 

Description. — Short, petiolate, about 10 Cm. long, obovate or 
oval, slightly heart-shaped and oblique at the base, sinuate-toothed, 
thickish, nearly smooth ; inodorous ; taste astringent and bitter. 
Hamamelidas Cortex. Hamamelis Bark. (IT. S. P.) 

The bark and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana Linne (Lam. 
Hamamelidacece) . 

Constituents. — The most important principle is (1) tannic acid, 
8 per cent, ; there are also : ( 2 ) a bitter substance, and ( 3 ) a resin. 



olive oil 537 



PREPARATIONS. 



Fluidextractum Hamamelidis Foliorum. 
Fluidextract of Hamanielis Leaves. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, glycerin and water, 
and evaporation, so that 1 cc. = 1 gin. of the crude drag. 

Dose.—TL. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.); D., 3 ss.-ii. (2.-8.). 

Eootractum Hamamelidis Liquidum. (B. P.) 

Aqua Hamamelidis. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — Same as fluidextract. 

Takes place of the proprietary extracts and consists of the bark macerated 
in water and distilled, alcohol being added to the distillate. 
Dose. — Double that of fluidextract. 

Ungnentum Hamamelidis. (B. P.) 

Action and Uses. — Hamamelis is apparently physiologically 
inert, as shown by experiments on healthy animals. It nevertheless 
possesses considerable medicinal virtue as an astringent and styptic. 
Witch-hazel is a valuable agent, applied externally, to stop venous 
oozing in wounds, and to reduce swelling and pain of bruises and 
sores. The fluidextract may be diluted with 8, or less, parts of water, 
for these purposes; or the B. P. ointment (1-10) may be employed. 
Internally hamamelis is useful in diarrhea and mucous discharges. 
It arrests hemorrhage from the uterus, kidneys, lungs and digestive 
tract; sometimes in a surprising manner. The fluidextract is a 
successful hemostatic in bleeding from the bladder or rectum (piles) 
when injected (1-8) into these parts. It lessens soreness and swelling 
of blind piles — with an equal part of glycerin and a little starch— 
and the same preparation is beneficial in eczema, pruritus, and 
cutaneous irritations. The clear, colorless proprietary extracts — 
now the aqua (IT. S. P.) takes their place — are often more efficient 
externally and internally (in the same doses) than the official fluid- 
extract. 



SECTION XIIL— VEGETABLE DEMULCENTS. 

Oleum Oliv^. Olive Oil. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym.. — Sweet oil, E. ; oleum olivarum, P. G. ; huile d' olive, 
Er. ; oilvenol, G. 

A fixed oil expressed from, the ripe fruit of Olea europoea Linne 



538 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

(nat. ord. Oleacese). It should be kept in well stoppered bottles in 
a cool place. 

Habitat. — Southern Europe and Asia. 

Properties. — A pale yellow, or light greenish-yellow, oily liquid, 
having a slightly peculiar odor, and a nutty oleaginous taste, with a 
faintly acrid after-taste. Spec. gr. 0.910 to 0.915. Very sparingly 
soluble in alcohol, but readily soluble in ether, chloroform, or carbon 
disulphide. Very frequently adulterated with cotton seed, or other 
seed oils, which j>robably are of equal medicinal value, however. 

Constituents. — 1, olein, C 3 H 5 (C 18 LT 33 2 ) 3 , 72 per cent., a fluid 
oil, a combination of oleic acid (HC 1S LI 33 2 ) and glyceryl; 2, pal- 
mitin, C 3 H 5 (C 16 H 31 2 ) 3 , about 28 per cent., a combination of 
palmitic acid (HC 16 H 31 2 ) and glyceryl; and (3) arachin, C 20 . 
H40O2. 

Dose.— Laxative.— H. & C, Oi.-ii (500.-1000.) ; D., 5 ii.-iv. 
(60.-120.). 

Oleum GossiYPii Seminis. Cotton Seed Oil. (IT. S. P.) 

A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Gossypium herbaceum 
Linne and of other species of Gossypium (nat. ord. Malvaceae), and 
subsequently purified. 

Habitat. — S. United States and other semi-tropical countries; 
cultivated. 

Properties. — A pale yellow, oily liquid, without odor, and hav- 
ing a bland, nut-like taste. Spec. gr. 0.915 to 0.921. Very spar- 
ingly soluble in alcohol but readily soluble in ether, chloroform, or 
carbon disulphide. 

Constituents. — 1, olein; 2, palmitin; 3, coloring matter. 

Dose. — Same as that of olive oil. 

Action and Uses. — Olive oil is in common use as an emollient 
in burns and skin irritation. It assists in the performance of mas- 
sage for sprains and bruises. Cotton seed oil has superseded it in 
liniments, as a matter of economy. Administered internally, sweet 
oil (with an equal part of castor oil) is a useful laxative for dogs. 
Linseed oil is more frequently given to the larger animals. An 
enema of % pint, or more, of olive oil is serviceable in softening hard 
fecal masses in dogs, and should be followed by the use of warm 
soap suds. 

Sweet oil is a food, but is rarely used as such. Like other 
bland oils, it improves the nutrition of the bronchial mucous mem- 
brane in subacute or chronic bronchitis, and is of considerable benefit 
in these disorders, but inferior to cod liver oil or linseed oil. Olive 
oil is an efficient demulcent in inflamed conditions of the alimentary 



soap 539 

tract, and in poisoning by irritants. Large quantities form soap-like 
masses, — with the alkaline intestinal juices, — which have been mis- 
taken for gall stones. Cotton seed oil is of equal therapeutic value 
with sweet oil. 

Sapo. Soap. 

Synonym. — Sapo duras, B. P. ; hard soap, white castile soap, 
E. ; savon, Fr. ; seife, G. 

Derivation. — Soap is made bv boiling olive oil with a solution 
of caustic soda, C 3 H 5 (C 1S H 33 2 ) 3 (olein) + 3 NaOH = 3 NaC ls 
H 33 2 (sodium oleate or soap) -j- C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 (glycerin). 

Properties. — A white, or whitish solid, hard, yet easily cut 
when fresh ; having a faint, peculiar odor free from rancidity ; a 
disagreeable alkaline taste, and an alkaline reaction. Soluble in 
water and in alcohol; more readily with the aid of heat. 

PREPARATIONS. 

Linimentum Saponis. Soap Liniment. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Opodeldoc. Lin. sapo. camph. 

Soap, 60; camphor, 45; oil of rosemary, 10; alcohol, 725; water to make 
1000. Made by solution, agitation and filtration. (U. S. P.) 

Emplastrum, Saponin. Soap Plaster. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Soap, 10; lead plaster, 90; made by solution in water, 100; and evapora- 
tion. 

Sapo Mollis. Soft Soap. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Potassium oleate, sapo viridis, green soap. 

A soap prepared from potassa and a fixed oil. 

Derivation. — Heat linseed oil, 400, to 140° F. Dissolve potas- 
sium hydroxide, 95, in water, 450 ; add alcohol, 40 ; and stir the mix- 
ture into the oil at the same temperature until it is soluble in boiling 
water without the separation of oily drops. 

Properties. — A soft, yellowish-brown, unctuous mass, having a 
characteristic odor and an alkaline taste. Soluble in about 5 parts 
of hot w-ater; also in 2 parts of alcohol without leaving more than 
3 per cent, of insoluble residue. 

PREPARATION. 

Linimentum Saponis Mollis. Liniment of Soft Soap. (U. S. P.) 
Synonym. — Tinctura saponis viridis. 



540 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Soft soap, 650; oil of lavender flowers, 20; alcohol to make 1000. Made 
by solution and nitration. 

Castile soap is the best example of a pure soap. Mottled castile 
soap contains iron as the coloring matter. The household "soft 
soap" is not sapo mollis, but is made of all kinds of rancid fats and 
is generally unfit for medicinal use. Yellow laundry soap owes its 
color to rosin. Super-fatted soaps are of neutral reaction and un- 
irritating. They are used as a basis for medicinal soaps containing 
tar, carbolic acid, etc, 

Action and Uses. — Most soaps are alkaline. Soap is a detergent 
or cleansing agent. The lather mechanically removes dirt, while the 
alkalinity assists in the removal of grease, dead epidermis, and 
sebaceous matter from the skin. The caustic alkali contained in 
soap relieves itching and is stimulating to the skin ; so much so, that 
cheap soaps are harmful in normal conditions of the integument. 

Liniment of soft soap is frequently employed in chronic eczema 
and psoriasis, to remove scales and crusts ; to stimulate the parts ; 
and to quiet itching. It should be rubbed smartly into the skin, 
washed off, and followed by the application of a suitable ointment. 
Gauze saturated with soap suds (soap suds poultice) is an excellent 
agency to cause the exfoliation of the epidermis in patches of old 
scaly eczema or psoriasis, when applied for several hours. Soft soap, 
oil of cade, and alcohol, equal parts, are recommended as a useful 
preparation for the treatment of chronic eczema and pruritus. The 
application of soap and water is a necessary preliminary to the 
employment of a vesicating ointment, or parasiticide, since it cleanses 
the skin, and, by removing epidermis, exposes the burrows of acari 
in mange and scab. Soap liniment is a favorite remedy for sprains 
and bruises. If a more stimulating action is desirable, it is advisa- 
ble to combine oil of turpentine or water of ammonia with it. If an 
anodyne effect is indicated, tincture of aconite or opium is added. 

Chafing of the skin produced by harness, should be treated by 
washing the skin with soap and water, and then by dusting with zinc 
oxide and starch, equal parts, Sapo mollis, together with an equal 
amount of flour of mustard, forms a most satisfactory cleansing and 
disinfectant mixture for the hands of the operating surgeon when 
employed in the same manner as ordinary soap. Soap may also be 
used as a lubricating agent for the hands or instruments in making 
examinations. Soap is a useful excipient for balls, pills, and plas- 
ters, and it is a constituent of liniments. 

Soap is employed both as a qualitative and quantitive test for 
hard water. This contains salts of the alkaline earth metals, as 
sulphates and carbonates of magnesium and calcium. Soap is de- 



GLYCERIN 541 

composed by these salts, and insoluble soaps, i.e., calcium and mag- 
nesium stearate, are precipitated. The free alkali of the soap is then 
converted into insoluble sulphates and carbonates. These reactions 
produce a milky precipitate when a solution of soap is added to hard 
water. 

Internally soap is an antacid and somewhat irritating, and may 
occasion vomiting and stimulation of intestinal peristalsis. These 
actions are taken advantage of in emergencies, when it may be given 
to dogs as an emetic, or to all animals in poisoning by acids, A piece 
of soap, when shaped by the hands into a conical form, dipped an 
instant into water, and introduced into the rectum, is one of the best 
agents for moving the bowels in the case of puppies and all young 
animals. Enemata of soap suds are in every day use. A mixture 
of sapo mollis, molasses, and water, in varying proportions, is a 
more efficient preparation. Oil of turpentine may be added in 
flatulence. 

Glycerintjm. Glycerin. C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 . (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Glycerine, glvcerole, E. ; glycerine, Er. ; glycerin,, 
oelsiiss, G. ; glycerinum, P. G. 

Derivation. — A liquid obtained by the decomposition of vegeta- 
ble or animal fats or fixed oils, and containing not less than 95 per 
cent, of absolute glycerole, a triatomic alcohol. It occurs as a bye- 
product in the manufacture of soap, but is made chiefly from palm 
oil bv the action of superheated steam at a temperature of about 
600° F. 

Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, of a thick, syrupy con- 
sistence, oily to the touch, odorless, very sweet and slightly warm 
to the taste. When exposed to the air it absorbs moisture. Spec. gr. 
not less than 1.246. Soluble in all proportions in water or alcohol; 
also soluble in a mixture of 3 parts of alcohol and 1 part of ether, 
but insoluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzin, benzol,, 
and fixed and volatile oils. Reaction neutral. Glycerin is a solvent 
for alkaloids, digestive ferments, fixed alkalies, bromine, iodine, tan- 
nin, extracts, salicin, borax, boric acid, carbolic acid, etc. 

Dose.— H. & C., § i. (30.) ; D., 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Glyceritum Amyli. Glycerite of Starch. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Starch, 10; water, 10; glycerin, SO. Made by solution with heat. 

There are also official glycerites of phenol (1-5), of tannic acid (1-4), of 
boroglycerin (31 per cent.), of hydrastis, and of phosphates of iron, quinine 
and strychnine (gr. I/75 to 1 c.c. ). 



542 VEGETABLE DKUGS 

Suppositoria Glyoerini. Suppositories of Glycerin. (U. S. P.) 

Glycerin, 30 gm.; inonohydrated sodium carbonate, 0.5 gm.; stearic acid, 
2.0 gm. Made by solution with heat and moulded into ten suppositories con- 
taining 3 gm. each. 

Action External, — Glycerin is hydroscopic, emollient, sometimes 
parasiticidal, and antiseptic. It does not evaporate or become ran- 
cid. The chief medicinal value of glycerin depends upon its affinity 
for water, so that (in solution) it keeps moist the surface to which 
it is applied. Pure glycerin is, however, slightly irritant to the 
skin and may cause some inflammation of raw surfaces and mucous 
membranes on account of withdrawal of water from the tissues. It 
should therefore be diluted with water for most therapeutic purposes. 

Action Internal. — Glycerin is absorbed and oxidized in the body, 
and possesses some value as a carbohydrous food. It may give rise to 
a substance in the urine which reduces cupric oxide and renders the 
sugar test positive. It is somewhat antiseptic in the digestive tract, 
aud appears to inhibit the formation of glycogen in the liver in some 
cases of glycosuria. Large doses are irritant and slightly purgative. 
Enormous quantities cause poisoning in animals, with the production 
of hemoglobinuria, glomerulonephritis, muscular weakness, dryness 
of the mucous membranes, restlessness, collapse, tremor, convulsions, 
coma and death. 

Uses External. — These are manifold. It is largely employed in 
lotions, ointments, and as a vehicle for the substances of which it is 
a solvent. Glycerite of starch is a successful remedy for rough, dry 
skin, and scaly eczema. Glycerite of carbolic acid is an appropriate 
application for fetid sores and ulcers, and, diluted with an equal 
part of glycerin, will destroy the acari of mange and scab. It should 
be used with caution to prevent poisoning. Glycerite of boroglycerin 
is an excellent preparation for the treatment of apthous stomatitis 
and thrush. In dryness of the meatus, and in canker of the ear 
(otorrhea) in dogs, a mixture of tincture of iodine, 1 part, and 
glycerin, 4 parts, is recommended. Scratches and cracked heels of 
horses, fissured and excoriated surfaces, and erythema, are success- 
fully treated with the following prescription : 



I> 



Tine. Opii S i. 

Liq. Plumbi Subacetat § iv. 

Glycerini E ii. 

Aqua; ad. § viii. 

M. 

S. Apply externally. 



GLYCYRRHIZA 543 

Uses Internal. — Glycerin is employed as an excipient for balls 
and pills, and as a vehicle for nauseous and irritating drugs. It is 
not a valuable remedy for internal use, but is sometimes given with 
the food to prevent intestinal fermentation and relieve flatulence. It 
may prove curative in cases of glycosuria; and in trichinosis when 
given by the mouth, and in high rectal injections after active purga- 
tion. Glycerin is a useful addition to cough mixtures in moistening 
and soothing the throat, and in not interfering with digestion. When 
injected into the rectum in quantities of § iv.-vi. for horses, or § ss.-i. 
for dogs, it often causes prompt evacuation of the lower bowel. The 
suppositories may be employed in canine practice. 



Glycyrrhiza. Glycyrrhiza. 

Synonym. — Glycyrrhiza? radix, B. P. ; liquorice or licorice root, 
E. ; reglisse, bois de reglisse, boix doux, racine douce, Fr. ; spanisches 
siissholz, spanische siissholz-wurzel, G. 

The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linne (Spanish licorice) or of 
the variety glandulifera (Waldstein et Kittaibel) (Russian licorice), 
(nat. ord. Leguminosa?) . 

Habitat. — S. Europe and W. Asia; cultivated. 

Description. — Spanish Licorice. — Cylindrical, usually cut into 
pieces 14 to 20 Cm. or more long, 5 to 15 Mm. thick; longitudinally 
wrinkled, grayish-brown or dark-brown, pliable; fracture coarsely 
fibrous ; internally tawny-yellow ; bark 1 to 3 Mm. thick ; wood por- 
ous, in narrow wedges : odor slight ; taste sweetish and slightly acrid. 

Russian Licorice. — Somewhat tapering, frequently 1 M. or more 
in length, 1 to 5 Cm. in diameter, deprived of the outer corky layer, 
when it is externally pale yellow ; internally of a lighter yellow ; wood 
rather soft ; taste less sweet than that of the Spanish Licorice. Any 
blackened, knotty, bitter portions should be removed. 

Constituents. — 1, a yellow, sweet, amorphous glucoside, glycyr- 
rhizin (C 24 H 36 9 ), about 6 per cent., which with acids yields a bit- 
ter substance, glycyrrhetin, and glucose; 2, glycyramin; 3, asparagin, 
about 3 per cent. ; 4, an acrid resin ; 5, starch ; 6, glucose. 



PKEPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Glycyrrhizw. Fluidextract of Glycyrrhiza. 
(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with water of ammonia, alcohol and 
water, and evaporation, so that 1 cc. = 1 gm. of the crude drug. Dose of the 
root or fluidextract is unimportant. 



544 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

Extractum Glycyrrhizce Liquidum. (B. P.) 
Dose unimportant. 

Pulvis Glycyrrhizce Compositus. (U. S. P.) (See p. 511.) 

Action and Uses. — Licorice is demulcent and slightly laxative. 
The powdered root is employed as an excipient in making electuaries, 
since it is soothing to the throat. Tt is also used as an excipient in 
the preparation of balls, and more or less successfully conceals, in 
the form of the fluid extract, the taste of aloes, cascara sagrada, am- 
monium chloride, turpentine, hyoscyamus and quinine sulphate. 

LiisruM. Linseed. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Flaxseed, E. ; semence de lin, Fr. ; leinsamen, flachs- 
samen, G. ; semen lini, P. G. 

The ripe seed of Linum usitatissimum Linne (nal. ord. Lina- 
ceai). 

Habitat. — Most temperate climates. 

Description- — Ovate or oblong-lanceolate, flattened, 4 or 5 Mm. 
long, obliquely pointed at one end ; externally chestnut-brown, very 
smooth and glossy, covered with transparent, mucilaginous outer wall 
which swells in water ; embryo white or greenish, with two large, 
plano-convex and oily cotyledons, embedded in thin perisperm ; odor 
slight; taste mucilaginous, oily. 

Ground Linseed (Linseed Meal or Flaxseed Meal) should be 
recently prepared and free from unpleasant or rancid odor. It is a 
grayish-yellow powder containing brownish fragments. 

Constituents. — 1, linseed oil, 30 to 35 per cent, in the embryo; 
2, gum, 15 per cent, in the epidermis; 3, proteids, 25 per cent.; 4, 
a trace of amygdalin. 

Action and Uses. — Linseed is a food. Oil cake or linseed cake 
from which the oil has been expressed, is exceedingly rich in protein 
(25-30 per cent.), and is also richer in fat (10 per cent.) than most 
foods. Cottonseed meal, which contains considerably more protein 
and fat, is more frequently employed in the United States. Gruel 
made from crushed linseed meal cake, or linseed meal, is useful as a 
restorative in all animals recovering from acute and debilitating dis- 
eases. The cake (1 lb.), or a pint of cottonseed meal per diem, is a 
good addition to the ordinary fodder for horses suffering from mal- 
nutrition, with rough staring coats and dry skin, and for those affected 
with "broken wind." Gruel of linseed meal or cake is also servicea- 
ble for calves or lambs when reared on skimmed milk or other poor 
food. Linseed tea, made by steeping 1 part of whole linseed in 20 



ACACIA 545 

parts, by weight, of boiling water, for 1-4 hours, followed by strain- 
ing, is a valuable demulcent preparation in pharyngitis, bronchitis, 
gastro-enteritis, and is possibly useful in acute cystitis and nephritis. 
It may be given in any amount which an animal will take volun- 
tarily. The mucilage contained in linseed tea cannot be carried 
through the blood and eliminated by the kidneys, so that it must 
act by virtue of the water contained in it and perhaps by some in- 
trinsic diuretic property. 

The addition of a few drachms of gum arabic to the quart of 
linseed tea will improve the demulcent action. Linseed, linseed 
meal or farina lini is the best substance to use in the preparation 
of poultices. It should be mixed with an equal quantity of bran, 
when -the poultice is applied directly to the part. If the poultice is 
enclosed in a bag, the outside should be oiled to prevent its sticking 
to the skin. Linseed meal, mixed with an equal amount of molasses, 
forms a common excipient for ball masses. Linseed tea, made thicker 
than usual, is a good local application in irritation of the rectum, or 
vaaina. 



Acacia. Acacia. 

Synonym. — Acacise gummi, B. P. ; gum arabic, E. ; gomme ara- 
bigue, Fr. ; arabisches gummi, G. 

A gummy exudation from Acacia Senegal Willdenow and other 
species of Acacia (nat. ord. Leguminosse) . 

Habitat. — 1ST., E., and W. Africa. 

Properties.- — In roundish tears of various sizes, or broken into 
angular fragments ; whitish or yellowish-white, translucent ; very 
brittle, with a glass-like, sometimes iridescent fracture: nearly in- 
odorous ; taste insipid, mucilaginous ; insoluble in alcohol ; slowly 
and completely soluble in water, forming an odorless, mucilaginous 
liquid. 

Constituents. — Arabin or arabic acid (C 12 H 22 1:1 ), in com- 
bination with about 3 per cent, of magnesium, potassium and calcium. 

Incompatibles.— Alcohol, ferric salts, lead subacetate, borax, and 
sulphuric acid. 

Preparations. — Mucilago acacise, U. S. & B. P. (34 per cent., 
U. S. P.), and syrupus acacise, U. S. P. (10 per cent.) 

Dose. — Ad lib. 

Action and Uses. — Gum arabic is but slightly nutritious. It is 
a useful demulcent in covering and protecting inflamed mucous mem- 
branes of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts. It may be 
given freely in w T ater, but large quantities may undergo fermentation 
and cause indigestion and diarrhea. A 10 per cent, aqueous solu- 



546 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

tion is sometimes injected into the bladder, vagina or rectum in 
inflammation of these parts. Acacia is chiefly of value in medicine 
for the preparation of mixtures, emulsions, pills, balls and electuaries. 
About 5 iii. of mucilago acaciae are required to suspend § i. of oil 
or resinous tincture. Acacia is sometimes prescribed in genito- 
urinary irritation. Animals will voluntarily drink aqueous solu- 
tions. 

Tragacantha. Tragacanth. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Gomme adragante, Fr. 

A gummy exudation from Astragalus gummifer Labillardiere. 
and from other species of Astragalus (nat. ord. Leguminosse). 

Habitat. — Asia Minor. 

Properties. — In ribbon-shaped bands varying in size and from 
1 to 3 Mm. thick, or in irregular pieces of the same, long and linear, 
straight or spirally twisted; externally whitish, marked by more or 
less pronounced longitudinal or excentric lines or ridges ; translucent, 
horny, fracture short, tough, rendered more easily pulverizable by a 
heat of 50° C. (122° F.). 

On treating Tragacanth with 50 parts of water, it swells and 
gradually forms a cloudy, gelatinous mass, which, on warming with 
solution of sodium hydroxide on a water-bath, becomes yellow and is 
tinged blue on the addition of iodine. 

Constituents. — 1, arabin, 53.3 per cent., not identical with 
arabin of acacia,, however; 2, bassorin (C 6 H 10 O 5 ), 33 per cent., a 
gum, swells up with water but does not dissolve ; 3, starch ; 4, ash. 

PREPARATION. 

Mucilago Tragacanthce. Mucilage of Tragacanth. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Tragacanth, 6; glycerin, 18; water to make 100. (U. S.) 
Dose. — Ad. lib. 

Action and Uses. — Tragacanth is a demulcent, but is chiefly used 
in the preparation of mixtures and emulsions to suspend oils, resins 
and insoluble powders. 

Althaea. Althaea. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Marshm allow root, E. ; racine de guimauve, Fr. ; 
altheewurzel, eibischwurzel, G. ; radix althseae, P. G. 

The root of Althaea officinalis Linne (nat. ord. Malvaceae). 
Habitat. — IS", and W. Asia and Europe. Cultivated in Europe, 



sugar 547 

and naturalized in E. United States and Australia, growing in salt 
marshes. 

Constituents. — 1, bassorin, 35 per cent. ; 2, pectin, 10 per cent. ; 
3, asparagin, 1 per cent. ; 4, sugar, 8 per cent. 

Action and Uses.- — Althaea is occasionally employed as a de- 
mulcent in irritable conditions of the digestive canal, and as a ve- 
hicle in the form of syrup. 

Saccharum. Sugar. C 12 H 22 11 . (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Saccharum purification, B. P. ; refined sugar, cane 
sugar, E. ; sucre, sucre de canne, Fr. ; zucker, rohrzucker, G. 

The refined sugar obtained from Saccharum ofneinarum Linne, 
and from various species or varieties of sorghum (nat. ord. 
Graminese) ; also from one or more varieties of Beta vulgaris Linne 
(nat. ord. Chenopodiacege). 

Habitat. — Indigenous in S. Asia, but cultivated in many tropical 
and sub-tropical countries. 

Properties. — White, hard, dry, distinctly crystalline granules, 
odorless, and having a purely sweet taste. Permanent in the air. 
Soluble in 0.46 part of water; in 0.2 part of boiling water, and in 
137.2 parts of alcohol. Insoluble in ether, chloroform, or carbon 
disulphide. 

PREPARATION. 

Syrupus. Syrup. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Simple syrup, E. ; sirop de sucre, Fr. ; weisser syrup, G. ; syrupus 
simplex, P.G. 

Made by solution of sugar, 850; with heat in distilled water, straining, and 
addition of distilled water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Molasses. (Non-official.) 

Synonym. — Theriaca, B. P. ; sacchari faex, syrupus fuscus, 
treacle, E. ; melasse, Er. ; melasse, G. 

The brown, uncrystallizable syrup that drains away from the 
crystals of raw sugar in the refining process. 

Action and Uses. — Sugar, syrup and molasses are demulcents, 
and are sometimes employed in medicated syrup or electuary, for 
their soothing action on the throat in catarrh of the upper air pas- 
sages. They are liable to ferment in the alimentary canal if given 
continuously, w T ith the production of acidity and indigestion, so that 
they are not suitable for general use as demulcents. Sugar, syrup 
and molasses are mainly useful as vehicles, corrigents, preservatives, 



548 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

and excipients in pharmacy. Sugar is utilized as a constituent of 
powders, and syrup and molasses are excipients in the preparation 
of balls and electuaries. Sugar increases the solubility of calcium 
salts (see Syrupus Calcis, p. 148) and protects ferrous compounds 
from oxidation (see Ferri Carb. Sacch., p. 183). 

Sugar is an antiseptic, and, in syrup, prevents the fermentation 
of active medicinal substances. Brown sugar and molasses are laxa- 
tive, in large doses, and are prescribed in veterinary practice, with 
ginger, to aid the action of salts on cattle (Oss.-i) and sheep (f y 
ii.-vi.). (See Epsom salts, p. 154.) Molasses and milk, equal 
parts, form an excellent enema for stimulating peristalsis, 4 to 6 
ounces of each for dogs, and 2 quarts of each for horses or cows. 



SECTION XIV.— VEGETABLE DEUGS KILLING 
PAKASITES. 

Class 1. — Used to Destroy Tape-Worms. 

Aspidium. Aspidium. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Eilix mas, B. P. ; radix nlicis maris, male fern, 
male shield fern, E. ; rhizome (racine) de fougere male, Er. ; wurm- 
farnwurzel, waldfarnwurzel, johanniswurzel, G. ; rhizoma filicis, 
P. G. 

The rhizome of Dryopteris Eelix-mas Schott, and of Dryopteris 
Marginalis (Linne) Asa Gray (hat, ord. Filices). 

Habitat. — D. filix-mas, Europe ; D. marginalis, L T . S. 

Description. — Before being peeled, 10 to 15 Cm. long by 5 to 
7 Cm. thick, including the densely imbricated, dark brown, cylindra- 
ceous, slightly curved stipe-bases and the dense mass of brownish, 
glossy, transparent, soft, chaffy scales ; when peeled, 1 to 2 or 3 Cm. 
thick, cylindraceous and nearly straight, or curved and tapering to- 
wards one end, roughly scarred with remains of the stipe-bases, or 
bearing several coarse longitudinal ridges and grooves ; pale green 
when first peeled becoming pale brown ; fracture sharp, pale green, the 
texture rather spongy, exhibiting from 6 to 10 steles in a loose and 
interrupted circle ; odor disagreeable ; taste bitter-sweet, astringent 
acrid, and nauseous. 

The chaff, together with the dead portions of the rhizome and 
stipes, should be removed, and only such portions used as have re- 



ASPIDIUM 549 

tained their internal green color. Powdered Aspidium should be 
freshly prepared and have a bright green color. 

Constituents. — Aspidium contains: (1) filicic acid (C 35 H 42 
O13), a white, amorphous crystalline substance, and a series of 
bodies, as aspidin, aspidinin, flavaspadie acid, albaspidin, aspidol, 
filmaron and flavaspidinin. It is not known to which of the bodies 
the action of aspidium may be attributed. There are also : ( 2 ) a 
fixed oil, 6 per cent. ; (3) resin, 4 per cent. ; (4) filicin (C 35 H 40 O 12 ), 
a crystalline principle soluble in chloroform, benzol, fixed and vola- 
tile oils; (5) filix-red, a coloring matter; (6) a small quantity of a 
volatile oil. 

Dose.— H. & 0., 5 v.-vi. (150.-180.) ; Sk, % ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; 
Lambs, 5 i.-ii, (4.-8.) ; D. & C, § ss.-i. (15.-30.). 

PREPARATION. 

Oleoresina Aspidii. Oleoresin of Aspidium. (U. S. P.) 

Made by percolation with ether, distillation and evaporation of the ether. 
Dose (also of the extractum filicis liquidum, B.P. ) — H. & C, 3 iii.-vi. (12.-24.) ; 
Sh. & Sw., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.); D. & C, nixv.-3 i. (1. 4.) 

Action and Uses. — -x\spidium is chiefly of value in veterinary 
medicine as a taeniacide or agent destroying tape-worms, particularly 
those inhabiting dogs. Large quantities of the drug cause hemor- 
rhagic gastro-enteritis, tremors, weakness, stupor, coma, acute ne- 
phritis and cystitis. Six drachms of the oleoresin have proved fatal 
in man and sheep ; five drachms in a medium-sized dog ; and three 
ounces in the case of a cow. Aspidimn must never be given ivith 
oil, which aids its absorption. Dogs should be fasted 24 hours or 
fed on a little milk ; then the oleoresin should be administered, and 
the dose repeated in 3 hours. After the expiration of 12 hours from 
the administration of the first dose, a purgative quantity of castor 
oil is to be exhibited. An injection of salt and water assists the 
expulsion of segments of taenia from the rectum. If the head of the 
taenia is not expelled the treatment may be repeated in three days 
or a week. The oleoresin may be flavored with a few drops of oil 
of peppermint, and is often combined with a small dose of areca nut 
(gr. i. to the lb. live weight) in emulsion with mucilage of tragacanth, 
or with fluid extract of kousso, 3 i. to 3 ii. The oleoresin may also 
be exhibited in pills or capsules. It is on the whole the best agent 
against the tapeworms of dogs, including Taenia serrata, T. mar- 
ginata, T. coenurus and T. echinococcus. Oleo-resin of male fern 
has a decided action in destroying the flukes in the liver, gall blad- 
der, and bile passages of sheep in distomiasis. 



550 VEGETABLE DKUGS 

Four closes of 5 gins, each should be giveu 24 to 48 hours apart 
and, if liver cirrhosis has not set in, recovery may ensue. 

Areca. (Non-official). 

Synonym. — Areca-nut, betal-nut, E. ; noix d'areque, Fr. ; areca- 
nuss, G. 

The seed of Areca Catechu (nat. ord. Palmaceas). 

Habitat. — India, Coromandel and Malabar coasts ; also in warm 
parts of Asia. 

Description. — The seeds resemble nutmeg in size, shape and 
color. They yield a brown powder, partially soluble in water and 
alcohol. The taste is astringent. 

Constituents. — 1, the active principle is the liquid alkaloid, 
arecoline (C s H 13 ]Sr0 2 ). Arecoline hydrobromide (C 8 H 13 ]Sr 2 H 
Br) is the commercial salt, occurring in colorless, anhydrous needle- 
shaped prisms, soluble in alcohol and water. H. & C, gr. %-!% 
(0.04-0.09) : average dose, gr. i. (0.06) subcutaneously. There are 
three other alkaloids, arecaine, aracaidine and guvachine which are 
of no medicinal value. Red tannic acid. A.n oil. 

Dose. — Areca nut — H., § ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Lamb, 3 i. (4.) ; T)., 
gr. ii. for each lb. of live weight, or gr. xv.-o ii. (1.-8.) ; Fowl 
(against A. gibbosa), gr. x.-xl. in pill. 

Action and Uses. — Areca nut is an anthelmintic more commonly 
classed as a tseniacide, but capable of killing round-worms satisfac- 
torily. It acts more successfully as a vermicide in dogs than in the 
case of the larger animals. Areca nut is an astringent in small 
doses, but large amounts induce catharsis. When the drug is used 
as an anthelmintic the animal should be deprived of food for 24 
hours previous to its administration. The powder is given to dogs 
in milk, frequently with oleoresin of male fern in small quantity. If 
purgation does not follow the use of areca nut within a short time, 
a dose of castor oil is indicated. The nuidextract is a more con- 
venient preparation. 

Arecoline has not been studied in scientific detail as to its 
physiological actions, but in general it resembles pilocarpine. It con- 
tracts the pupil. It stimulates the secretions of sweat, saliva, and 
succus entericus- It moreover stimulates peristaltic action, and is 
one of the quickly acting purgatives given under the skin. While 
sometimes causing considerable nausea and colic yet arecoline is not 
so powerful or poisonous as eserine and barium chloride and, as it 
can be given subcutaneously, is often preferred by practitioners to the 
aforesaid drugs. In large doses it diminishes the force and fre- 
quency of the pulse and in lethal doses paralyzes the heart. The 



KAMALA 551 

breathing is quickened by small doses but in fatal amounts the res- 
piration fails and there is dyspnea and death from respiratory arrest. 
Large doses cause muscular spasms. 

Arecoline is indicated in mild colics, indigestion, flatulent colic 
and impacted colon in horses. Also in acute laminitis and hemo- 
globinuria of horses. In severe impactions and great distention, ob- 
struction and inflammation of the bowels, it is contraindicated. In 
constipation of cattle it is also of value. Its cathartic action usually 
begins within 15 minutes. One per cent, solutions of arecoline 
hydrobromide are sometimes used to contract the pupil and reduce 
intraocular tension. 

Kamala. Kamala. (ISTon-official.) 

Synonym. — Rottlera. 

The glands and hairs from the capsules of Mallotus philip- 
pinensis (Lamarck) Mueller Arg. (nat. ord. Euphorbiacea3). 

Habitat. — India, China and the Philippine Islands. 

Properties. — A granular, mobile, brick-red or brownish-red pow- 
der, inodorous, and nearly tasteless; imparting a deep red color to 
alkaline liquids, alcohol, ether or chloroform, and a pale yellow tinge 
to boiling water. Under the microscope it is seen to consist of stel- 
lately arranged, colorless hairs, mixed with depressed-globular glands, 
containing numerous red, club-shaped vesicles. 

Constituents. — The chief principle is (1) rottlerin (C 22 II 20 O 6 ), 
occurring in yellow acicular crystals, soluble in hot alcohol, ether, 
benzol, and carbon disulphide. There are also (2) resins, 80 per 
cent. 

Dose.— D., 5 ss. ii. (2.-8.) ; H. & C, % i. (30.). 

Action and Uses. — Kamala is an anthelmintic. It is employed 
more frequently as a taeniacide, but will also kill ascarides and 
oxyurides. Large doses may give rise to nausea and vomiting in 
dogs and cats. Kamala is also a purgative, so that it is rarely neces- 
sary to employ one after its administration. It should be given in 
syrup to the fasting animal, and repeated in eight hours if the first 
dose is not operative by that time. 

Cttsso. Kousso. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Brayera, kooso, kusso, E. ; cousso, kousso, Fr. ; kosso, 
cusso, kusso, G. ; flores kosso, P. G. 

The female inflorescence of Llagenia abyssinica (Bruce) Gmelin 
(nat. ord. Rodacese). 

Habitat. — Abyssinia. 



552 VEGETABLE DKUGS 

Description. — In bundles, rolls, or compressed clusters consist- 
ing of pannicles about 25 Gm. long, with a sheathing bract at the 
base of each branch ; the two roundish bracts at the base of each 
flower, and the four or five obovate, outer sepals are of a reddish 
color, membranous and veiny ; calyx top-shaped, hairy, enclosing two 
carpels or nutlets; odor slight, fragrant and tea-like; taste bitter, 
acrid and nauseous. 

Constituents.- — 1, the active principle is kosin or koussin, a 
yellow, tasteless, crystalline glucoside, soluble in alcohol, chloroform, 
benzol and ether, but insoluble in water; dose — dogs, gr. x.-xl. (.6- 
2.6 1 ) ; 2, a volatile oil; 3, gum; 4, tannic acid; 5, two resins. 

Dose. — Small dogs, 5 ss.-i. (2.-4.) ; large dogs, 5 ii.-iv. (8.-15.). 

PREPARATION. 

Fluidextractum Cusso. Fluidextract of Kousso. (Non-official.) 

Synonym. — Extractum brayera^ fluidum. 

Made by maceration and percolation of kousso with alcohol, and evapora- 
tion, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 
Dose. — Same as kousso. 

Action and Uses. — Kousso is an effective taeniacide in dogs and 
cats. Large doses cause nausea, colicky pains and some catharsis. 
Kousso 'is administered in milk, or as an infusion flavored with pep- 
permint ; also in the form of the fluidextract, or glucoside in cap- 
sules, to the fasting animal. It should be repeated 3 times, at hour 
intervals, and followed by a small dose of castor oil if the bowels are 
not sufficiently relaxed. There is little danger of poisoning even by 
great quantities of the drug. 



Gkanatum. Pomegranate. 

Synonym.- — Granati radicis cortex, B. P. ; ecorce de la racine de 
grenadier (de balaustier), Fr. ; granat-wurzelrinde, G. ; cortex radicis 
granati, P. G. 

The bark of the stem and root of Punica Granatum Linne (nat. 
ord. Pumicaceae) . 

Habitat. — India and S. W. Asia. Also cultivated and natural- 
ized in sub-tropical countries. 

Description.- — Stem, Bark. — In single quills or transversely 
curved pieces, mostly 2 to 10 Cm. long, 5 to 20 Mm. in diameter; 
bark 0.5 to 3 Mm. thick; outer surface yellowish- to brownish-gray, 
with brownish-black fruit-heads of a lichen and small lenticels ; inner 
surface grayish-yellow to brownish, finely striate; fracture short, 



SANTONICA 553 

smooth, the phelloderm layer dark green, the inner bark dull green- 
ish-yellow ; odor distinct ; taste astringent, somewhat bitter. 

Root Bark. — Dark brown, with more or less longitudinal patches 
and scales of cork; green phelloderm layer absent; medullary rays 
extending nearly to the periderm. 

Constituents. — The active principle is (1) pelletierine (C 8 H t3 
NO), V-2 per cent., a colorless, oily, aromatic alkaloid, soluble in 
alcohol, chloroform and ether ; four salts occur in commerce ; the 
tannate, sulphate, hydrobromide and hydrochloride ; the first is more 
frequently used; dose — D., gr. ii.-v. (.12-. 3) ; 2, punico-tannic acid, 
22 per cent.; 3, methyl, pseudo, and iso-pelletierine ; the latter is a 
tseniacide. 

Dose. — Dogs, 5 ss.-i.ss. (2.-6.) 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Granati. (U. S. P.) 
Dose.— D., 3ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

PelletierincB Tarmas. (U. S. P.) 
Dose. — D., gr.iv. (.24). 

Action and Uses. — Pomegranate is inferior to the foregoing 
drugs as an anthelmintic, since it is disagreeable and prone to pro- 
duce vomiting. Pomegranate is an astringent, but, in large doses, 
acts as an emetic and purgative and has occasioned weakness, colic, 
dizziness and convulsions. In sufficient amount pelletierine is said 
to paralyze motor nerves, like curare. Granatum is an anthelmintic, 
chiefly against tape-worm. The decoction (1-8, "B. P.) may be em- 
ployed (with 14 part syrup of ginger) in three doses, at hour inter- 
vals, for dogs. The patient should be previously fasted for 24 hours, 
and castor oil is indicated if purging is not produced by pomegranate. 
Tannate of pelletierine is a yellowish, astringent-tasting powder, 
soluble in 12.6 parts of alcohol and 235 parts of water. It is in- 
variably used in human medicine in preference to the crude drug, 
and should be followed in 2 hours by a dose of castor oil. The use 
of pelletierine is undesirable in young animals. 

Class 2. — Used to Destroy Round- Worms. 

Satsttonica. Santonica. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Levant worm seed, semen cina\ s. contra, s. sanctum, 
s, satonici, E. ; barbotinej semencine, Fr. ; wnrmsamen, zitwersamen, 
G. ; flores cinse, P. G. 



554 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

The dried unexpanded flower-heads of Artemisia pauciflora 
Weber (nat. ord. Compositse). 

Habitat. — Northern middle Europe and Asia. 

Description. — Heads 2 to 4 Mm. long, oblong-ovoid, slightly 
flattened, obtuse, consisting of an involucre of about 12 to 18 closely 
imbricated, glandular scales with broad midribs, enclosing 4 or 5 
rudimentary florets. Santonica has the appearance of a granular, 
yellowish-green or greenish-brown, somewhat glossy powder; odor 
strong, peculiar, somewhat camphoraceous ; taste aromatic and bitter. 

Constituents. — The active principle is (1) santonin. There is 
also (2) a volatile oil, 2 per cent., consisting chieflv of cineol, C 10 

h 1s o: 



Santonik"um. Santonin. C 15 H 18 3 . (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Santonine, Fr. ; santonin, G. 

A neutral principle obtained from santonica. 

Derivation. — Made from a mixture of lime and santonica by 
exhausting with alcohol, evaporation of the latter, and by the addi- 
tion of acetic acid to the residue. Santonin is obtained by treating 
an alcoholic solution of the residue with animal charcoal and crys- 
tallization. 

Properties. — Colorless, shining, flattened, rhombic prisms ; odor- 
less and nearly tasteless when first put in the mouth, but afterwards 
developing a bitter taste ; not altered by exposure to air, but turning 
yellow on exposure to light. Nearly insoluble in cold water ; soluble 
in 34 parts of alcohol, in 78 parts of ether, in 2.5 parts of chloroform, 
and in solutions of caustic alkalies. 

PREPARATION. 

Trochisci Santonini. (U. S. & B. P.) 
U. S. P., gr.ss. ; B. P., gr.i. each. 

Dose.— Puppies, gr. V^k (.015-.03) ; D., gr. i.-iii. (.06-. 18) ; 

1L, 3 i/ t -iv. (1.-15.). ^ 

Action and Uses. — Santonin is preferable to santonica. San- 
tonin is chiefly valuable as a parasiticide against round-worms ; viz. : 
A. lumbricoides of cattle and swine, A. mystax and marginata of cats 
and dogs, and A. megalocephala of horses. Tt has no influence on 
tape-worms, nor probably on oxyurides. 

Large doses cause poisoning, with the occurrence, in dogs, of 
nausea and vomiting, weakness, giddiness, muscular trembling, sal- 
ivation, twitching of the head muscles, rolling of the eyes and grind- 



SANTONIN 555 

ing of the teeth. Then flexion and extension, and rotation of the 
head from side to side, are followed by epileptiform convulsions. 
Between the convulsions momentary contractions of the muscles all 
over the body may be seen (Cushny). The convulsions are due to 
stimulation of the cerebral cortex and the parts lying between the 
cerebral peduncles and medulla. There are — slow pulse, dilated pu- 
pils, and rapid respiration, and death ensues from asphyxia. While 
5 to 6 grains induce symptoms of poisoning in dogs, y 2 to 1 drachm 
lias often failed to produce a fatal result. Santonin is eliminated 
by the kidneys, increasing their secretion, coloring an acid urine yel- 
low, and an alkaline urine purplish-red, or a bloody hue. Xanthopsy 
or yellow sight occurs in man, probably from a specific action on the 
retina. There is congestion of the heart, lungs and nervous centres 
observed after death, but no gastro-enteritis. Santonin is very slowly 
absorbed from the intestines and is oxidized in the tissues and elim- 
inated as oxysantonins. The best treatment of poisoning consists in 
emptying the stomach and bowels by emetics and purgatives, and in 
the use of artificial respiration, cold to the head, inhalations of anes- 
thetics, and enemata of chloral, to relieve the convulsions. The ad- 
ministration of santonin should be followed or accompanied by that 
of a cathartic, as santonin is repugnant, rather than fatal, to worms. 
The drug may be given to fasting puppies as follows : 

R Hydrarg. Chlorid. Mitis. 

Santonini aa gr.v. 

Sacchari ad. 3 i. 

M. et div. in chart, no. x. 

Sig. One powder tid. (for roun d- worms ) . 



or: 



Santonini gr. vi. 

01. Ricini 3 ii. 

M. 

Sig. Give one-third every third day (for round-worms), 



Santonin may be given in pill to dogs combined with oleoresina 
filicis and areca nut. Santonin is not so commonly or successfully 
used in the treatment of round-worms in horses, as turpentine and 
aloes, creolin, etc. A ball containing 3 ii. of santonin and 5 i. of 
calomel, or a combination of 3 iv. santonin and 1 pint of castor oil, 
are suitable prescriptions' for the horse. Santonin is often remedial 
in incontinence of urine in young animals, when belladonna fails, 
and is frequently beneficial in the treatment of amaurosis. 



556 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Class 3. — Used to Destroy Lice. 

Staphisagbia. Staphisagria, 

Synonym. — Staphisagrise semina, B. P. ; stavesacre, seniina 
staphidis agrise s. pedicularis, E. ; staphisaigre, Fr. ; stephauskorner, 
lause korner, G. 

The ripe seeds of Delphinium Staphisagria Linne (nat. ord. 
Panunculaceae) . 

Habitat.— Shores of Mediterranean; cultivated. 

Description. — Irregularly tetrahedral, one side convex, 5 to 6 
Mm. long and 3 to 6 Mm. broad; externally blackish-brown, becom- 
ing lighter with age, strongly reticulate; endosperm oily, enclosing a 
small, straight embryo; odor slight; taste intensely bitter and acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, the important principle is delphinine (C 22 
H ; , 5 ]Sr0 6 ), a white, poisonous, crystalline alkaloid resembling vera- 
trine and aconite; soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and ether; 2, del- 
phisine (C 2l -H 46 j!Sr 2 4 ) ; 3, delphinoidine (C 42 I1 6S X 2 7 ) ; 1, staphisa- 
grine (C 22 H 22 N0 5 ) ; 5, a fixed oil. 

Action and Uses. — Powdered staphisagria is employed solely to 
kill lice (pediculi) in ointment (1-2) with benzoinated lard or 
vaseline. Creolin solutions (3-6 per cent.), tobacco infusions (5-10 
per cent.), and oil of anise with sweet oil (1-10 per cent.), are also 
used for the same purpose. The latter mixture is an elegant prepa- 
ration for pet dogs. 

The tincture of larkspur (Delphinium consolida), another spe- 
cies of the same genus, is also a very efficient parasiticide against 
pediculi. It contains 1 part of larkspur seeds to 16 of alcohol. 

Class 4. — Used to Destroy Fleas. 

Pyrethrum. Pyrethrum. (Xon-official.) 

Synonym. — Persian, Caucasian or Dalmatian insect powder. 

The root of Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Linne) De Candolle (Fam. 
Com posit os) . 

Habitat. — Caucasian Mountains ; cultivated in California, U. S. 

Description, — Somewhat fusiform, nearly simple, 5 to 10 Cm. 
long, 2 to 20 Mm. in diameter, externally dark brown or grayish 
brown, longitudinally wrinkled and somewhat furrowed, crown some- 
what annulate and sometimes crested with coarse fibres or with soft 
wooly hairs, fracture short, bark dark brown, resinous, 5 to 6 Mm. 



ERGOT 557 

thick, closely adhering- to- the light yellow radiate porous wood; odor 
distinct, taste pungent, very acrid, producing a prompt sialagogue 
effect. Pyrethrum powder is the best parasiticide for fleas (puli- 
cidse). It is used more frequently to kill these parasites on cats and 
dogs. Pyrethrum is simply dusted over the whole body or is applied 
in the form of a tincture (1-4), diluted with 10 parts of water. 

The application of Dalmatian insect powder to kittens and 
puppies, or to dogs and cats in enfeebled condition, may be attended 
with danger unless the powder is brushed off within 10 or 15 minutes 
after its use. Deaths have occurred in these animals following its- 
free and careless employment. 



SECTION XV.— VEGETABLE DRUGS STIMULATING UN- 
STRIATED MUSCLE, PARTICULARLY THAT OF 
THE UTERUS. 

Eegota. Ergot, (XL S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Ergot of rye, spurred rye, E. ; ergot, ergot de seigle r 
ergot de ble, ble cornu, Er. ; mutterkorn, kornmutter, zapfenkorn, G. 

The sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea (Eries) Tulasne (Earn. 
Hypocreacese), replacing the grain of rye, Secale cereale Linne (nat. 
ord. Graminese). 

Habitat. — Ergot is obtained mainly from Spain and Russia. 

Description. — Subcylindrical, obscurely three-angled, tapering 
toward both ends but obtuse, somewhat curved, 1.5 to 3 Cm. long and 
about 3 Mm. thick ; externally purplish-black, longitudinally furrowed 
on each side, more conspicuously on the concave side ; fracture short,, 
pinkish or reddish-white; odor peculiar, heavy, increased by tritura- 
tion with potassium hydroxide T. S. ; taste disagreeable. 

Constituents.— The active principles of ergot have hitherto been 
considered to be sphacelinic acid, sphacelotoxin, cornutine, and er- 
gotinic acid but these were not pure and the recent researches of 
Barger and Dale have shown the true active principles to be the fol- 
lowing alkaloids: (1) Ergotinine, C 35 H3 9 5 ]S]" 5 , inert but easily con- 
verted into its hydrate (2) ergotoxine, C 35 H 41 (; ]Sr 5 , which is most 
active; (3) tyramine, OH-C 6 H 4 -CH 2 CH 2 lsrH2, resembling adrenalin 
in chemistry and therapeutics, and (4) isoamylamine (CH 3 ) 2 CHCH 2 
CH 2 NH 2 ; (5) an inert oil; (6) saponin bodies. The two latter 
cause suspension of the active principles in alcohol and water. 



558 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & S., o i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., 

3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Fluidextractum Ergotce. Fluidextract of Ergot. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol and acetic acid, 
and evaporation, so that 1 cc. = 1 gm. of ergot. 

Dose.— H. & C, Sss.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.) ; D., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Extractum Ergotce. Extract of Ergot. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Ergotin. 

Made by evaporation of the fluidextract to a pilular consistence. 
Dose.— H. & C, gr.xx.-3i. (1.3-4.); D., gr.ii.-x. (.12-.6). (By mouth or 
subcutaneously. ) 

Extractum Ergotce Liquidum. (B. P.) 

( § i. ergot i= 5 i. of preparation. ) 
Dose. — Same as fluidextract. 

Tinctura Ergotce Ammoniata. (B. P.) 

(109 gr. to gi.) 
Dose.— H. & C, gss.-ii. (15.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 3 i.-iv. (4.-15.); D., 5 ss.-ii. 
(2.-8.). 

Injectio Ergotini Hypodermica. (B. P. ) (33 per cent.) 
Dose.— EL, 3|-H (3.-6.); D., T0.iii.-x. (.2-.6). 

Ergot deteriorates rapidy with age. Both it and its prepara- 
tions should be fresh and the drug should be discarded when over a 
year old. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Organs. — Ergot (tyramine) stimu- 
lates the splanchic inhibitory fibres supplying the stomach and in- 
testines so that the motion and tone of these are somewhat inhibited. 
While vomiting and purging follows toxic doses of ergot the precise 
physiological cause is unknown. 

Circulation. — Ergot is absorbed into the blood, but does not 
influence that fluid. The essential action of ergot is caused by its two 
alkaloids, tyramine and ergotoxine. Its effect on the circulation 
resembles that of adrenalin but the action is less powerful and of 
much longer duration. 

Constriction of the blood vessels of the belly and limbs with 
stimulation of the heart, constitutes the chief action on the circu- 
lation. This is brought about by the stimulating effect of ergotoxine 
on the vaso-constrictor nerve endings of the sympathetic nerves from 
the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord. There is great rise in blood 



ERGOT 559 

pressure, as always occurs when the vaso-constrictors of the splanchnic 
area are stimulated. Stimulation is followed by paralysis of the 
splanchnic vessels, after large doses. 

The rate and force of the heart are augmented by stimulation 
of the heart muscle or accelerator nerve endings (tyramine). This 
is followed by slowing of the heart caused by stimulation of the vagus 
centre by the increased blood pressure. So after large doses there is 
depression of the accelerator nerve endings in the heart (ergotoxine). 
Ergot produces some constriction of the blood vessels when locally 
applied but not nearly to the extent observed with adrenalin, and 
for this reason it can be given by the mouth and subcutaneously, 
whereas the constriction induced by adrenalin is so great that its 
absorption is prevented and its systemic action is only shown when 
it is given intravenously. 

Nervous System. — The nervous system is not affected by medic- 
inal doses of ergot, nor by large single doses of the drug. Certain 
changes occur in poisoning, but these are not understood. 

Uterus. — The most important action of ergot is that on the 
womb. It stimulates rhythmical uterine contractions by the para- 
mount effect of ergotoxine in exciting the hypogastric motor nerve 
endings in the uterus. Tyramine on the other hand stimulates the 
inhibitory fibres of the hypogastric nerve and while its action is com- 
monly overcome by ergotoxine yet in the non-pregnant cat it may lead 
to relaxation of the womb, when given alone, because the inhibitory 
nerves predominate. Contractions ordinarily alternate with relaxa- 
tion of the womb under the influence of ergot, but after large doses 
the contraction may last many minutes. Ergot acts most powerfully 
on the pregnant uterus and often causes abortion. On the non-preg- 
nant uterus it has less effect but is clinically of value in improving 
the tone and arresting hemorrhage from the non-pregnant womb, as 
well as following parturition. Ergot is the oxytocic in most com- 
mon use. 

Administration. — The fluidextract is generally given by the 
mouth. Some proprietary preparations are made for subcutaneous 
use. Bonjean's ergotin, or the official extract, are employed hypo- 
dermaticallv. 



IJ Extr. Ergots gr.xl. 

Alcohol. 

Glycerini. 

Aq. dest aa 3 i. 

M. 

Sig. Give one-half subcutaneously to a horse; 10 to 15 M. to dogs. 



560 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Injections should be made deeply into the muscular tissue to 
avoid abscess. Ergot should be repeated frequently to arrest hemor- 
rhage. 

Toxicology. — Enormous single doses are required to poison ani- 
mals or man. When as much as two drachms of ergot to the pound, 
live weight., are given to clogs, death is not constant. Three ounces, 
however, have proved fatal to small dogs. Acute poisoning is char- 
acterized by vomiting (in dogs), diarrhea, profuse salivation, dila- 
tion of the pupils, rapid breathing, and feeble, frequent, pulse. The 
animal cries out, has convulsive twitchings, staggering gait, para- 
plegia, intense thirst, icterus, coma, and death takes place by 
respiratory failure. Abortion may occur in pregnant animals. 
Horses, cattle, and sheep are unaffected by any ordinary quantity of 
the drug. 

Chronic poisoning or ergotism rarely occurs in animals owing to 
continuous ingestion of ergotized grains. It is characterized by 
gastro-intestinal indigestion, with nausea, vomiting, colic, diarrhea 
or constipation, and abortion often ensues in pregnant animals. In 
addition to gastro-intestinal irritation the symptoms naturally assume 
two forms : 1, the gangrenous form ; 2, the spasmodic form. In 
the first variety of ergotism there are coldness and anesthesia of the 
extremities, including the feet, ears, and tail of quadrupeds ; the 
comb, tongue and beak of birds, — followed by the appearance of 
passive congestion, blebs, and dry gangrene in the vicinity of these 
parts. The hoofs and beaks often drop off. Death ensues from 
general exhaustion. In the spasmodic form are seen tonic contrac- 
tion of the flexor tendons of the limbs and anesthesia of the ex- 
tremities ; muscular trembling and general tetanic spasm, with 
opisthotonos, convulsions and delirium. Death also occurs from as- 
thenia. The cock is often used to test, the activity of ergot. Some- 
times the blood pressure is used as a guide, When a cock is given 
large doses it becomes drowsy, breathes with difficulty, sways in 
standing, loses appetite and often has vomiting and diarrhea with 
anorexia. The comb and wattles become of a dusky purple. With 
larger doses the comb becomes gangrenous, dries and falls, and there 
may be gangrene of the legs, tongue and wing, but recovery may 
ensue if the drug is withheld. 

Uses. — Two therapeutic indications for the use of ergot can be 
directly deduced from its physiological actions: 1, to cause uterine 
contraction ; 2, to produce vascular contraction. 

1. Ergot is occasionally of service in simple uterine inertia 
when there is no malposition of the fetus, or mechanical obstruction 
(pelvic deformity, rigid os uteri) to its passage. Very small doses 
must be given for this purpose in order to intensify the force of the 



COTTON ROOT BARK 561 

uterine contractions without inducing spasm of the uterus. The 
more common causes, of dystocia are remedied most advantageously 
by manual interference. Ergot is of chiefest value in obstetric prac- 
tice to prevent or arrest post-partum hemorrhage which sometimes 
occurs in cows and ewes. If administered before delivery of the 
placenta, ergot may give rise to tonic contraction «of the womb and 
retention of the afterbirth. 

Ergot is of benefit in some disorders of the unimpregnated and 
non-parturient uterus. Thus to aid the expulsion of cysts, and to 
contract the uterus and its blood vessels in hypertrophy, subinvolu- 
tion, chronic metritis and fibroid tumors. 

In paralysis of the bladder, ergot is occasionally useful by cre- 
ating contraction of the muscular coat of its walls. This condition 
is most satisfactorily treated by the injection of an ordinary dose 
of ergotin into the empty urinary bladder. 

2. Ergot is commonly recommended for combating internal 
hemorrhage, when surgical measures are impossible. Under this 
head may be included bleeding from the nose, mouth, stomach, in- 
testines, lungs, uterus and kidneys. Ergot has been thought bene- 
ficial in causing constriction of the blood vessels in the early stages 
of some hyperemias and inflammations, notably pulmonary, cere- 
bral and spinal congestion, parturient apoplexy, cerebritis, cerebro- 
spinal meningitis, spinal meningitis and myelitis. 

There are two physiological reasons for the uselessness of ergot 
in preventing internal hemorrhages and congestions in special organs, 
(a) The fact that general blood pressure is so much augmented 
would favor hemorrhage from a ruptured vessel, (b) The fact 
that the blood vessels of the brain and lungs are not supplied by the 
vasomotor system and so there are no vaso-constrictors here to be stimu- 
lated by ergot. The effect of the drug on these organs would there- 
fore be to cause vascular dilatation from increase of general blood 
tension. It is only in uterine hemorrhage that ergot proves of much 
value owing to the contraction of that organ. Ergot is recommended 
in surgical shock but adrenalin, morphine, digitalone, camphor and 
strychnine are more valuable. In dysentery, watery diarrhea, dia- 
betes insipidus and bleeding piles ergot is said to be of service but we 
believe it of doubtful utility. 



Gossypii Cortex. Cotton Root Bark. 
(IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Ecorce de racine de cottonnier, Er. ; baumwollen- 
wurzelrinde, G. 



562 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

The dried bark of the root of Gossypium herbaceum Linne, and 
of other species of Gossypium (nat. ord. Malvaceae). 

Habitat. — Sub-tropical Africa and Asia ; also cultivated in the 
United States. 

Description. — In thin, flexible bands or quilled pieces, the bark 
0:2 to 1 Mm. thick; outer surface yellowish-brown, longitudinally 
wrinkled, with small lenticels, the periderm frequently exfoliated and 
somewhat fuzzy from partly detached bast fibres ; inner surface whit- 
ish, longitudinally striate; fracture tough, fibrous, the bast-layer sep- 
arable into thin laminae ; odor faint ; taste slightly astringent and 
acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, a fixed oil; 2, a resin; 3, tannic acid. 

L 

PREPARATION. 

Fluidextractum, GossypU Radicis. Fluidextract of Cotton Root Bark. 

(Non-official.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with glycerin and alcohol, and evapora- 
tion, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 

Dose.— H. & C, gss.-i. (15.-30.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Action and Uses.- — Cotton root bark resembles ergot in its actions 
and uses, but the drug has not been scientifically studied in full 
detail. It is an oxy toxic, abortifacient, and emmenagogue. 

Cotton root bark is employed during parturition in uterine in- 
ertia, to prevent post-partum hemorrhage, to induce abortion, and to 
arrest metrorrhagia. A decoction (§ iv. to qt. boiled down to Oi.) 
is said to be more active than the fluid extract. Dose. — H. & C, Oi. 
(500.); D., I i.-ii. (30.-60.). 

Ergot is generally to be preferred as a more thoroughly under- 
stood and reliable drug. 



SECTION XVI.— COLCHICIJM. 

Coechici Cormtjs. Colchicum Corm. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Meadow saffron root, colchicum corm, bnlbus sen 
tuber colchici, E. ; bulbe de colchique, cle safran batard, Fr. ; zeit- 
losenknollen, G. 

The dried corm of Colchicum autumnale Linne (Fam. Liliacece), 
yielding, when assayed, not less than 0.35 per cent, of colchicine. 



COLCHICUM SEED 563 

Habitat. — England and continental Europe. 

Description.— Ovoid, somewhat compressed laterally, and with a 
groove on one side, or more commonly in transverse, reniform, or 
longitudinal, ovate slices; externally brownish and finely wrinkled; 
internally whitish, with numerous circular groups of nbrovascular 
bundles, giving the surfaces of the transverse sections a papillose 
appearance; fracture short, mealy; odor slight; taste sweetish, bitter, 
and somewhat acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, the alkaloid colchicine (C,, 2 Ho 5 ?s T 6 ), is the 
active principle; it exists to the extent of 0.5 per cent. ; is amorphous 
or crystalline, and soluble in water and alcohol; 2, colchiceine (0 2l 
H 2a ^0 6 ), occurs naturally and is produced artificially by the action 
of acids on colchicine; slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol; 
3, sugar; 4, starch; 5, gum. 

Incompatibles. — Astringents, tincture of guaiacum and iodine 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ss.-ii. (2.-8.); Sh., gr. x.-xx. (.6-1.3); Sw. 
& D., gr. n.-viii. (.12-.5) in powder. 

Dose. — Colchicina, Colchicine (II. S. P.) — H. & C, gr. %-% 
(.01-.03); D., gr. & 2 o-%o (.0O05-.0O12), by mouth or subcutane" 
ously. 

PREPARATIONS. 

Vinum Colchici Radicis. Wine of Colchicum Eoot. (Non-official.) 

Made by percolation of colchicum root (400), with alcohol (150), and 
white wine to make 1000. 

Dose. — Twice that of colchicum corm. 

Vinum Colchi-ci. (B. P.) 
Dose. — Twice that of the root. 



Colchici Semen. Colchicum Seed. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Colchici semina, B. P. ; semences de colchique, Fr. ; 
zeitlosensamen, Gr. ; semen colchici, P. G. 

The seed of Colchicum autumnale Linne (nat. ord. Liliacese), 
yielding not less than 0.55 per cent, of colchicine. 

Description.— Subglobular, about 2 Mm. thick, verv slightly 
pointed at the hilum ; reddish-brown, finely pitted, internally whitish'; 
very hard and tough ; inodorous ; taste bitter and somewhat acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, colchicine, 3 per cent.; 2, colchiceine; 3, a 
fixed oil, 6-8 per cent. ; 4, starch; 5, sugar; 6, gum. 

Dose. — Same as corm, or a little larger. 



564 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



PREPARATIONS. 



Fluidextractum Golchici Seminis. Fluidextract of Colchicum Seed. 

(U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evapora- 
tion, so that 100 Cc. will contain 0.5 Gm. of Colchicine. 

Dose.— H. & C, oss.-ii. (2.-3.); Sh., lUx.-xx. (.6-1.3); Sw. & D., niii.-viii. 

(.12-.5). 

Vinum Colchici Seminis. Wine of Colchicum Seed. (U. S. P.) 

Made by maceration of colchicum seed, 100; alcohol, 150; and white wine 
to make 1000. 

Dose.— H. & C, 3 iii.-g i. (12.-30.); D., H1x.-xxx. (.6-2.). 

Tinctwra Golchici Seminis. Tincture of Colchicum Seed. 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by maceration and percolation of colchicum seed, 100; with alcohol 
and water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, 3iii.-J5i. (12.-30.); D., 171x.-xxx. (.6-2.). 

Action External. — Colchicum is an irritant to the skin and mu- 
cous membranes. 

Action Internal. — Digestive Organs. — Colchicum and colchicine 
are identical in action without regard to their method of introduction 
into the system. Colchicum is essentially a gastro-intestinal irritant 
in large closes. This irritant action may explain all its effects on 
other organs. Full medicinal doses occasion anorexia, nausea, colicky 
pains, loud intestinal rumblings (borborygmi), and purging. Col- 
chiceine appears to closely resemble colchicine physiologically. 
Neither the circulation, nervous system, respiration, nor tempera- 
ture are affected by colchicum save in poisonous doses. 

Circulation. — Toxic doses reflexly influence the circulation, but 
colchicum does not appear to affect it directly until late in poisoning, 
when the vagus endings become depressed and paralyzed and the 
pulse is weak and rapid. 

Nervous System. — Toxic quantities depress and paralyze the 
motor cells of the inferior cornua in the spinal cord, and also depress 
the sensory nerves. Death occurs from paralysis of the respiratory 
centres. 

Kidneys and Elimination. — Tt is doubtful whether colchicum 
exerts any decided or uniform action on the kidneys. Experiments 
relating to this matter are perplexingly conflicting. Sometimes the 
urinary solids are increased — urea more than uric acid — and some- 
times not. In poisoning, nephritis and hematuria occasionally re- 
sult from the elimination of colchicum. 



COLCHICUM 565 

Toxicology. — Colehicnm is a very poisonous drug. Accidental 
lethal poisoning occasionally occurs among herbivora from eating 
meadow saffron at pasture, or in hay. In such cases it is naturally im- 
possible to estimate the quantity of the plant ingested. Two and one- 
half drachms of the wine of the root, and one-half grain of the alka- 
loid, have proved fatal to man. Two drachms of the conn have 
killed a dog, and one-tenth of a grain of colchicine has destroyed a 
cat. The symptoms of poisoning occur only after some hours when 
elimination begins and comprise : anorexia, nausea, dulness, saliva- 
tion, violent vomiting (in carnivora), purging, at first watery, then 
mucous and often bloody, and accompanied by great tenesmus, tym- 
panites, and colic, owing to elimination by the alimentary canal, as 
well as by the kidneys. There are often such nervous symptoms as 
tremors, stupor, coma, and paralysis beginning in the hind limbs 
and progressing to involve the fore limbs and respiratory muscles. 
Death occurs from respiratory failure as the breathing ceases before 
the heart beat. The effect on the nervous system is due to general 
collapse. The animal becomes very weak, its movements slow and 
difficult, the respiration is infrequent and feeble, the pulse rapid and 
imperceptible, the skin is cold and covered with a clammy sweat, and 
death occurs in collapse following severe gastro-enteritis. After the 
injection of large doses of colchicine, increasing the amount does 
not aggravate the symptoms. 

Post-Mortem Appearances. — The mucous membrane of the 
stomach and intestines is swollen, congested, and eroded. Some- 
times free blood is found within their lumen. There is also acute 
hyperemia of the kidneys. 

Treatment. — This consists in the use of the stomach tube, 
emetics, and cathartics, unless there has been free purging and vomit- 
ing. Tannic acid is the best chemical antidote, but is not wholly 
satisfactory. It should be used, however. Demulcents (oil and 
egg albumin) and opium relieve the local irritation, pain and purg- 
ing. Stimulants, as camphor, digitalone, atropine, strychnine, and 
alcohol, together with external heat, combat collapse. 

Summary. — Medicinal doses produce no physiological effect. 
Large amounts cause renal and gastro-intestinal irritation and in- 
flammation during the elimination of the drug. 

Administration. — The crude drug is not suitable for use. The 
wine of the root is the best preparation. 

Uses.- — It is difficult to estimate the therapeutic value of col- 
chicum. It is called an alterative by many authorities, for want 
of a better term to describe a drug whose physiological actions do 
not explain its medicinal virtues. Colchicum is the most successful 
single remedy for gout in human medicine, but does not possess 



566 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

much value iu veterinary practice. It is sometimes used with con- 
siderable advantage in the treatment of subacute and chronic rheu- 
matism, and in that form complicating influenza in horses. 

Potassium iodide is generally prescribed with colchicum in 
these disorders, and also in pericarditis and pleurisy of rheumatic 
origin. Colchicum is commonly believed to be a serviceable diuretic 
in various diseases (although this hypothesis is not physiologically 
substantiated). It is therefore recommended in hemoglobinuria and 
swelling of the legs in horses ; in cerebral congestion ; ascites ; pleural 
and pericardial effusions, and dropsies, as an eliminative. Col- 
chicine, subcutaneously, is especially lauded in rheumatism. 



SECTION XVII.— VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING 
MECHANICALLY. 

Amylttm. Starch. C 6 H 10 O 5 . (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Corn starch, E. ; fecule (amidon) de froment, de 
ble, Er. ; kraftmehl, weizenstarke, G. 

The starch grains obtained from the fruit of Zea Mays Linne 
(nat. ord. Graminese). 

Habitat. — Tropical Asia and Africa, but cultivated in tropical, 
sub-tropical and temperate countries. 

Description. — In fine powder or irregular, angular white masses, 
consisting of somewhat spherical, but usually polygonal grains, about 
0.010 to 0.025 Mm. in diameter, with a lenticular, circular, or tri- 
angular central fissure ; inodorous and tasteless ; insoluble in cold 
water or alcohol; forming a whitish jelly when boiled with water, 
which when cool gives a deep blue color with iodine T. S. ; triturated. 

Constituents. — 1, starch-granulose ; 2, starch-cellulose. 

PREPARATION. 

Glyceritum Amyli. (U. S. P.) (See p. 56G.J 
Glycermum Amyli. (B. P.) 

Action and Uses. — Starch is a mechanical protective externally, 
used as a dusting powder, alone or with zinc oxide (1-4-), in chafing, 
erythema, and moist eczema. The glycerite of starch is a serviceable 
demulcent. Boiled starch paste, mixed with glue, is used to stiffen 
bandages by painting the mixture on in layers with a brush. Boiled 



OIL OF THE.OBROMA 567 

starch gruel (2 tablespoons of starch to a pint of water) is a suitable 
diet for diarrhea, and is frequently injected into the rectum as a 
demulcent in diarrhea and dysentery, and as a vehicle for enemata. 
Starch is an antidote to iodine. It is, utilized in pharmacy as a 
vehicle to suspend insoluble powders or oils, and in mucilage (1-40, 
B. P.), as a basis for ointments. Zinc oxide, one part; starch and 
vaseline, each 3 parts, form a very satisfactory preparation for acute 
eczema in dogs, which does not rub off so readily as zinc ointment, 

Oleum Theobromatis. Oil of Theobroma. 
(IT. S. &B. P.) 

Synonym. — Butter of cacao, E. ; beurre de cacao, Fr. ; cacaobut- 
ter, G. ; oleum (butyrum) cacao, P. G. 

A fixed oil expressed from the roasted seed of Theobroma Cacao 
Linne (nat. ord. Stereuliacea?). 

Properties.— K yellowish-white solid, having a faint, agreeable 
odor, and a bland, chocolate-like taste. Readily soluble in ether or 
chloroform. 

Constituents. — 1 olein; 2, stearin; 3, theobromine, C 7 Ii s N 4 0o, 
an alkaloid ; 4, glycerides of formic, butyric, and acetic acids. 

Uses. — Cacao butter melts at the temperature of the body, and 
is chiefly used as an excipient for suppositories and electuaries. It 
also has a demulcent action and may be employed on raw surfaces 
or in inflammation of the throat and digestive tract. 

Gossypium Ptjrificatum. Purified Cotton. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Absorbent cotton, E. ; bombyx, lana gossypii, — 
coton, Fr. ; baumwolle, G. 

The hairs of the seed of Gossypium herbaceum Linne, and of 
other cultivated species of Gossypium (nat. ord. Malvaceae), freed 
from adhering impurities and deprived of fatty matter. 

Habitat. — Tropical Asia and Africa; cultivated in subtropical 
and tropical countries, mostly in the Southern United States. 

Description. — White, soft, fine filaments, appearing under the 
microscope as hollow, flattened and twisted bands, spirally striate 
and slightly thickened at the edges; inodorous and tasteless; insoluble 
in ordinary solvents, but soluble in copper ammonium sulphate solu- 
tion. 

Uses. — Absorbent cotton is used as a cheap, convenient and 
cleanly substitute for ordinary sponges ; to make poultices by soaking 
it in antiseptic solutions (as lysol or creolin, 1-2 per cent.) and plac- 
ing it between layers of gauze ; and for surgical dressings. 



568 VEGETABLE DKUGS 

Oakum, consisting of the fibres of old rope, is often employed 
as a cheap absorbent material, saturated with tar, in packing horses' 
feet. 

Tow, — The coarser unbleached fibres of flax ; and lint, — the 
scrapings of soft, loosely woven linen, — are also utilized as absorbent 
substances for surgical purposes. 



Pyroxylinttm. Pyroxylin. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Gun cotton, soluble gun cotton, colloxylin. 

Derivation. — Made by maceration of purified cotton. 100 ; in a 
mixture of nitric acid, 1400 ; and sulphuric acid, 2200 ; at a tem- 
perature of 32° C. (90° F.), until a sample is soluble in a mixture 
of 1 volume of alcohol and 3 volumes of ether; washing with cold 
and boiling water, draining, and drying in small pellets. 



PREPARATIONS. 

Collodkim. Collodion. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Pyroxylin, 40; ether, 750; alcohol, 250. Made by solution, agitation, and 
decantation of clear portion. 

Collodium Cantharidatum. Cantharidal Collodion. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Blistering collodion. 

Made by percolation of cantharides, 60; with chloroform, distillation of 
the chloroform and evaporation of the residue until it weighs 15 (Cm.), and 
solution in flexible collodion, 85. 

Collodium Flexile. Flexible Collodion. (U. S. & B. P.) 
Mix collodion, 920; Canada turpentine, 50; and castor oil, 30. (U. S. P.) 

Collodium, Stypticum. Styptic Collodion. (U. S. P.) 
Mix tannic acid, 20; alcohol, 5; ether, 25; add collodion to make 100. 

Action and Uses. — Collodion, when painted on dry skin, rapidly 
dries and leaves a thin, protective coating. It is a useful agent to 
seal and secure coaptation of small wounds and to keep them aseptic. 
Also to protect abraded surfaces, as fissures of teats. Flexible col- 
lodion is less apt to crack. Collodion contracts the superficial tissues 
and will often abort boils when applied directly over them. Col- 
lodion is employed as a vehicle for the application of many other 
agents, as salicylic acid (p. 444), corrosive sublimate, carbolic acid, 
iodoform, etc. 



EUPHOBBIUM 



569 



Euphorbium. Euphorbium. (Non-official.) 

The dried juice of a cactus-like plant, Euphorbium resinifera, 
growing iu Morocco and regions contiguous to the Atlas Mountains. 
Obtained by incising the steins and branches. 

Description. — In dull yellowish tears, of the size of peas ; odor- 
less ; taste acrid ; powder of a grayish color ; insoluble in water, but 
soluble in alcohol, ether and oil of turpentine. 

Constituents. — 1, an amorphous, bitter, acrid resin (C 10 H 16 O 2 ), 
40 per cent., the active principle; 2, euphorbon (C 13 II 22 0), a crys- 
talline resin, soluble in chloroform and ether (20 per cent, of drug). 

Action and Uses. — Euphorbium is an intense irritant, both ex- 
ternally and internally. It is sometimes employed in veterinary 
medicine as a constituent of vesicating preparations to enhance their 
effect, but if applied alone it is liable to cause extensive irritation, 
sloughing, and destruction of tissue. Euphorbium may, however, be 
safely applied in tincture (1-16), or in ointment with cantharides, 
as a vesicant for horses. The following combination is recommended 
as a powerful blister for the latter animals. Euphorbium and can- 
tharides, each two parts: corrosive sublimate, one part; vaseline, 
eight parts ; cerate, twelve parts. There is no danger of absorption 
and genito-urinary inflammation from the use of euphorbium, as with 
cantharides. 



SECTION XVIII.— MEDICINAL AGENTS OF ANIMAL 

ORIGIN. 

GLANnuxiE Supeorenales Sicc.E. Dessicated Suprarenal 
Glands. (II. S. P.) 

The suprarenal glands of the sheep (Ovis aries Linne) or ox 
(Bostaurus Linne), freed from fat. and cleaned, dried, and pow- 
dered. . 

A light yellowish-brown, amorphous powder, having a slight, 
characteristic odor ; partially soluble in water. 

Dose.— H., 5 i. (4.) ; L>., gr. iv. (.25). 

Adrenalin or Epineprin, C 6 H 3 (OH) 2 OHOH CH 2 NHCH 3 . 

Adrenalin (epinephrin) is the active principle of the suprarenal 
glands, first isolated by Abel (although the discovery is commonly 



570 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

credited to Takamine), and introduced into medicine at the beginning 
of this century. It is a light, white, mierocrystalline substance, 
slightly soluble in cold water, especially when slightly acidulated with 
HC1. It has a somewhat bitter taste and produces a benumbing of 
the tongue. Adrenalin is permanent in powder, but changes color 
and is oxidized in aqueous solution. It is said to be the active prin- 
ciple of the suprarenale but non-toxic, which can not be said of the 
glands or their extracts (and not of adrenalin). Adrenalin is from 
S25 to 1,000 times more powerful than the glands in its physiological 
effect. Solutions may be boiled without impairing their therapeutic 
activity. 

Action,- — Circulation, — The action of adrenalin on the circula- 
tion is only seen to advantage when the drug is given intravenously. 
Then there is a great rise of blood pressure and the heart beats first 
more rapidly and strongly, then more slowly, and again it is acceler- 
ated. The cause of the high blood pressure is stimulation of the 
sympathetic nerve endings (vasoconstrictors) of the thoracico-lumbar 
cord, and also it is in part due to the stronger contractions and more 
complete evacuation of the heart cavities, thus increasing its output. 
The vessels in the abdominal cavity are more particularly contracted 
while the blood vessels of the lungs, brain and heart are not supplied 
with sympathetic fibres and are not constricted. The result is that 
the blood is forced out of the abdominal organs, and the heart, lungs 
and brain are correspondingly congested. 

The peculiar effect of adrenalin on the heart is due to primary 
stimulation of the accelerator nerve endings of the heart muscle, 
making the organ beat faster and more strongly, while the slowing is 
due to stimulation of the vagus centre by the increased blood pres- 
sure. Acceleration again occurs when the blood pressure falls away, 
and the vagus ceases to be stimulated, and accelerator stimulation 
resumes its sway. The action on the circulation is very transient, 
lasting not more than ten minutes, and being repeated with each new 
dose. 

But the predominant and most valuable effect of adrenalin con- 
sists in the complete blanching of mucous membranes and raw sur- 
faces after the local application of these substances. Adrenalin is 
undoubtedly the most powerful astringent and hemostatic known, 
owing to its stimulation of the involuntary muscles of the blood 
vessels. 

Subcutaneous injection of a 1 to 1000 solution causes blanching 
over an area about two inches in diameter within a minute and lasts 
for six to twelve hours. Solutions containing adrenalin to the 
amount of 1 to 5000, 1 to 10,000, or even 1 to 20,000, will produce 
an ischemia after their hypodermic use within a few minutes and 



ADRENALIN 571 

lasting for three to six hours. Neither ecchymoses nor sloughing 
occurs after the proper injection of the drug. Secondary hemorrhage 
does not ordinarily appear after the use of adrenalin, but it will pre- 
vent the secondary relaxation, congestion and pain sometimes seen 
following the use of cocaine. 

The local constricting action is undoubtedly due to direct stimu- 
lation of the vasoconstrictor nerve endings as it does not occur when 
adrenalin is painted on the lung or brain since their vessels are not 
supplied with sympathetic fibres. 

The local contraction of blood vessels by adrenalin prevents its 
ready absorption when it is applied externally, taken by the mouth 
or injected subcutaneously. For this reason the intramuscular, or 
better, intravenous injection are indicated for its systemic effect. 

Abdominal Organs. — Here stimulation of the sympathetic nerve 
endings gives rise to different actions according to the special 
functions of the fibres stimulated. Thus movements of the 
bowels and stomach are inhibited, and lost in poisoning, through 
stimulation of the splanchnics. The same action is exerted on the 
gall bladder whose movements are inhibited. The pyloric, anal and 
ileo-colic sphincters, on the other hand, receive motor fibres from the 
sympathetic and are thus contracted by the stimulation of the sym- 
pathetic. Action on the uterus (contraction or relaxation from pre- 
ponderance of inhibitory or motor fibres) varies with the species of 
animal and whether pregnant or non-pregnant, according to the 
particular effect of the sympathetic stimulation. The same remark 
applies to the action of adrenalin on the urinary bladder. 

Toxicology. — Poisoning may be produced in animals by the 
intravenous and subcutaneous injection of adrenalin. In smaller 
poisonous doses there are glycosuria, diuresis and nephritis, while 
fatal amounts cause vomiting, restlessness, tremors, paraplegia, pros- 
tration, dyspnea from edema of the lungs, respiratory failure and 
death. There is increase in the secretion of saliva, tears, bile and 
esophageal and bronchial mucus. The secretions are increased by 
sympathetic stimulation but not greatly, on account of the vascular 
constriction. 

Summary. — Study of the evolutionary development of the su- 
prarenals shows that the secreting portion of the glands is derived 
from the sympathetic system. Suprarenal secretion (adrenalin) acts 
in the body to always and everywhere stimulate sympathetic nerve 
endings. 

Thus it stimulates the heart (accelerator stimulation), constricts 
blood vessels (vasoconstrictor stimulation), inhibits the action of 
the stomach and bowels (splanchnic stimulation"), dilates the pupil 
(sympathetic nerve stimulation), and contracts or relaxes the uterus 



572 



VEGETABLE DRUGS 



according as to whether the motor or inhibitory fibres predominate 
in the hypogastic nerve. 

Many authors teach that adrenalin acts by direct stimulation 
of unstriated muscle. But it affects unstriated muscle differently 
(relaxation or contraction) and its action corresponds precisely to 
sympathetic stimulation. Furthermore it fails to constrict the vessels 
of parts (lungs and brain) not supplied by sympathetic fibres. 

Uses. — External. — Adrenalin chloride is commonly sold in a 1 
to 1000 aqueous solution in the shops. It has proven of most value 
when combined with cocaine for subcutaneous use in operative work. 
One part of the 1-1000 solution may be added to nine parts of normal 
salt solution (one heaping teaspoonful of sodium chloride to the quart 
of sterile water), to which is added 1 per cent, of cocaine, or more if 
desired. A stronger solution of adrenalin chloride than this (1 to 
10,000) is not usually desirable in operative work, because it is irri- 
tating, and in some instances when stronger solutions were used so 
much ischemia was produced that the blood vessels could not be found 
and ligated and secondary hemorrhage ensued. It is usually suffi- 
cient to add n\x.-xx. adrenalin solution (1-1000) to §ss. of cocaine 
solution. 

The combination of cocaine with adrenalin is coming into gen- 
eral favor and marks a distinct progress in local anaesthesia. Four 
advantages are claimed for this combination; 1, that the operation is 
made comparatively bloodless ; 2, that the cocaine is retained in the 
operative field a longer time, owing to the contracted state of the 
vessels, and does not escape into the general circulation ; this is a 
double advantage — in prolonging anaesthesia and in preventing sys- 
temic effect of cocaine ; 3, that adrenalin is a circulatory stimulant 
and will offset the toxic action of cocaine; 4, that adrenalin counter- 
acts the vascular relaxation seen sometimes after the use of cocaine. 

Adrenalin has also proven of great service in arresting hemor- 
rhages from wounds, mucous membranes and cavities of the body. 
A solution equivalent to a 1 to 5000 of adrenalin in sterile salt solu- 
tion may be applied for this purpose directly to the bleeding surface, 
or gauze saturated with it may be packed into wounds and cavities, 
as the nose, uterus and vagina. Adrenalin chloride is useful also in 
many inflammatory diseases of the eye and nose in the same strength. 
Catarrhal conjunctivitis, keratitis, episcleritis and iritis yield to its 
influence, particularly when it is combined with other astringents on 
account of its transient action. It is instilled with, atropine in iritis. 
Adrenalin chloride in a 1 to 5,000 solution containing 2 per cent, of 
boric acid forms a useful preparation for general applications in 
inflammations of mucous membranes. Two to four Cc. of adrenalin 
solution are injected on either side of the fetlock in acute laminitis 



ADRENALIN 573 

to lessen the blood supply in the foot. The treatment is too recent 
to determine its value and the reports have been somewhat conflict- 
ing. 

Internal. — Adrenalin has been given empirically in azoturia 
with the most favorable results according to the reports of many re- 
liable practitioners. Two drams of the 1-1000 solution in a 
little water are to be administered every two hours, combined with 
arecoline under the skin. Adrenalin is employed internally to 
arrest bleeding from the stomach, intestines and uterus. Its 
local application in hemorrhage from the bladder, rectum, nose, 
vagina and uterus is, however, much more effective, The drug 
is said to have yielded good results in human practice in the 
treatment of diabetes insipidus and purpura hemorrhagica. It is 
not of benefit for the arrest of internal hemorrhage other than in the 
digestive tract. This follows because it does not contract the vessels 
of the brain and lungs and because its effect in increasing general 
blood tension is inimical to its local effects in constricting vessels. 
Reichert, as the result of his experiments on morphinized dogs, be- 
lieves that adrenalin is a valuable and rapidly acting stimulant to 
the heart, vasomotor system and respiration in poisoning by opium 
and anesthetics. 

The latest experimental and clinical studies show adrenalin is- 
of chief value for internal use in conditions of greatly reduced blood 
pressure, as in poisoning by ether and chloroform inhalation, by 
chloral, and in surgical shock. Here it is now considered the most 
efficient remedy, although its action is very transient. Bossi has 
artificially produced osteomalacia in sheep by removal of one adrenal 
gland. Treatment has likewise been successful in osteomalacia in 
the human, and in rickets in puppies by intramuscular injection of 
1-1,000 adrenalin solution (m.v.-xv. t.i.cl.). 

Administration. — Adrenalin is preferable to the so-called supra- 
renal extracts, the dried and powdered suprarenal capsules of sheep 
and oxen. When the drug is given by the mouth or rectum, its 
action on the system at large is slow and uncertain, owing to the 
tardiness of absorption, presumably due to the vascular constriction 
it occasions and to its rapid decomposition. Intravenous injection is 
most effective in solutions of 1 to 10,000, or more dilute, in normal 
salt solution. Subcutaneous injection is somewhat uncertain owing 
to slow absorption, through vascular constriction. But the 1-1,000 
solution (H., 5 i. ; D., TTLx.) may be injected deep into the muscle 
with certain effect and without irritation. A stronger solution than 
1 to 10,000 may cause an abscess if the drug be given hypodermically. 
The doses of adrenalin chloride in 1 to 1000 solution are: Dogs, 
Til 10.-60. (0.6-4.0) ; horses, 5 1-4 (1.-15.) Adrenalin should be 



574 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

repeated once in two hours when given internally as an hemostatic. 
It is an expensive drug. 

Cantharis. Cantharides. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym.- — Spanish flies, blister beetles, muscse hispanica?, E. ; 
cantharides, Fr. ; spanische fliegen, canthariden, G. ; cantharides, 
P. G. 

Cantharis is the beetle, Cantharis vesicatoria De Geer (class 
Tnsecta; order Coleoptera) thoroughly dried at a temperature not 
exceeding 104° F. 

Habitat. — Southern Europe, Germany and Russia ; living chiefly 
on Oleacese and Caprifoliacese. 

Description. — About 25 Mm. long and 6 Mm. broad; flattish 
cylindrical, with filiform antennae, black in the upper part, and with 
long wing-cases., and ample, membranous, transparent, brownish 
wings, elsewhere of a shining, coppery-green color. The powder is 
grayish-brown, and contains green shining particles. Odor strong 
and disagreeable ; taste slight, afterwards acrid. 

Constituents. — 1, the active principle is cantharidin, C 10 H 12 O 4 
( 2 per cent. ) , in colorless scales, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, 
ether, chloroform, oils, acetic acid and acetic ether ; it is found chiefly 
in the generative organs, eggs, and blood of the beetles ; 2, a volatile 
oil ; 3, a bland, green oil ; 4, acetic and uric acids, extractives and 
salts ; cantharides deteriorates with age and should be kept unpow- 
dered in tightly stoppered bottles. 

Dose.— H. & C, gr. v.-xx. (.3-1.3) ; Sh. & Sw., gr. iv.-viii. (.25- 
.5) ; D., gr. i.-ii. (.06-.12). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Tinctura Cantharidis. Tincture of cantharides. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Made by percolation of cantharides, 100; with alcohol to make 1000. (U. 
S. P.) 

Dose.— H. & C, 3ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., Nl.ii.-xv. (.12-1.). 

Ceratum Cantharidis. (U. S. P.) 

Cantharidis powdered, 320 ; petrolatum, wax, rosin and lard to make 1000. 

TJnguentum Cantharidis. (B. P.) 

Action External. — Cantharides, by virtue of cantharidin, is an 
intense irritant. When applied to the skin in ointment it produces 
no effect for several hours, but after that time causes dilatation of 
the cutaneous vessels, hyperemia, and blisters, which appear in from 



CANTHARIDES 575 

3 to 12 hours. The blisters soon break, discharge their serous con- 
tents, and then dry and crust the surface. If the action of can- 
tharides is maintained continuously; if the application is repeated, 
or covered with a bandage; or if the skin was previously inflamed, 
then inflammation of the deeper-seated parts ensues, followed by 
suppuration, sloughing, loss of tissue, destruction of hair follicles, 
and scars. The drug is therapeutically a rubefacient and vesicant^ 
and counter-irritant, in occasioning dilatation of the superficial ves- 
sels, and reflexly, contraction of those in the remote underlying parts. 
Cantharides acts more powerfully on the skin of horses' and do2;s. 
than on that of cattle and swine. If applied over an extensive sur- 
face, absorption and poisoning may occur. 

^ Action Internal. — Cantharides affects mainly the digestive and 
genito-urinary tracts. It is a violent gastro-intestinal irritant. 
Toxic doses cause vomiting, in animals capable of the act, at first 
bilious (and containing greenish specks of the wings and wing cases), 
then mucous, and finally bloody. There is purging in all, associated 
with great pain and straining, of a mucous, fibrinous, and often 
hemorrhagic character. There are salivation, swelling and pain in 
the salivary glands. The gastro-enteritis is accompanied by general 
prostration, and feeble, rapid pulse. A few hours after the occur- 
rence of the preceding symptoms there is enough absorption of can- 
tharidin to induce lumbar pain, followed by frequent, scanty and 
painful micturition (strangury). The urine is albuminous and 
often bloody. Cantharides is eliminated chiefly by the kidneys, but 
also to some extent by the other excretory organs, including the 
skin. Sexual excitement may be present in poisoning. It is more 
common with small than large toxic doses. There are erections and 
great heat in the penis, and even inflammation and sloughing of the 
organ. Abortion is precipitated in the pregnant, and "heat" is has- 
tened in the non-pregnant female. Stupor, coma, and collapse close 
the scene after lethal doses. Twenty grains of cantharides have 
killed a man ; forty, a dog ; and one drachm has destroyed a horse. 

The treatment includes the use of emetics or the stomach tube; 
opium, to relieve pain and strangury; albuminous, mucilaginous 
drinks; and, in collapse, external heat, alcoholic stimulants, cam- 
phor, digitalone, strychnine and atropine under the skin. Oils and 
fats dissolve canthariclin and must not be given in poisoning as de- 
mulcents. 

Post-Mortem Appearances. — Swelling, congestion, ecehymoses, 
and erosion of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane are observed ( 
after death by cantharides. There are, moreover, lesions of acute 
nephritis and cystitis, with inflammation of the whole genito-urinary 



576 VEGETABLE DEUGS 

mucous membrane. Hyperemia of the brain and spinal cord have 
also been reported. 

Uses External. — Cantharides is employed more frequently than 
any other counter-irritant, to cause blistering, in veterinary practice. 
The reader is referred to the section on counter-irritants (p. 620) for 
an account of their actions. The action of cantharides is too tardy 
and irritating, and there is too much danger of absorption and poison- 
ing to recommend it for the production of counter-irritation over an 
extensive area (chest and abdomen) in acute pulmonary congestion, 
pneumonia, bronchitis, colic, enteritis and peritonitis. Mustard, tur- 
pentine, and external heat are generally preferable in these disorders. 

A blister of cantharides is serviceable in pericarditis and pleuritis 
with effusion, and, applied over the throat in severe, acute laryngitis, 
may obviate the necessity of tracheotomy. Again, blisters are useful 
on the poll in inflammation of the brain and its membranes ; and over 
the spine in myelitis and meningitis ; over the lumbar region in para- 
plegia. 

A cantharidal application is often efficacious in muscular or 
joint rheumatism when placed over the affected area, or near by, in 
acute conditions. Furthermore, a cantharides blister is of advantage 
in acute diseases of the ear, when rubbed in above and behind this 
organ ; and will relieve pain in the stomach, and vomiting when 
applied to the epigastrium. 

Cantharides is the remedy usually employed in the treatment of 
diseases of the bones, joints, bursas, ligaments, and tendons. In 
exostoses, as spavin and ringbone, the ointment is used most effectively 
after the actual cautery, to secure absorption and resolution, or 
anchylosis. Cantharidal ointment is often sufficient, together with 
complete rest, in the treatment of synovitis, and strains of tendons 
and ligaments. A cantharides blister is, sometimes, beneficial in 
hastening the formation of abscesses ("strangles") ; or to aid their 
resolution after paracentesis ; also to stimulate indolent ulcers or 
wounds ; and to assist absorption of traumatic indurations, when ap- 
plied around these lesions. The actual cautery, followed by a can- 
tharides blister, will cause swelling and close the opening in the 
abdominal parietes of small umbilical hernias of foals and calves. 

Likewise, blisters are valuable in closing and sealing punctured 
wounds into joints and synovial cavities."" Cantharides is commonly 
employed in ointment (1 to 4 to 8) made by melting and mixing 
the exeipients in a double boiler; i.e., over a water bath, and stirring 
in thoroughly the powdered drug. The following is a good prepara- 
tion: 



* The U. S. P. cerate may be used, as it is a powerful preparation. Its 
strength is 32 per cent, cantharides. 



LARD 577 

Pulv. Cantharidis. 

Cerae flav .'...■ aa 3 ii. 

Adipis , § xiv. 

M. 

S. External use. 

More powerful ointments are made with powdered euphorbium and 
cantharides, each 2 parts ; corrosive sublimate, 1 part ; vaseline, 8 
parts ; cerate, 12 parts ; or, 

Tar and resin, each 4 parts ; yellow wax, 3 parts ; cottonseed 
oil, 10 parts; powdered euphorbium, 2 parts; cantharides, 6 parts. 

The technique of blistering consists in cutting the hair and wash- 
ing the part to be blistered, and rubbing the blister long and thor- 
oughly into the skin. The animal should be controlled by tying up 
the head, or using a cradle, or side-bar attached to the halter and 
surcingle, to prevent horses from biting the blistered area. The tail 
should be tied up if the blister is applied within its reach. Dogs 
should be muzzled, but are apt to rub the sore spot. The serum 
discharged from the blister must be continually sponged off with 
soap suds and water, to prevent excoriation of the subadjacent skin, 
or the latter may be covered with rosin cerate, or, better, a solution 
of rosin in alcohol, by means of a brush. 

The blister is washed off in 36 or 48 hours after its application, 
and vaseline should thereafter be kept on the part. The use of 
cantharidal blisters is contraindicated in weak or young animals; ou 
the flexures of joints; or delicate skin on the inner aspect of the 
upper part of the limbs ; on acutely inflamed areas ; and in renal 
disease. 

Uses Internal. — Cantharides is rarely administered internally. 
It is sometimes successful in stopping incontinence of urine, when 
due to relaxation of the neck of the bladder, and it may be used as a 
stimulant in chronic cystitis and pyelitis. Cantharides is recom- 
mended to increase sexual desire in cows and mares, but it has usually 
to be given in toxic doses to produce an aphrodisiac action. The 
tincture should be employed when the drug is exhibited internally. 

Adeops. Lard. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Adeps prseparatus, B. P. ; axungia, axungia porci s. 
porcina, prepared lard, hog's lard, E. ; axonge, graisse de pore, Fr. ; 
schweineschmalz, G. ; adeps suillus, P. G. 

The prepared internal fat of the abdomen of the hog (Sus 
Scrofa Var. domesticus Gray.) (class Mammalia; order Pachyder- 
mata), purified by washing with water, melting, and straining. 



578 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Properties. — A soft, white, unctuous solid, having a faint odor 
free from rancidity, and a bland taste; insoluble in water; slightly 
soluble in alcohol; readily soluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disnl- 
phide, or benzin. Spec. gr. about 0.917 at 77° F. 

PREPARATIONS. 

Ceratum. Cerate. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Cerat simple, Fr. ; einfaches cerat, wachssalbe, G. White wax, 
300; white petrolatum, 200; benzoinated lard, 500. 

Unguentum. Ointment. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym.. — Unguentum simplex, B.P. ; simple ointment, E. ; pommade sim- 
ple, Fr.; wachssalbe, G. Lard, 800; white wax, 200. (U. S. P.) 

Ceratum Resince. (See p. 454.) 

Adeps Benzoinaius. (See p. 459.) 



Sevum Preparatum. Prepared Suet. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Sevum prseparatmn, B. P. ; mutton suet, E. ; suif, 
Fr. ; talg, hammeltalg, G. ; sebum, P. G. 

The internal fat of the abdomen of the sheep Ovis aries Linne 
(class Mammalia ; order Rumiiiantia), purified by melting and strain- 
ing. 

Properties. — A white, solid fat, nearly inodorous, and having a 
bland taste when fresh, but becoming rancid on prolonged exposure 
to the air. Insoluble in water or cold alcohol ; soluble in about 60 
parts of ether, and slowly in 2 parts of benzin. 

Constituents. — 1, olein; 2, stearin; 3, palmitin ; 4, hircin. 



Ai>eps Las'.e Hydrosus. Hydrous Wool Fat. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Lanolin, cesypum. 

The purified fat of the wool of sheep (Ovis aries, Linne; class 
Mammalia; order Ruminantia), mixed with not more than 30 per 
cent, of water. 

Properties. — A yellowish-white, or nearly white ointment-like 
mass, having a faint, peculiar odor. Insoluble in water, but miscible 
with twice its weight of the latter, without losing its ointment-like 
character. 

Constituents. — 1, cholesterin, C 2G H 43 (OH) ; 2, ethers of oleic, 
stearic, palmitic and other acids. 



ACTION AND USE OF LARD, SUET, ETC. 579 

AdEPS LAN2E, (U. S. & B. P.) 

(Wool fat without water.) 

ACTION AND USE OF LAED, SUET, AND HYDROUS WOOD FAT. 

Lard is used mainly as a basis of ointments and cerates. Ben- 
zoin is commonly added to it to prevent or retard rancidity. Lard 
is inferior to petrolatum as a lubricant. It is rarely given internally 
as an antidote to caustic alkalies, and as a demulcent. 

Suet is contained in certain ointments and plasters. It is harder 
than lard and becomes rancid on prolonged exposure. Lanolin is not 
subject to rancidity, but possesses no particular medicinal action. It 
is indicated where absorption of some drug is desired (mercury, 
potassium iodide) by inunction, as it is believed to be more readily 
absorbed from the skin than any other fat. Lanolin is used as a 
basis of ointments. It may be mixed with twice its weight of water 
without losing its ointment consistency. 

Cera Flava. Yellow Wax. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Cera citrina, beeswax, B. P. ; cire jaune, Lr. ; gelbes 
wachs, G. 

A solid substance prepared from the honey comb of the bee, 
Apis mellifica Linne (class Insecta ; order Hymenoptera ) . 

Properties. — A yellowish to brownish-yellow solid, having an 
agreeable, honey-like odor, and faint, balsamic taste. Spec. gr. 
0.951-0.060. It is brittle when cold; by the heat of the hand it 
becomes plastic. Insoluble in alcohol ; sparingly soluble in cold al- 
cohol, but completely soluble in ether, chloroform, fixed and volatile 
oils. 

Constituents. — 1, myricin or myrical palmitate (C 30 H 61 , 
C 10 II 3 jO 2 ), a spermaceti-like substance; 2, cerin or cerotic acid 
(C 27 H 54 2 ), an imperfectly saponifiable waxy body; 3, hydrocarbons 
(C 27 H 56 and C 34 H 04 ) ; 4, an alcohol (C 25 H 52 0) ; 5, ceryl alcohol 
(C 27 H 56 0) ; 6, hydrocarbons, 12 per cent., 

Cera Alba. White Wax. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Cire blanche, Fr. ; weisses wachs, G. 

Yellow wax, bleached by exposure to air, light and moisture. 

Properties.- — A yellowish-white solid, somewhat translucent in 
thin layers, having a slightly rancid odor, and an insipid taste. Spec. 
gr. 0.950-0.960. Solubility and composition the same as those of 
yellow wax. 



580 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

Uses. — Yellow and white wax are used as bases for plasters, oint- 
ments and cerates, since they do not decompose nor melt at the tem- 
perature of the body. 



Cetaceum. Spermaceti. (U. S. & B. P.) 

A peculiar, concrete, fatty substance, obtained from (the head 
of the sperm whale) Physeter macrocephalus Linne (class Mam- 
malia; order Cetacea). 

Habitat. — Indian and Pacific Oceans. 

Properties. — White, somewhat translucent, slightly unctuous 
masses of a scaly-crystalline fracture and a pearly lustre; odorless, 
and having a bland, mild taste. It becomes yellow and rancid by 
exposure to the air. Spec. gr. 0.938 to 0.944-. Insoluble in water, 
nearly so in cold alcohol ; soluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disul- 
phide, fixed and volatile oils. 

Constituents. — 1, chiefly a fat, cetin or cetyl palmitate (C 16 
H3 ?( C 16 H 31 02), composed of cetylic alcohol (C 16 H 33 OH) and pal- 
mitic acid (HC 16 IT 31 2 ) ; 2, sperm oil, a small quantity. 

PREPARATION. 

Unguentum Cetacei. (B. P.) 
Spermaceti, white wax, and olive oil. Made by melting and mixing. 

Action and Uses. — Spermaceti resembles wax. It is used as an 
emollient and as a basis for plasters, ointments, and cerates. It is 
rarely used alone. 

Met.. Honey. (XL S. & B. P.) 

Synonym. — Miel, Fr. ; honig, G. 

A saccharine secretion deposited in the honeycomb by the bee, 
Apis mellifica Linne (class Insecta; order Hymenoptera). 

Properties. — A syrupy liquid of a bright yellowish to a pale- 
yell owish-brown color; translucent when fresh, but gradually becom- 
ing opaque and crystalline; having a characteristic, aromatic odor, 
and a sweet, faintly acrid taste. Nearly soluble in water. 

Constituents. — 1, grape sugar (dextrose) ; 2, fruit sugar (glu- 
cose) ; 3, a volatile oil ; 4, wax ; 5, formic acid, a trace. Fresh honey 
contains sucrose or cane sugar, which is changed into grape and fruit 
sugars. 



SUGAR OF MILK 581 



PREPARATION. 

Mel Depuratum. Clarified Honey. (U. S. & B. P. ) 

Synonym. — Mel depuratum, P. G. ; miel despume, mellite simple, F~r.; 
gereinigter ho nig, G. 

Derivation. — Melt honey with two per cent, of its weight of paper-pulp in 
water bath; skim, strain, and add five per cent, of its weight of glycerin. 

Dose. — Ad lib. 

Honey is employed as an excipient in electuaries and confec- 
tions. It is a demulcent and mild laxative for young animals. 
Oxymel (clarified honey, 8 parts ; water and acetic acid, each 1 part) 
is a soothing preparation for the throat. 

Sacoharum Lactis. Sugar of Milk. (G 1 . > HooO il -j- H 2 0.) 
(U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym,. — Lactose, lactin, milk sugar, E. ; sucre de lait, Fr. ; 
milchzucker, G. 

A peculiar, crystalline sugar obtained from the whey of cows' 
milk, by evaporation, and purified by recrystallization. 

Properties. — White, hard, crystalline masses, yielding a white 
powder, feeling gritty on the tongue ; odorless, and having a faintly 
sweet taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in about 4.79 parts 
of water; insoluble in alcohol, ether, or chloroform. 

Dose. — Ad lib. 

Uses. — Sugar of milk is less soluble and therefore less sweet 
than cane sugar. It is harder, and thus assists in the subdivision 
of drugs, and serves as a vehicle in the making of powders and trit- 
urates. It also forms the basis of homeopathic preparations. 

Sugar of milk is a considerable diuretic and may be given to 
dogs in 2 to 4 drachm doses daily, in solution in the drinking water, 
for dropsy of renal or cardiac origin. 

Pepsltstum. Pepsin. (IT. S. & B. P.) 

A proteolytic ferment or enzyme obtained from the glandular 
layer of fresh stomachs from healthy pigs, and capable of digesting 
not less than 3000 times its own weight of freshly coagulated and 
disintegrated egg albumen. 

Derivation. — The chopped mucous membrane of a pig's stomach 
is macerated for several days in a weak, aqueous solution of hydro- 
chloric acid, with frequent stirring. The pepsin is precipitated from 
this solution by the addition of sodium chloride and rises to the 



582 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

surface. The floating mixture is skimmed off, drained, pressed and 
dried. Sometimes the surface of the clean mucous membranes of 
the stomach of pigs, calves, or sheep is simply scraped off and dried. 

Properties. — Lustrous white, pale yellow or yellowish, trans- 
parent or translucent scales or grains, or a fine white or cream-colored 
amorphous powder, free from any offensive odor, and having a slightly 
acid or saline taste. It should he not more than slightly hygroscopic. 

Soluble, or almost entirely soluble, in about 50 parts of water, 
the solution having more or less opalescence ; more soluble in water 
acidulated with hydrochloric acid ; insoluble in alcohol, ether or 
chloroform. 

Pepsin, when in solution, is incompatible with alkalies, alkaline 
earths, or alkali carbonates. 

Dose. — D., Calves and Foals, gr. x.-5 i. (.6-4.). 

PREPARATIONS. 

Glycerimim Pepsini. (B. P.) 
(Contains hydrochloric acid, 3 i. = gr.v. pepsin.) 
Dose. — D., 3 i.-ii. 

Action and Uses. — Pepsin is of some value in the treatment of 
dogs and young animals. It assists the digestion of proteids in the 
stomach, but has no action on fat or carbohydrates of the food. The 
drug should usually be given along with hydrochloric acid, which 
converts any pepsinogen, in the gastric tubules, into pepsin. Pepsin 
contains the unorganized digestive ferment of the gastric juice, but 
is not by any means the pure ferment, which has never been isolated. 

Much of the commercial pepsin is inert, or is composed largely 
of mucus, albumin and peptone, which later gives the preparation 
a musty odor and causes it to absorb moisture when exposed to the 
air, and to become sticky. 

Pepsin is serviceable in gastric indigestion of young animals, 
which is sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, and in dyspepsia and 
feeble digestion caused by acute illness. Its use must not be long 
persisted in, as the normal functions of the stomach will fail from 
lack of use. Pepsin is administered in pill, or solution with hydro- 
chloric acid. 



Panceeatintjm. Pancreatin. (IT. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Zymine, B. P. 

A mixture of the enzymes naturally existing in the pancreas of 
warm-blooded animals, usually obtained from the fresh pancreas of 



PANCREATIN 583 

the hog (Sus scroja, var. domesiicus Gray), or the ox (Bos taurus 
Linne), and consisting principally of amylopsin, myopsin, trypsin, 
and steapsin, and proved to be capable, when assayed, of converting 
not less than 25 times its own weight of starch, into substances 
soluble in water. 

Derivation. — Chopped hog's pancreas is macerated in a dilute 
aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid for 48 hours, and pancreatin, 
which is separated by adding a saturated solution of sodium chloride, 
rises to the surface and is skimmed off, drained, washed, and when 
nearly dry, is diluted with sugar of milk until 10 grains will exactly 
emulsify 2 drachms of cod-liver oil. 

Properties. — A yellowish, yellowish-white or grayish, amorphous 
powder; odorless, or having a faint, peculiar, not unpleasant odor, 
and a somewhat meat-like taste. Slowly and ahnost completely solu- 
ble in water; insoluble in alcohol. 

Dose. — D., gr. v.-xv. (.3-1.). 

Action and Uses. — Pancreatin fulfils a fourfold function by vir- 
tue of the four ferments contained in it. It digests proteids by 
means of the ferments, trypsin and myopsin; it decomposes and 
emulsifies fat owing to the ferment, steapsin; it converts starch into 
sugar by reason of the ferment, amylopsin; it coagulates milk 
through the action of a milk-curdling ferment. Pancreatin is thus 
more useful than pepsin on account of its more extended actions. 

It does not digest food in an acid medium, but may aid digestion 
in the stomach, before much gastric juice has been secreted, during 
the first half hour after the ingestion of food. Pancreatin acts more 
efficiently in intestinal indigestion because of the presence of an al- 
kaline secretion. For this reason pancreatin is commonly prescribed 
with sodium bicarbonate, and, if given for intestinal indigestion, it is 
administered in pill or tablet to dogs one or two hours after feeding. 
It is indicated in diarrhea, when the fecal movements contain particles 
of undigested food, and in other forms of deficient digestion due to 
general disease. Pancreatin is more especially valuable to digest 
food previous to its administration by the mouth or rectum (see 
Artificial Feeding, p. 624). For this purpose a good preparation can 
be made extemporaneously by washing and cutting up a fresh pig's 
pancreas, soaking it in absolute alcohol for 24 hours, pressing out 
the alcohol, macerating it in ten times its weight of glycerin for 48 
hours, and filtering. The filtered glycerin extract is added in the 
proportion of 5 i. to the pint of warm milk, with a little sodium 
bicarbonate, to artificially digest it. 



584 VEGETABLE DKUGS 



Fee Bovis. Oxgall. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Fel tauri, inspissated oxgall, E. 

The fresh bile of Bos Taurus Linne (class Mammalia; order 
Ruminantia). 

Properties. — A brownish-green or dark green, somewhat viscid 
liquid, having a peculiar, unpleasant odor, and a disagreeable, bitter 
taste. Spec. gr. 1.015 to 1.025. It is neutral, or has a slightly al- 
kaline reaction, 

PREPARATION. 

Fel Bovis Purificatum. Purified Oxgall. (U. S. P.) 

Synonym. — Fel bovinum purificatum, B.P. ; fiel de boeuf purifie, Fr. ; 
gereinigte ochsengalle ( rindsgalle ) , G. 

Evaporate oxgall, 300, to 100; add alcohol, 100. The alcohol is distilled off 
from the decanted and filtered solution, and the remainder evaporated to pilular 
consistence. 

Properties. — A yellowish-green, soft solid, having a peculiar odor and a 
partly sweet and partly bitter taste. Very soluble in water and alcohol. 

Dose. — Same as for oxgall. 

Dose. — D., gr. v.-xv. (.3-1.). 

Actio7is and Uses. — Purified oxgall contains all the active ele- 
ments of bile, — biliary acids, coloring matter and cholesterin. One 
part of oxgall represents about fifteen parts of bile. Most of the 
bile ingested is absorbed from the stomach (where it may act as a 
simple bitter), and small intestines, and is carried to the liver. 
From the liver it is not only excreted again into the bowel but it 
also stimulates the secreting cells of the liver (by means of bile 
acids) and increases the secretion of bile. Bile is in fact the only 
certain cholagogue known. 

Bile has but a feeble antiseptic action, yet it excites the secretion 
of the pancreatic fat-splitting ferment and aids the absorption of fat 
in the food. In thus aiding digestion it prevents the fetid feces seen 
in biliary obstruction. Bile, moreover, assists the solubility and 
action of certain cathartics, viz., podophyllum, rhubarb, scammony, 
aloes and jalap — and has a laxative action itself, probably through 
the irritation of bile acids on the large intestines. Bile is indicated 
medicinally in obstruction to the normal flow of bile — to aid in- 
testinal digestion — and also to facilitate the action of the cathartics 
noted above. It may be used also to advantage in enema for dogs 
with chronic constipation and impacted feces (2 drams to 2 ounces 
of water). Internally it is given to dogs in pills 2 hours after meals. 



PAPAIN 585 

Papain. (Non-official.) 

Synonym. — Papayotine, papaya, papayine, papoid. 

A digestive ferment obtained from the juice of the unripe fruit 
of Carica papaya (Papaw), an herbaceous tree growing in the East 
and West Indies. Papain or papayotine are often used to describe 
the dried juice itself, which exists in the form of a powder similar 
to that of gum arabic. Papain occurs in the form of a white, or 
greyish-white, nearly tasteless powder, soluble in glycerin and water. 
Papain is said to digest both proteids and carbohydrates, in either 
an acid or alkaline medium, and is recommended in gastric or in- 
testinal indigestion in pill or powder. It has also been used to 
destroy pyogenic membrane of fistulse and abscess, in 5 per cent, 
solution; or tumors and malignant growths, injected into the tissues 
in 10 per cent, solution. This latter use is accompanied by pain 
and febrile temperature, although the substance is said to merely 
dissolve diseased tissues without caustic effect. Papain may be given 
to dogs, foals, or calves in doses of gr. ii.-x. (.12-. 6). 

Oleum Moerhu^:. Cod liver oil. (U. S. & B. P.) 

Synonym, — Oleum jecoris ascelli, P. G. ; oleum hapatis rnor- 
rhna?, cod oil, E. ; huile de morue, huile de foie de morue, Fr. ; 
leberthran, stockfischleberthran, G. 

A fixed oil obtained from fresh livers of Gadus morrhua Linne 
and other species of Gadus (class Pisces; order Teleostei; family 
Gadidse). 

Habitat. — North Atlantic Ocean. 

Properties. — A pale-yellow, thin, oily liquid, having a peculiar, 
slightly fishy, but not rancid odor, and a bland, slightly fishy taste. 
Spec. gr. 0.918 to 0.922, Scarcely soluble in alcohol, but readily 
soluble in ether, chloroform or carbon disulphide ; also in 2.5 parts 
of acetic ether. Brown oils are not desirable therapeutically. 

Constituents. — 1, glycerin oleate, 70 per cent. ; 2, palmitin and 
stearin, 25 per cent. ; 3, oleic, margaric, palmitic, stearic, butyric 
and acetic acids, in small quantities; 4, biliary matter, as cholic, 
fellinic and bilifellinic acids; 5, gaduin (C 35 H 46 9 ) ; 6, morrhuol, a 
crystalline substance containing iodine, phosphorus and bromine; 7, 
traces of iron, lime, and magnesia; 8, decomposition products or 
cadaveric alkaloids, in brown oils. 

Dose.— H. & C, 5 ii.-v. (60.-120.); Sh. & Sw., % ss.-i. (15.- 
30.); D. & G, 5 i.-iii. (4.-12.). 

Action Internal. — Cod liver oil resembles other oils in aiding 
nutrition, the accumulation of fat, and the maintenance of bodily 



586 VEGETRBLE DRUGS 

heat, but surpasses them in three particulars : 1, cod liver oil is 
more easily absorbed ; this has been proven comparatively by in- 
jecting various oils into separate ligated portions of the living animal 
bowel ; 2, cod liver oil is more readily oxidized after absorption ; 
this is shown by the fact that it reduces and therefore changes the 
color of potassium permanganate solutions more quickly than other 
oils ; 3, cod liver oil increases the number of red blood corpuscles in 
anemia; this has been demonstrated by blood-counts, but not by 
comparison with the effect of other oils. The ease of absorption is 
thought by some to be due to biliary principles which aid the dif- 
fusion of substances through a mucous membrane (osmosis) when 
the latter is moistened by bile; by others it is attributed to the pres- 
ence of free acids in the oil which would tend to saponify and emul- 
sify the drug. The medicinal superiority of cod liver oil has led 
many writers to classify it as an alterative, and special properties 
have been referred to the minute traces of iodine, phosphorus, and 
bromine in the oil. These agents exist in too infinitesimal an 
amount to exert much therapeutic action. 

It is probable that no one constituent, or group of constituents, 
yet separated from the oil truly represent its medicinal effect. Cod 
liver oil is inferior to other oils in one respect, however, and this 
consists in its liability to cause nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and 
vomiting, in large doses and in some patients. 

Administration. — Cod liver oil may be given pure, or if this 
does not agree, it may be exhibited in various ways: 1, with an 
equal quantity of lime water and a little syrup; 2, with ether (nix.), 
small animals ; 5 i. to large animals ; or with whisky ; 3, shaken with 
white of an egg, or mucilage of tragacanth, and a few drops of oil 
of peppermint ; 4, to dogs, in one of the proprietary emulsions, or 
with malt extract. The oil should be given after feeding and ad- 
ministration begun with the smaller doses as recommended above. 

Uses. — Cod liver oil is indicated generally in conditions of 
malnutrition occurring primarily; in the course of chronic diseases; 
or following acute diseases. It is especially indicated in diseases of 
the respiratory tract, when it improves the nutrition of the mucous 
membranes, as well as the general nutrition. Thus cod liver oil is 
one of the best remedies in tardy convalescence from canine asthma 
and distemper; from influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia and strangles 
in horses; also in "heaves," emphysema, or broken wind in horses. 
Carron oil is cheaper and very efficient in the latter disorder, given 
on the food. 

Cod liver oil is valuable in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, 
chronic eczema, and chorea of dogs; and in rickets, anemia, weak- 
ness, and emaciation in all young animals. It often proves curative 



ICHTHYOL 587 

in various forms of muscular and chronic articular rheumatism, and 
facilitates the absorption of chronically enlarged glands. The use 
of cod liver oil is contra-indicated in hot weather, and in animals 
suffering from indigestion or acute diarrhea. It is often beneficial, 
however, in chronic diarrhea. 

Linseed oil, oil cake, and cottonseed meal may often be conven- 
iently and properly substituted for cod liver oil, in the case of the 
large patients ; while morrhuol (gr. iii. = 1 teaspoonful cod liver 
oil ?) given in pills, or lipanin (oleic acid, 6; olive oil, 100) may be 
exhibited in drachm doses to clogs when cod liver oil does not agree. 



Iohthyollttm. Ichthyol. (1ST on-official.) 

Synonym. — Ammonium ichthyol sulphonate. 

Derivation. — A bituminous quartz occurring in the Tyrol Moun- 
tains, containing the fossil remains of fish, is distilled with strong 
sulphuric acid, and sulphurous acids are removed from the distillate 
by sodium chloride, while sulphonic acid separates out. The latter 
is usually saturated with ammonia, forming ichthyol; but similar 
preparations are made by the combination of sulnhonic acid with 
sodium, lithium and zinc. 

Properties. — A thick, dark, reddish-brown liquid, of a tarry 
consistency, and possessing a peculiar, disagreeable odor and hot, 
bituminous taste. It is soluble in water, glycerin, alcohol, benzol, 
fats and fixed oils. 

Constituents. — Ichthyol contains about 15 per cent, of sulphur; 
also an inseparable volatile oil, to which its disagreeable odor is due. 

A ction and Uses. — Ichthyol is one of the most widely used drugs 
recently introduced into medicine. It is employed iu the treatment 
of acute and chronic diseases of the skin and subadjacent tissues, 
accompanied with inflammation, pain, swelling, and induration ; also 
in epidermal proliferation. Ichthyol is supposed to readily permeate 
the skin, and there act to relieve inflammation and pain, and aid 
resolution. It is one of the most commonly prescribed remedies in 
chronic eczema and urticaria ; in erysipelas, muscular and articular 
rheumatic disorders ; and in bruised and strained muscles, tendons 
and ligaments. The drug is commonly used in the treatment of 
frost bites, burns, and in causing absorption of lymphatic enlarge- 
ments. Ichthyol is recommended as a cure for sarcoptic mange and 
scab. The drug is somewhat antiseptic, and is a stimulant, anodyne 
and resolvent to the skin, locally. Ichthyol is most satisfactorily ap- 
plied to the unbroken skin in 25 to 50 per cent, ointment, with lanolin 
or lard. Solutions in water, glycerin, oils or alcohol, are sometimes 



588 VEGETABLE DRUGS 

employed of various strengths. Ich.th.yol is rarely given internally 
for chronic rheumatism. While the drug has had the widest use and 
commendation, and in the most diverse lesions, yet its reputation is 
waning and was not founded on any solid basis — unless that of its 
unusually vile odor. 

Thiol is a substitute for ichthyol, lacking the unpleasant odor 
of the latter medicament. Thiol is derived from brown-colored 
paraffin or gas-oils, by a complicated process, and consists of a mix- 
ture of sulphureted hydrocarbons. The drug exists in two forms: 
1, thiolum liquidum, a thin, brownish-black liquid, soluble in water 
and glycerin ; 2, thiolum siccum, occurring in lustrous scales. Thiol 
is cheaper than ichthyol and is said to be as efficacious as the latter. 
This remains to be proved. Liquid thiol is employed in 10 per cent, 
aqueous solution or in ointment; and thiolum siccum in powder, 
dusted on inflamed parts, as in acute moist eczema. 



DOSES OF DRUGS. 



In the following table three doses are usually given for each 
drug. The first dose is for horses and cattle, in both the apothecaries 7, 
and metric systems of weights and measures. The second dose is 
for sheep and swine, in both the apothecaries' and metric systems of 
weights and measures. The third dose is for dogs (and also cats) 
in both the apothecaries' and metric systems of weights and meas- 
ures. 

Letters are used to signify the name of the animal for which 
the dose is intended. Thus: H., Horses; 0., Cattle; Sh., Sheep; 
Sw., Swine; D., Dogs (which also includes cats in most cases). 

The followng abbreviations are also employed: lb., pound; pt. 
pint; oz., ounce; dr., drachm; m., minim; gr., grain; gm., gram; cc, 
cubic centimeter. These doses are suitable for animals of average 
weight. 

Dose Table. 

Acetanilid.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-1 (gm. 2.-4.). D. r 

gr. 3-7 (gm. .2-.5). 
Acetum Opii.— H., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). C, oz. 2-3 (cc. 60.-90.). Sh. & Sw., 

dr. 2-6 (cc. 8.-24.). D., m. 3-20 (cc. .2-1.3). 
Acid, Arsenous — H. & C, gr. 2-3 (gm. .12-.2) ; single dose, gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Sh. & Sw., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-.12). D., gr. l/ 30 -i/ 10 (gm. .002-.006). 

Acid, Benzoic— H., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 5.-15 (gm. .3-1.). 
Acid, Bokic— H., dr. 2-4. (gm. 8.15.). D., gr. 5-15 (gm. .3-1.). 

Acid, Carbolic— H. & C, gr. 15-30 (gm. 1.-2.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 5-10 (gm. 

.3-.6). D., gr. i-1 (gm. .03-.06). 
Acid, Citric— H., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). 

Acid, Gallic— H. & C, dr. 2-4. (gm. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., dr. i-1 (gm. 2.-4.). 
D., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Acid, Hydriodic (syrup of). — D. dr. 1 (cc. 4.). 

Acid, Hydrochloric (dilute).— H., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). 
Sh. & Sw., m. 15-20 (cc. 1-1.3). Sw. & D., m. 5-20 (cc. .3-1.3). 

589 



590 DOSE TABLE 

Acid, Hydrocyanic (dilute).— H. & C., m. 20-40 (cc. 1.3-2.6). Sh., m. 10-r 
(cc. .6-1.). Sw., m. 2-5 (cc. .12-.3). D., m. 1-3 (cc. .06-.2). 

Acid, Lactic— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., dr. J-l (cc. 2.-4.). 

Acid, Nitric (dilute).— H., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (8.-15.). Sh., dr 
h-l (cc. 2.-4.). Sw. & D., m. 5-30 (cc. .3-2.). 

Acid, Nitrohydrochloric — H., m. 20-40 (cc. 1.3-2.6). D., m. 3-5 (cc. .2.3). 

Acid, Nitrohydrociiloric (dilute). — H., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.- 
15.). Sh., dr. i-1 (cc. 2.-4.). Sw. & D., m. 5-30 (.3-2.). 

Acid, Phosphoric (dilute). — EL, dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). 
Sh. & Sw., dr. i-l (cc. 2.-4.). D., m. 5-30 (.3-2.). 

Acid, Salicylic— H. & C, dr. 2-8 (gm. 8-30). Sh., dr. 1-4 (gm. 4.-15.). Sw., 
dr. J-l (gm. 2.-4.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 

Acid, Sulphuric (dilute).— H., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). Sh., 
dr. i-1 (cc. 2.-4.). Sw. & D., m. 10-30 (cc. .6-2.). 

Acid, Sulphuric, Aromatic — H., dr. 4-1 (cc. 2.-4.). C, dr. 2.-4. (cc. 8.-15.). 
Sh., m. 15-30 (cc. 1.-2.). Sw. & D., m. 5-15 (cc. .3-1.). 

Acid, Sulphurous. — H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). 
D., dr. 1-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Acid, Tannic— H. & C, dr. $-4 (gm. 2.-15.). Sh. & Sw., dr. -J-l (gm. 2.-4.). 
D., gr. 1-15 (gm. .06-1.). 

Acid, Tartaric— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 10-30 (gm. .6-2.). 

Aconite. — H., gr. 3-20 (gm. .2-1.3). D., gr. i/ 10 -2 (gm. .006-. 12). 

Aconite, Extract of Leaves. — H., gr. 3-6 (gm. .2-. 4). D., gr. \-l (gm. .03-. 06). 

Aconite, Extract of. — H., gr. 1-3 (gm. .06-.2). D., gr. i/iq-H (gm. .006-.015). 

Aconite, Fluidextract of.— H., m. 3-20 (cc. .2-1.3). D., m. i/ 10 -2 (cc. .006-.12). 

Aconite, Tincture of.— H., m. xx.-3 i. (1.3-4.). C, 3 ss.-iss. (2.-6.); Sh. & Sw., 
m. x.-xx. (.6-1.3). D., m. ii.-x. (.12-.6). 

Aconitine Nitrate (Squibb). — H., gr. y so (gm. .002). D., gr. ^oo'-^oo (g™- 
.00015.-0003). 

Adrenalin Solution. — (By mouth), H., dr. 2-4 (cc. S.-15.). D., TT|10-60 (cc. 
0.6-4.). 

Aloes.— H., oz. 4-1 (gm. 15.-30.). C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh., oz. ^-1 (gm. 
15.-30.). Sw., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 20-60 (gm. 1.3-4.). 

Aloin.— H. & C, dr. 2-3 (gm. 8.-12.). D., gr. 2-20 (gm. .12-1.3). 

Alum.— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 20.-60. (gm. 1.3-4.). D., 
gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-. 6). Emetic, dr. 1 (gm. 4). 

Ammonia, Aromatic Spirit of.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 
2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., dr. i-1 (cc. 2.-4.) 



DOSE TABLE 591 

Ammonia, Spirit of.— H. & C., oz. £-1 (cc. 15.30.). Sh. & Sw, dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). 
D., m. 10-20 (cc. .6-1.3). 

Ammonia, Water of.— H. & C., oz. j-.l (cc. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (cc. 
4.-8.). D., m. 10-20 (cc. .6-1.3). 

Ammonia, Stronger Water of.— H. & C, dr. 2-6 (cc. 8.-24.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 
1 (cc. 4.). D., in. 5-10 (cc. .3-.6). 

Ammonium, Solution of Acetate.— H. & C, oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). D., dr. 2-8 
(cc. 8.-30.). 

Ammonium Benzoate. — H., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 5-15 (gm. .3-1.). 

Ammonium Carbonate.— H., dr. 2 (gm. 8.). C, dr. 3-6 (gm. 12.-24). Sh. & 
Sw., gr. 15.-40. (gm. 1.-2.6). D., gr. 3-10 (gm. .2-.6). Emetic, D., gr. 
15 (gm. 1). 

Ammonium Chloride.— H., dr. 2 (gm. 8.). C, dr. 3-6 (gm. 12.-24.) Sh. & 
Sw., gr. 15-40 (gm. 1.-2.6). D., gr. 3-10 (gm. .2-.6). 

Ammonium Valerate. — D., gr. 2-5 (gm. .12-.3). 

Amyl Nitrite. — H., dr. -J-l (cc. 2.-4.). D., m. 2-5 (cc. .12-.3), by inhalation. 

Anise.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-3 (gm. 8.-12.). D., 
gr. 10-30 (gm. .6-2.). 

Anise, Oil of.— H., m. 20-30 (cc. 1.3-2.). D., m. 1-5 (cc. .06-.3). 

Anise, Spirit of.— D., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). 

Antimony and Potassium Tartrate. — EL, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sw., emetic, 
gr. 4-10 (gm. .24-. 6). D., gr. i/ 10 -% (gm. .006-.03). Emetic, D., gr. 1-2 
(gm. .06-.12). 

Antimony, Wine of. — I)., m. 5-60 (cc. .3-4.) 

Antipyrin — H. & C, dr. 3-4 (gm. 12.-15.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1 (gm. 4). D., gr. 
5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Anti-Strangles Antitoxin. — H., 30 cc. (see p. 661). 

Antistreptococcic Serum. — H., 20-50 cc. 

Antitoxin Anti-Strangles. — H., 30 cc. (see p. 661). Influenza — EL, 30 to 90 
cc. (see p. 661). Tetanus — H., 10 cc. as prophylactic (see p. 658). 

Apomorphine Hydrochloride. — Subeutaneously — EL, gr. % (0.045). Foals, gr. 
V 2 (0.03). Calves & Sheep, gr. % (0.03). Cows, gr. \% (0.09). D., gr. 
1^0 to y 5 (0.006-0.012) as emetic. By the mouth, as expectorant — D., gr. 
%0 to %6 (0.0015-0.0024). 

Areca Nut. — H., oz. i-1 (gm. 15.-30.). Lamb, dr. 1 (gm. 4.). D., gr. 15-60 
(gm. 1.-4.) Fowl, gr. 10-40. 

Areca, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as nut. 

Arecoline Hydrobromide. — EL & C, gr. §-1^ (0.04-0.09) ; average dose subcutan., 
gr. i. (gm. 0.06) . 

Arsenic. — See Acid, Arsenous. 



592 DOSE TABLE 

Arsenic, Fowler's Solution of.— H. & C, dr. 2-8 (cc. 8.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 
1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). D., m. 2-10 (cc. .12-.6). 

Asafetida.— H. & C., oz. \-l (gm. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). 
D., gr. 3-10 (gm. .2-.6). 

Asafetida, Emulsion of. — D., oz. ^-1 (cc. 15.-30.). 

Asafetida, Pill.— D., (1.-4.). 

Asafetida, Tincture of.— H. & C, oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). D., dr. -§-1 (cc. 2.-4.). 

Aspidium, Fluidextract of (B. P.).— H. & C, dr. 3-6 (cc. 12.-24.). Sh. & Sw., 
dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-S.). D., m. 15-60 (cc. 1.-4.). 

Aspidium, Oleoresin of— H. & C., dr. 3-6 (cc. 12.-24.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (cc. 
4.-8.). D., m. 15-60 (cc. 1.-4.). 

Aspirin.— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 5-20 (gm. 0.3-1.3). 

Atoxyl. — H., gr. 5-15 subcut. (gm. 0.3-1.). 

Atropine Sulphate.— H., gr. 1-H (gm. .06-.09). C, gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-. 12). Sh. 
& Sw., gr. y 15 -Vi 2 (gm. .004-.005). D., gr. y 12 o-V&o (0.0005-.000S) . Average 
dose, D., gr. i/ 100 (gm. .0006). 

Balsam of Peru.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). 
D., m. 10-30 (cc. .6-2.). 

Barium Chloride.— H., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Intravenously, gr. 15-30 (1.-2.). 
Cows, dr. 4 (gm. 15.). Calves, dr. 1 (gm. 4.), by mouth. 

Belladonna, Alcoholic Extract of Leaves. — H. & C, gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). 
Sh. & Sw., gr. 2-4 (gm. .12-.24). D., gr. H (gm. .008-.03). 

Belladonna, Tincture of Leaves. — D., m. 15-30 (cc. 1.-2.). 

Belladonna Root, Fluidextract of.— LL, dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-3 (cc. 
8.-12.). Sh. & Sw., m. 10-15 (cc. .6-1.). D., m. 1-3 (cc. .06-.2). 

Benzoin, Tincture of.— H., oz. 1 (cc. 30.). D., dr. ^-1 (cc. 2.-4.) 

Betula, Oil of. — See Gaultheria. 

Bismuth Salicylate. — D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Bismuth Subcarbonate.— H., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 10-30 (gm. .6-2). 

Bismuth Subnitrate. — Dose same as subcarbonate. 

Brandy.— H. & C, oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). Sh. & Sw., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). D., 
dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). 

Buchu, Fluidextract of— H., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). D., m. 5-30 (cc. .3-2.). 

Buckthorn (Rhamnus Catharticus), Syrup of. — D., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Cats, 
oz. i-1 (cc. 15.-30.). 

Caffeine.— H., 3 ss.-ii. (gm. 2.-8.). D., gr. i-3 (gm. .03-.2). 

Caffeine, Citrated.— H., 3 ii.-iv. (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 1-6 (gm. .06-.36). 



DOSE TABLE 593 

Calamus.— H. & C., oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2.3 (gm. 8.-12.). D., 
gr. 15-60 (gm. 1.-4.). 

Calamus, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Calamus. 

Calcium, Precipitated Carbonate of. — H., oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). C, oz. 2-4 (gm. 
60.-120). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 10-60 (gm. 6-4). 

Calcium Chloeide.— H. & C, oz. £-1 (gm. 15-30). D., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Calcium, Lactophosphate, Syrup of. — Foals and Calves, oz. £-1 (cc. 15.-30.). 
D., dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). 

Calcium, Precipitated Phosphate of. — H., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). C, oz. 1-1 (gm. 
15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Calomel. — See Mercury. 

Calumba.— H. & C, oz. 1-1 (gm. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., 
gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 

Calumba, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Calumba. 

Calumba, Tincture of.— H. & C, oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). D., dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). 

Camphor.— H., dr. 1-3 (gm. 4.-12.). C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 
15-60 (gm. 1.-4.). D., gr. 3-20 (gm. .2-1.3.). 

Camphor, Monobromated. — D., gr. 2-10 (gm. .12-. 6). 

Camphor, Liniment of. — H., subcut., oz. 1-i. (cc. 15.-30.), not more than dr. 1% 
injected at one point. D., m. 15-30 (cc. 1.-2.). 

Camphor, Spirit of.— H., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). D., dr. 1-1 (cc. 2.-4.). 

Cannabis Indica, Extract of. — H., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. |-1 (gm. .015- 
.06). 

Cannabis Indica, Fluidextract of. — H., dr. 4-6 (cc. 15.-24.). D., m. 3-10 (cc. 
.2-.6). 

Cannabis Indica, Tincture of. — D., m. 15-30 (cc 1.-2.). 

Cantharides.— H. & C, gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). Sh. & Sw., gr. 4-8 (gm. .24-.5). 
D., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-.12). 

Cantharides, Tincture of. — H., dr. 2-4 (cc 8.-15.). D., m. 2-15 (cc. .12-1.). 

Capsicum.— H., gr. 20-60 (gm. 1.3-4.). C, dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 1-8 
(gm. .06-.48). 

Capsicum, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Capsicum. 

Capsicum, Oleoresin of. — H., m. 10-30 (cc. .6-2.). C, dr. 1-1 (cc. 2.-4.). D., 
m. i-1 (cc. .015-.06). 

Capsicum, Tincture of. — H., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). C, oz. 1-1 (cc. 15.-30.). D., 

m. 5-60 (cc. .3-4.). 
Carbon Bisulphide. — H., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). 

Cardamon.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-3 (gm. 8.-12.). 
D., gr. 10-30 (gm. .6-2.). 



594 DOSE TABLE 

Caedamon, Fluidextract of. — Dose same. (Non-official.) 

Caedamon, Compound Tincture of. — D., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). 

Cakdamon, Tincture of. — D., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). 

Cascaea Sageada. — D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 

Cascaea Sageada, Fluidextract of. — D., m. 5-30 (cc. .3-2.). 

Cascaea Sageada (Solid) Extract of. — D., gr. 2-8 (gm. .12-.5). 

Cascaeilla.— H. & 0., oz. $-1 (gm. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). 
D., gr. 10-30 (gm. .6-2.). 

Castoe Oil.— H. & C., pt. 1 (cc. 500.). Sh. & Sw., oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). D., 
dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). Fowl, dr. 1 (cc. 4.). 

Catechu.— H., oz. *-l (gm. 15.-30.). C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 
1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 

Catechu, Fluidextract of (non-official). — -Dose same as Catechu. 

Catechu, Tincture of.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Foals, Calves and Sheep, 
oz. i-1 (cc. 15.-30.). D., dr. J-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Ceeium Oxalate. — D., gr. 3-5 (gm. .2-.3). 

Chalk, Compound Powder of. — D., gr. 10-60 (gm. .6-4.). 

Chalk Mixtube — D., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). 

Chalk, Peepaeed.— H., oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). C, oz. 2-4 (gm. 60.-120.). Sh. & 
Sw., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 10-60 (gm. .6-4.). 

Chabcoal (Wood, and animal, purified). — II. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. 
& Sw., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 20-60 (gm. 1.3-4.). 

Chlobal— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., 
gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Chlobetone. — D., gr. 5-10 (gm. 0.3-0.6.). 

Chloeofoem.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). Sh. & Sw., m. 20-30 (cc. 1.3-2.). 
D., m. 2-20 (cc. .12-1.3). 

Chloeofoem, Spirit of— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.- 
15.). D., dr. i-1 (cc. 2.-4.). 

Cinchona Baek.— H., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & 
Sw., dr. 1-4 (gm. 4.-15.). D., gr. 10-60 (gm. .6-4.). 

Cinchona, Compound Tincture of. — H., oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). D., dr. |-4 (cc. 
2.-15.). 

Cinchona, Extract of.— H., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 

Cinchona, Fluidextract of.— H., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). 
Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). D., gr. 10-60 (cc. .6-4.). 

Cinchonine Sulphate, Tonic Dose. — H., gr. 20-60 (gm. 1.3-4.). C, dr. f-1^ 
(gm. 3.-6.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 6-15 (gm. .36-1.). D., gr. 1*-2| (.1-.15). 



DOSE TABLE 595 

Cinchonine Sulphate, Antipyretic Dose. — H., dr. 2i-5 (gm. 10.-20.). Sh. & 
Sw., gr. 40-50 (gm. 2.6-3.3). D., gr. 7-15 (gm. .5-1.). 

Cinchonidine Sulphate. — Dose same as Cinchonine Sulphate. 

Cocaine Hydrochloride.— H., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). D., gr. §-| (gm. .008-.045). 

Cod Liver Oil.— H., oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). Sh. & Sw., oz. |-1 (cc. 15.-30.). D., 
dr. 1-3 (cc. 4.-12.). 

Codeine.— D., gr. |-2 (gm. .015-.12). 

Colchicine.— H. & C, gr. hi (gm. .01-.03). D., gr. Y^oMo (gm. .0005-.0012). 

Colchicum Corm.— H. & C, dr. |-2 (gm. 2.-8.). Sh., gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). 
Sw. & D., gr. 2-8 (gm. .12-.5). 

Colchicum Corm, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Colchicum. 

Colchicum Corm, Tincture of.— H. & C, dr. 3-8 (cc. 12.-30.). D., m. 10-30 
(cc. .6-2.). 

Colchicum Corm, Wine of.— H. & C, dr. 3-8 (cc. 12.-30.). D., m. 10-30 (cc. 
.6-2.). 

Collargol (Colloidal Silver). — See p. 170. 

Colocynth. — D., gr. 3-8 (gm. .2-.5). 

Colocynthin. — H., dr. i-1 (gm. 2.-4.). D., gr. |-1 (gm. .015-.06). 

Coniine Hydrobromide. — H. & C, gr. f-1^ (gm. .045-.1). Sh. & Sw., gr. i-'f 
(gm. .012-.024). D., gr. y 30 -y 12 (gm. .002-.005). 

Conium.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (gm.-4.-8.).. Sh. & Sw., gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). D., 
gr. 2-5 (gm. .12-.3). 

Conium, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Conium. 

Conium, Extract of.— H. & C, gr. 12-24 (gm. .72-1.5). Sh. & Sw., gr. 2-4 
(gm. .12-.24). D., gr. £-1 (gm. .015-.06). 

Convallaria, Fluidextract of. — H. & C, dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). D., m. 5-10 (cc. 
.3-.6). 

Copper Sulphate.— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 20-40 (gm. 
1.3-2.6). D., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-. 12). Emetic— D., gr. 6-20 (gm. .36-1.3). 

Corrosive Sublimate. — (See Mercury.) 

Cotton Root Bark. — (See Gossypium.) 

Creosote.— H., m. 15-30 (cc. 1.-2.). C, dr. i-1 (cc. 2.-4.). Sh. & Sw., m. 5.-15 
(cc. .3-1.). D., m. i-2 (cc. .03-.12). 

Creolin.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). D., m. 1-5 (cc. .06-.3). Single dose as 
anthelmintic. H., oz. i-1 (cc. 15.-30.). 

Croton Oil.— H., m. 15-30 (cc. 1.-2.). C, dr. |-1 (cc. 2.-4.). Sh. & Sw., m. 
5-10 (cc. .3-.6). D., m. 1-3 (cc. .03-.2). 

Digitalein— H., gr. H (gm. .008-.015). D., gr. 1/ 100 (gm. .0006). 



596 DOSE TABLE 

Digitalin.— H., gr. H (.008-.015). D., gr. ^oo^/ioo (.0003-.0006) . 

Digitaijnum Pueum, German. — H., gr. ss.-i. (.03-.06). D. 3 gr. %o4&0 (-001-.002). 

Digitalis— H., gr. 10-60 (gm. .6-4.). C, dr. J-l£ (gm. 2.-6.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 
5-15 (gm. .3-1.). D., gr. J-3 (gm. .03-.2). 

Digitalis, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Digitalis. 

Digitalis, Extract of. — H., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). D., gr. &-£ (gm. .008-.03). 

Digitalis, Infusion of.— H. & C, oz. 2-6 (cc. 60.-180.). Sh. & Sw., oz. £-1 (cc. 
15.-30.). D., dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). 

Digitalis, Tincture of— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., dr. J-'li (cc. 
2.-6.). D., m. 5-30 (cc. .3-2.). 

Digitalone, subcut. — H., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 5-20 (cc. 0.3-1.3). 

Digitoxin— H., gr. H (.008-.015). D., gr. ^ 50 -% (-00025-.00125). 

Dover's Powder. — H., oz. \-\ (gm. 15.-30.). D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Dover's Powder, Liquid. — H., oz. $-1 (cc. 15.-30.). D., m. 5-10 (cc. .3-.6). 

Elaterin.— D., gr. Y 2 vVl3 (g m - -003-.005). 

Ergot.— H. & C, oz. £-1 (gm. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., 
dr. l-l (gm. 2.-4.). 

Ergot, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Ergot. 

Ergot, Extract of ( Ergotin ) .— H. & C, gr. 20-60 (gm. 1.3-4.). D., gr. 2-10 
(gm. .12-.6). 

Ergot, Tincture of.— H. & C, oz. J-2 (cc 15.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-4 (cc. 
4.-15.). D., dr. i-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Eserine. — ( See Physostigmine. ) 

Ether.— H. & C., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 
10-60 (cc. .6-4.). 

Ether, Spirit of, and Compound Spirit of. — H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc 30.-60.). Sh. 
& Sw., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 10-60 (cc. .6-4.). 

Ether, Nitrous, Spirit of (Sweet Spirit of Nitre). — H. & C, oz. 1-4 (cc 30.- 
120.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 10-60 (cc. .6-4.). 

Eucalyptus, Fluidextract of— H., oz. 2-3 (cc. 60.-90.). D., dr. i-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Eucalyptus, Oil of.— H., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 5-20 (cc. .3-1.3). 

Eucalyptol. — Dose same as Oil of Eucalyptus. 

Fennel.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-3 (gm. 8.-12.). D. ? 
gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). 

Fel Bovis. — (See Oxgall.) 

Fenugreek.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-3 (gm. 8.-12.). 
D., gr. 10-30 (gm. .6-2.). 

Fibrolysin. — H., 11.5 cc subcut. 



DOSE TABLE 597 

Frangula, Fluidextract of. — D., dr. A-l (cc. 2.-4.). 

Gamboge.— H., oz. hi (grn. 15.-30.). C., oz. 1-U (gm. 30.-45.). Sh. & Sw., 
gr. 20-60 (gin. 1.3-4.). D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Gaultheria, Oil of.— H. & C, dr. 2-oz. 1 (cc. 8.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. £-2 (cc. 
2.-8.). D., m. 5-15 (cc. .3-1.). 

Gelsemine.— H., gr. J-J (gm. .015-.03). D., gr. VecrHlO (g™- .001-.003). 

Gelsemium. — H., dr. 1-2 (grn. 4.-S.). D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Gelsemitjm, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Gelsemium. 

Gelsemium, Tincture of. — H., oz. £-2 (cc. 15.-60.). D., m. 15-60 (cc. 1.-4.). 

Gentian.— H., oz. i-1 (gm. 15.-30.). C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 
1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 

Gentian, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Gentian. 

Gentian, Compound Tincture of. — H. & C, oz. 1-4 (cc. 30.-120.). D., dr. 1-4 
(cc. 4.-15.). 

Ginger.— H., dr. 2-oz. 1 (gm. 8.-30.). C, oz. 1-4 (gm. 30.-120.). Sh. & Sw., 
dr. 1-2 (gm. 4-8). D., gr. 5-15 (gm. .3-1.). 

Ginger, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Ginger. 

Ginger, Oleoresin of. — One-fifth dose of Ginger. 

Glycerin. — H. & C, oz. 1 (cc. 30.). D., dr. ^-1 (cc. 2.-4.). 

Glycerophosphates, Lime and Iron. — H., dr. 3 (gm. 12.). D., gr. 5-15 (gm. 
0.3-1.). 

Glycyrrhiza. — See licorice. 

Gossypium Root, Fluidextract of Bark of. — H. & C, oz. £-1 (cc. 15.-30.). Sh. 
& Sw., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-S.). D., dr. £-1 (cc. 2.-4.). 

Granatum (Pomegranate). — D., dr. i-l£ (gm. 2.-6.). 

Granatum, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as granatum. 

Gbanati Radicis Cortex, Fluidextract of. — D., dr. J-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

H,ematoxylon, Extract of.— H. & C, dr. *-4 (gm. 2.-15.). Sh. & Sw., dr. £-1 
(gm. 2.-4.). D., gr. 5-15 (gm. .3-1.). 

ILematoxylon, Fluidextract of. — H. & C, oz. i-^i (cc. 15.-45.). Sh. & Sw., 
dr. 1J-3 (cc. 6.-12.). D., m. 15-45 (cc. 1.-3.). 

Hamamelis, Fluidextract of.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). D., dr. i-2 (cc. 

2.-8.). 

Hamamelis, Water of. — Same doses as fluidextract. 

Hydrastin. — H., gr. 15-30 (gm. 1.-2.). D., gr. 3-5 (gm. .2-.3). 

Hydrastine Hydrochlorate. — H., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-. 12). D., gr. Y^-Yq (gm. 
.005-.01). 



598 DOSE TABLE 

Hydrastis, Fluidextract of.— H. & C., dr. 2-oz. 1 (cc. 8.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 
1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). D., m. 5-60 (cc. .3-4.). 

Hydrastis, Glycerite of. — Dose same as Fluid Extract. 

Hydrastis, Tincture of.— H., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). D., dr. 4-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Hyoscine Hydrobromide. — H., gr. %-i (gm. .01-.015). D., gr. y^Q'Vwo (g™- 
.0004-.0006). 

Hyoscyamine Hydrobromide and Sulphate. — H, gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-. 12). D., 

gr. }/60-%0 (gm- -001-.002). 

Hyoscyamus.— H. & C, oz. 4-1 (gm. 15.-30.). D., gr. 5-15 (gm. .3-1.). 
Hyoscyamus, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Hyoscyamus. 

Hyoscyamus, Extract of.— H. & C, gr. 20-60 (gm. 1.3-4.). D., gr. i-2 (gm. 
.03-.12). 

Hyoscyamus, Tincture of. — D., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). 

Hyoscyamus, Succus of. — D., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). 

Hypophosphites, Compound Syrup of. — D., dr. 1 ( cc. 4. ) . 

Influenza Antitoxin. — H., 30 to 90 cc. 

Iodine.— H. & C, dr. £-1 (gm. 2.-4.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). D., gr. 
2-5 (gm. .12-.3). 

Iodine, Compound Solution of. — H., dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 2-10 (cc. .12-.6). 

Iodine, Tincture of.— H, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 2-10 (cc. .12-.6). 

Ipecac— H., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (gm. .8-15.). Sh., dr. 4-1 (gm. 
2.-4.). D., gr. |-2 (gm. .03-.12). Emetic— D. & Sw., gr. 15-30 (gm. 1.-2.). 
Cats, gr. 5-12 (gm. .13-.72). 

Ipecac, Fluidextract of . — Dose same as Ipecac. 

Ipecac, Syrup of. — D., Expectorant, m. 15-60 (cc. 1.-4.). 

Ipecac, Wine of. — D., Expectorant, m. 15-60 (cc. 1.-4.). 

Iron and Ammonium Citrate. — D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-. 6). 

Iron, Carbonate, Saccharated. — H., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). 
Sh. & Sw., gr. 20-30 (gm. 1.3-2.). D., gr. 1-5 (gm. .06-.3). 

Iron, Chloride, Solution of.— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., m. 10-20 
(cc. .6-1.3). D., m. 2-10 (.12-.6). 

Iron, Chloride, Tincture of.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., m. 20- 
30 (cc. 1.3-2.). D., m. 5-60 (cc. .3-4.). 

Iron, Iodide, Syrup of.— D., m. 5-10 (cc. .3-6.). 

Iron, (and) Quinine Citrate. — D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Iron, Reduced.— H., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8-15). Sh. & Sw., 
gr. 20-30 (gm. 1.3-2.). D., gr. 1-5 (gm. .06-.3). 

Iron, (and) Strychnine Citrate. — D., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-.12). 



DOSE TABLE 



599 



Iron, Sulphate and Dried Sulphate— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (gin. 4.-8.). Sh. & Sw., 

gr. 20-30 (gm. 1.3-2.). D., gr. 1-5 (gm. .06-.3). 
Jaborandi.— H. & 0., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., dr. i-1 (gm. 2.-4.). D., 

gr. 5-60 (gm. .3-4.). 
Jaborandi, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Jaborandi. 
Jalap.— Sw., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). Cats, dr. 4-1 (gm. 

2.-4.). 
Jalap, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Jalap. 
Jalap, Resin of.— Sw., dr. i-1 (gm. 2.-4.). D., gr. 15-30 (gm. 1.-2.). Cats, gr. 

7-15 (gm. .5-1.). 
Juniper, Compound Spirit of.— H. & C, oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). D., dr. 1-4 (cc. 

4.-15.). 
Juniper, Oil of.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). D., m. 2-10 (cc. .12-.6). 
Kamala.— H., oz. 1 (gm. 30.). D., dr. }-2 (gm. 2.-8.). 
Kino.— H., oz. i-1 (gm. 15.-30.). C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 

(gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 
Kino, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Kino. 
Kino, Tincture of.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Foals, Calves and Sheep, 

oz. i-1 (cc. 15.-30.). D., dr. *-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Koussin.— D., gr. 5-40 (gm. .3-2.6). 

Kousso.— Small dogs, dr. i-1 (gm. 2.-4). Large dogs, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). 

Kousso, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Kousso. 

Krameria.— H., oz. i-1 (gm. 15.-30.). C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 

1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 
Krameria, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Krameria. 
Krameria, Extract of.— H. & C, dr. 2-3 (gm. 8.-12.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 20-40 

(gm. 1.3-2.6). D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 
Krameria, Tincture of.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Foals, Calves and Sheep, 

oz. i-1 (cc. 15.-30.). D., dr. J-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 
Lead Acetate.— H. & C, dr. 1 (gm. 4.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 15-20 (gm. 1.-1.3). 

D., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-. 12). 
Licorice. — Ad lib. 
Licorice, Fluidextract of. — Ad lib. 
Licorice, Extract of. — Ad lib. 

Licorice, Compound Powder of.— D., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). 
Lime, Solution of (Lime Water).— H. & C, oz. 4-6 (cc. 120.-180.). Calves and 

Foals, oz. 2 (cc. 60.). D., dr. 1-8 (cc. 4.-30.). 

Linseed Oil.— H., pt. i-1 (cc. 250.-500). C, pt. 1-2 (cc 500.-1000.). Sh. & 
Sw., oz. 6-12 (cc. 180.-360.). Dogs and Cats, oz. i-2 (cc. 15.-60.). 



600 DOSE TABLE 

Lithium Carbonate. — D., gr. 3-10 (gm. .2-. 6). 

Lithium Citrate. — D., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Magnesia. — Foals and Calves, dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 5-60 (gm. .3-4.). 

Magnesium Carbonate. — Dose same as Magnesia. 

Magnesium Sulphate. — H. (laxative), oz. 2-4 (gm. 60.-120.). C. (purgative), 
lb. 1-2 (gm. 500.-1000.); (laxative), oz. 3-4 (gm. 90.-120.). Calves, dr. 2-3 
(gm. 8.-12.). Sh., oz. 4-6 (gm. 120.-180.). D., dr. 1-4 (gm. 4.-15.). 

Male Fern, Oleoresin and Fluid Extract of.— H. & C, dr. 3-6 (cc. 12.-24.). 
Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-2 (cc. 4.-8.). D., m. 15-60 (cc. 1.-4.). 

Menthol. — D., gr. 2 (gm. .12). 

Mercury with Chalk. — Foals and Calves, gr. 10-15 (gm. .6-1.). D., gr. 1-10 
(gm. .06-.6). 

Mercury, Corrosive Chloride of. — H. & C, gr. 5-8 (gm. .3-.5). Sh. & Sw., gr. 
2 (gm. .12). D., gr. i/ 30 -i/ 8 (gm. .002-.008). 

Mercury, Iodide of (red). — Dose same as Corrosive Chloride. 

Mercury, Mass of (Blue Pill).— D., gr. 1-10 (gm. .06-.6). 

Mercury, Mild Chloride of.— H., dr. J-l (gm. 2.-4.). C, dr. 5-6 (gm. 20.-24.). 
D., gr. Vio"% (gm- -006-.03), in divided doses; gr. 3-5 (gm. .2-.3), in single 
doses. 

Methyl Salicylate.— H., dr. 2-8 (cc. 8.-30). D., m. 5-15 (cc. .3-1.). 

Morphine and its Salts. — H. & C, gr. 3-10 (gm. .2-.6). Sh., gr. £-2 (gm. .03- 
.12). Sw., gr. i/ 10 -l^ (gm. .006-.03). D., gr. H (gm- -008-.03). Sub- 
cutaneously— H., gr. 3-4 (gm. .2-.24). D., gr. H (gm. -008-.03). 

Morrhuol. — D., gr. 1-5 (gm. .06-. 3). 

Mustard.— H. & C, oz. l-l (gm. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. *-2 (gm. 2.-8.). D., 
gr. 10-15 (gm. .6-1.). Emetic — D., oz. I (gm. 15.). 

Myrrh, Tincture of.— H. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., 3 iii.-vi. (12.-24.). 
D., 3ss.-i. (2.-4.). 

Naphthalin — H., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). D., gr. 1-20 (gm. .06-1.3). 

Naphtol — H., dr. 2-3 (gm. 8.-12.). D., gr. 1-10 (gm. .06-.6). 

Nicotine.— H. & C, gr. y 60 -y 20 (gm. .001-.003). 

Nitroglycerin (1 per cent, solution). — H. & C, dr. i-1 (cc. 2.-4.). D., m. 1-2 
(cc. .06-.12). 

Nux Vomica.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). Sh., gr. 20-40 (gm. 1.3-2.6). Sw., 
gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). D., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-.12). 

Nux Vomica, Extract of.— H. & C, gr. 2-15 (gm. .12-1.) Sh., gr. 2*-5 (gm. 
.15-.3). Sw., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-.12). D., gr. H (gm. .008-.015). 

Nux Vomica, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Nux Vomica. 

Nux Vomica, Tincture of. — D., m. 5-10 (cc. .3-. 6). 



DOSE TABLE 601 

Olive Oil.— H. & C, pt. 1-2 (cc. 500.-1000.)- D., oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). 

Opium, Camphorated Tincture of (Paregoric). — D., dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). 

Opium, Extract of.— H., dr. £-1 (gm. 2.-4.). C, dr. 1-2 (gin. 4.-8.). Sh., gr. 
5-10 (gm. .3-.6). Sw., gr. 2-10 (gm. .12-.6). D., gr. H (gm. .01-.03). 

Opium, Powder.— H., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sh., gr. 
10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). Sw., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). D., gr. $-3 (gm. .03-.2). 

Opium, Tincture of.— H., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). C, oz. 2-3 (cc. 60.-90.). Sh. 
& Sw., dr. 2-6 (cc. 8.-24.). D. ? m. 3-30 (cc. .2-2.). 

Opium, Wine of. — Dose same as Tincture. 

Oxgall. — D., gr. 5-15 (gm. .3-1.). 

Pancreatin. — D., gr. 5-15 (gm. .3-1.). 

Papain. — Foals, Calves and Dogs, gr. 2-10 (gm. .12-. 6). 

Pelletierine Tannate. — D., gr. 2-5 (gm. .12-.3). 

Peppermint, Oil of.— H. & C, m. 15-30 (cc. 1.-2.). D., m. 1-5 (cc. .06-.3). 

Peppermint, Spirit of.— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 15-30 (cc. 1.-2.). 

Pepsin. — Dogs, Foals and Calves, gr. 10-60 (gm. .6-4.). 

Phexacetin. — H., dr. 2-3 (gm. 8.-12.). D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Phenolphthaleix. — H., dr. 1-1£ (gm. 4.-6.). D., gr. 2-10 (0.12-0.6). Cats 
& Puppies, gr. i-2 (gm. 0.03-0.12). 

Phenol. — See Acid Carbolic. 

Phosphorated Oil.— H., dr. 2-3 (cc. 8.-12.). D., m. 1-5 (cc. .06-.3). 

Phosphorus.— H., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-. 12). C, gr. 2-3 (gm. .12-.2). Sh., Sw. & 

D., gr. Hoo-^0 (gm. .0006-.003). 
Phosphorus, Spirit of. — D., m. 7-20 (cc. .5-1.3). 

Phtsostigma. — H., gr. 15-30 (gm. 1.-2.). D., gr. £-1 (gm. .015-.06). 
Physostigma, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Physostigma. 

Physostigmine Sulphate and Salicylate. — H. & C. By the mouth, gr. Iss.-iii. 
(.09-.18). D., gr. Yeo-Vio (-001-.006). H. Subcut., gr. l.-lss. (.06-.09). In- 
tratracheal ly, gr. ss. (.03). Foals and Calves, subcut., gr. Y^'Yq (.005-.01). 
D. subcut., gr. i/ioo-^o (-0006-.002). 

Pilocarpine axd its Salts. — (Subcut.) H. (purgative), gr. 2-5 (gm. .12-.3). C. 
(purgative), gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-. 6). H. (diaphoretic; dangerous), gr. 6-12 (gm. 
.36-.72). Sh., gr. 1 (gm. .06). D., gr. l/ 10 -% (gm. .006-.02). 

Pilocarpus.— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., dr. £-1 (gm. 2.-4.). 
D., gr. 5-60 (gm. .3-4.). 

Pilocarpus, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Pilocarpus. 

Podophyllin.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-.12). 

Pomegranate. — See Granatum. 



602 



DOSE TABLE 



Potassium Acetate.— H. & C, oz. J-l (gm. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-1 (gm. 
2.-4.). D., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Potassium Bicarbonate. — Dose same as Acetate. 

Potassium Bitabteate.— H. & C, oz. 1-1 (gm. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., oz. I (gm. 
15.). D., dr. i-1 (gm. 2.-4.). 

Potassium Bromide. — H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 (gm. 
8.-15. D., gr. 5-60 (gm. .3-4.). 

Potassium Carbonate. — H. & C, oz. 1-1 (gm. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-1 (gm. 
2.-4.). D., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Potassium Chlorate. — Dose same as Carbonate. 

Potassium Citrate. — Dose same as Carbonate. 

Potassium Hydroxide, Solution of. — H. & C, oz. 1-1 (cc. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., 
dr. 1-1 (cc. 2.-4.). D., m. 5-20 (cc. .3-1.3). 

Potassium Iodide. — H., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15). C, 3 vi. (24). Sh. & Sw., gr. xv.-xxx. 
(1.-2.). D., gr. ii. x. (.12-.6.). 

Potassium Nitrate. — Dose same as Carbonate. 

Quassia, Extract of. — H., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 1-3 (gm. .03-.2). 

Quassia, Fluidextract of.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 
(cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 15-60 (cc. 1.-4.). 

Quassia, Tincture of.— H. & C. oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). D., dr. 1-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Quassiin. — D., gr. |-1 (gm. .008-.02). 

Quercus Alba. — H., oz. 1-1 (gm. 15.-30.). C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. and 
Sw., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 10-30 (gm. .6-2.). 

Quercus Alba, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Quercus Alba. 

Quinidine.— Tonic dose— H. gr. 20-60 (gm. 1.3-4.). C, dr. f-11 (gm. 3.-6.). 
Sh. & Sw., gr. 6-15 (gm. .36-1.). D., gr. 11-21 (gm. .1-.15). Antipyretic 
dose— H., dr. 21-5 (gm. 10.-20.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 20-40 (gm. 1.3-2.6). D., 
gr. 7-15 (gm. .5-1.). 

Quinine and its Salts. — Tonic dose — H., gr. 15-60 (gm. 1.-4.) C, dr. 1-11 
(gm. 2.-6.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). Dogs and Cats, gr. 1-2 (gm. 
.06-.12). Antipyretic dose— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 
20-40 (gm. 1.3-2.6). Dogs and Cats, gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Quinoidin. — Dose three or four times that of Quinine. 

Resorcin. — H., dr. 4-6 (gm. 15.-24.). Foals and Calves, dr. 1-1 (gm. 2.-4.). D., 
gr. 2-5 (gm. .12-.3). 

Rhamnus Catharticus, Syrup of. — D., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Cats, oz. 1-1 (cc. 
15.-30.). 

Rhamnus Catharticus, Fluidextract of. — D., dr. 1-1 (cc. 2.-4.). 



DOSE TABLE 603 

Rhubarb.— Stomachic— H. & C., oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw, dr. 1 (gin. 4.). 

D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). Purgative — Foals, Calves and Dogs, dr. 1-2 (gm. 

4.-8.). Fowl, gr. v.-vii. in pill. 
Rhubarb, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Rhubarb. 

Rhubabb, Compound Powder of. — Foals and Calves, oz. £-1 (gm. 15.-30.). 
Sabina, Fluidextract of.— H., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). D., m. 5-15 (cc. .3-1.). 
Sabina, Oil of.— H. & C, dr. 2-4 (cc. 8.-15.). D., m. 1-5 (cc. .06-.3). 
Salicin.— H. & C, dr. 2-8 (gm. 8.-30.). Sh., dr. 1-4 (gm. 4.-15.). Sw., dr. £-1 

(gm. 2.-4.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 
Salol.— H., dr. 3-6 (gm. 12.-24.). D., gr. 5-10 (gm. 0.3-0.6). 
Santonin.— H., dr. J-4 (1.-15.). D., gr. 1-3 (.06-.18). Puppies, gr. H (-0 15 " 

.03). 

Savin. — See Sabina. 

Scammony.— D., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). Cats, dr. \-\ (gm. 2.-4.). 

Scammony, Resin of.— D., dr. *-l (gm. 2.-4.). Cats, gr. 15-30 (gm. 1.-2.). 

Senna.— H. & C, oz. 4-5 (gm. 120.-150.). Sh. & Sw., oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). D., 

dr. 1-4 (gm. 4.-15.). Fowl, gr. xv.-xx. in pill. 
Senna, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Senna. 
Senna, Syrup of.— D., dr. 1-4 (4.-15.). 
Sebum, Antistreptococcus. — See p. 661. 
Silver Nitrate.— H. & C, gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). Sh. & Sw., gr. 1-2 (gm. .06-.12). 

D., gr. H (gm. .008-.03). 
Sodium Bicabbonate.— H. & C, oz. }-2 (gm. 15.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. J-l (gm. 

2.-4.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 
Sodium Cacodylate.— H., gr. 8-30 (gm. 0.5-2.). D., gr. f-H (gm. 0.05-0.1) 

subcut. 
Sodium Cabbonate.— H. & C, dr. 2-6 (gm. 8.-24.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 20-40 (gm. 

1.3-2.6). D., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 
Sodium Chloride.— Purgative— Cattle, lb. J-l (gm. 250.-500.). Sh., oz. 1-2 (gm. 

30.-60.). 
Sodium Bromide.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). 

D., gr. 5-60 (.3-4.). 
Sodium Hydroxide, Solution of.— H. & C, oz. *-l (cc. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 

l-\ (cc. 2.-4.). D., m. 5-20 (cc. .3-1-3). 
Sodium Phosphate.— C, lb. 1-1* (gm. 500.-750.). H. & Sh., oz. 2-4 (gm. 60.- 

120.). D., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). 
Sodium Salicylate.— H. & C, dr. 2-8 (gm. 8.-30.). Sh., dr. 1-4 (4.-15.). Sw., 

dr. |-1 (gm. 2.-4.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 
Sodium Sulphate.— C, lb. 1-1J (gm. 500.-750.). H, oz. 2-4 (gm. 60.-120.). 

Sh., oz. 2-4 (g. 60.-120.). D., dr. 1-4 (gm. 4.-15.). 



604 DOSE TABLE 

Sodium Sulphite, Bisulphite and Thiosulphate. — H. & C, oz. 1 (gm. 30.). 
Sh. & Sw., dr. 1-1 (gm. 2.-4.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 

SQUILL.— H., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). C, dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). Sh., gr. 15-30 (gm. 
1.-2.). D., gr. 1-5 (gm. .06-.3). 

Squill, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Squill. 

Squill, Tincture of.— H., dr. 6-12 (cc. 24.-48.). C, oz. H-3 (cc. 45.-90.). Sh., 
dr. H-3 (cc. 6.-12.). D., m. 5-30 (cc. .3-2.). 

Squtll, Syrup of. — H., oz. I (cc. 15.). D., dr. £-1 (cc. 2.-4.). 

Squill, Compound Syrup of. — D., m. 5-30 (cc. .3-2.). 

Steophanthus, Tincture of. — H. & C, dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). D., m. 2-10 (cc. .12- 
.6). 

Strophanthin.— H., gr. J-J (gm. .012-.03). D., gr. y 200 (0.0003). 

Strychnine and its Salts. — H., gr. £-2 (gm. .03-.12). C, gr. 2-3 (gm. .12-.2). 
Subcutaneously. H. & C, gr. i to 1. Sh., gr. J-l (gm. .015-.06). D., gr. 
Kao-yeo (gm. .0005-.001). 

Sulphur.— H. & C, oz. 2-4 (gm. 60.-120.). Sh. & Sw., oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). D., 
dr. i-4 (gm. 2.-15.). 

Tannalbin. — H. & 0., dr. 1-4 (gm. 4.-15.). Foals and Calves, gr. 20-40 (gm. 
1.3-2.6). 

Tannigen. — Foals and Calves, gr. 30 (gm. 2.). 

Taraxacum.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 (gm. 8.-15.). 
D., dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). 

Taraxacum, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Taraxacum. 

Taraxacum, Extract of.— H. & C, dr. 1-4 (gm. 4.-15.). D., gr. 5-30 (gm. .3-2.). 

Terebene.— H. & C, dr. 2-6 (cc. 8.-24.). D., m. 5-15 (cc. .3-1.). 

Terpin Hydrate.— H., dr. £-2 (gm. 2.-8.). D., gr. 5-20 (gm. .3-1.3). 

Tetanus Antitoxin. — H., 10 cc. prophylactic dose, see p. 658. 

Thymol. — EL, dr. i-2 (gm. 2.-8.). Sh. (single dose), 3 ss.-ii.ss. D., gr. 1-15 
(gm. .06-1.). 

Turpentine, Oil of. — Carminative — H. & C, oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). Sh. and Sw., 
dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). D. ? m. 10-30 (cc. .6-2.). Anthelmintic— H. & C, oz. 
2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). D., dr. $-4 (cc. 2.-15.). Diuretic— EC. & C, dr. 2-6 (cc. 
8.-24.). 

Valerate of Ammonium. — D., gr. 2-5 (gm. .12-.3). 

Valerate of Iron. — D., gr. 1-3 (gm. .06-.2). 

Valerate of Zinc. — D., gr. 1-3 (gm. .06-.2). 

Valerian.— H. & C, oz. 1-2 (gm. 30.-60.). D., gr. 10-60 (gm. .6-4.). 

Valerian, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Valerian. 



DOSE TABLE 605 

Valerian, Tincture of. — D., dr. £-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Valeeian, Ammoniated Tincture of. — D., dr. £-2 (cc. 2.-8.). 

Valeeian, Oil of— H., dr. §-1 (cc. 2.-4.). D., m. 2-5 (cc. .12-.3). 

Vebateine.— H., gr. J-2 (gm. .03-. 12). C, gr. 2-5 (gm. .12-.3). D., gr. % 4io 
(gm. .0012-.006). 

Veeateum— H. & C, dr. 1-1 (gm. 2.-4.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 20-30 (gm. 1.3-2.). 
D., gr. i/ 10 -l (gm. .006-.06). 

Veeateum, Fluidextract of. — Dose same as Veratrum. 

Veeateum, Tincture of.— H. & C, oz. £-1 (cc. 15.-30.). Sh. & Sw., dr. 2-4 (cc. 
8.-15.). D., m. 5-10 (cc. .3-1.) 

Whiskey.— H. & C, oz. 2-4 (cc. 60.-120.). Sh. & Sw., oz. 1-2 (cc. 30.-60.). D., 
dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). 

Wild Chebey, Syrup of. — D., dr. 1-4 (cc. 4.-15.). 

Winteegeeen, Oil of. — See Gaultheria. 

Yohimbine Hydbochloeide. — H. & C, gr. f-1^ (gm. 0.045-0.1). Sh. & Sw., gr. 
i (gm. 0.03). D., gr. y 12 -i/ 6 (gm. 0.005-0.01). 

Zinc Acetate.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). 
D., gr. 2-3 (gm. .12.2). 

Zinc Oxide.— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). D., gr. 5-10 (gm. .3-.6). 

Zinc Phosphide. — D., gr. y 10 (gm. .006). 

Zinc Sulphate— H. & C, dr. 1-2 (gm. 4.-8.). Sh. & Sw., gr. 10-20 (gm. .6-1.3). 
D., gr. 2-3 (gm. .12-.2). Emetic— D., gr. 10-15 (gm. .6-1.). 



POISONS AND ANTIDOTES. 



Note. — In poisoning, the chemical antidote should be given first — if it is at 
hand. The next thing is to evacuate the stomach. Washing out the stomach 
is practically always done in human medicine, except in convulsions of strychnine 
poisoning and in poisoning by acids and caustic alkalies. This is readily per- 
formed in the case of the dog with assistance and may be accomplished in the 
horse. Where facilities for lavage are not at hand, an emetic should be given 
the dog, cat and pig. Mustard is the emetic usually at hand. The dog and cat 
take 1 tablespoonful, and the pig two, in water. Zinc sulphate is more effective; 
D. & C. gr. v; Sw. gr. xv, in two> ounces of water. Apomorphine hydrochloride, 
under the skin, is the most certain of all; D. gr. y 10 to gr. J; cats, gr. y 12 - 

ACETANILID, AXTIPYRIN, PHEXACETIN. 

Caffeine subcut., with an equal amount of sodium salicylate, H. gr. xxx; D. 
gr. ii. Strychnine sulph. H. gr. ii; D. gr. y 100 to gr. }4 . Atropine sulph. gr. 1^; 
D. gr. Y^q subcut. 

Acetic Acid, See Acids. 

ACIDS. 

Acetic, Hydrochloric, Nitric, Oxalic, Phosphoric, Sulphuric, Tartaric. 

Antidotes. — Magnesia, chalk, plaster scraped off the walls, soap — one of 
these, with demulcents as eggs, milk, and oil. Large quantities of water by the 
mouth. 

Alcohol. 

Emetic or stomach lavage. Strong coffee by the mouth. Give subcuta- 
neously, Caffeine with equal amount of sodium salicylate, H. gr. xxx; D. gr. ii. 
Strychnine nitrate under the skin, H. gr. i, D. gr. y W Q to gr. y i0 . Inhalation of 
ammonia. Camphorated oil subcut. H.|i; D. m. xv. 

ALKALIES, CAUSTIC. 

Ammonia Water, Quick Lime, Potassium and Sodium Hydrate and Carbonate. 

Antidotes. — Vinegar or lemon juice in water, or weak solutions of citric or 
tartaric acids. Do not evacute the stomach. Demulcents as egg white, milk. 
External heat and mustard paste. Camphorated oil subcut. H. §i; D. m. xv. 

Ammonia Water, See Alkalies. 
Anesthetics, Ether, Chloroform. 

Hold small animals upside down. Do artificial respiration. Try rhythmic 
traction of the tongue. Pour ether from a height of several feet on epigastrium. 
Adrenalin solution (1 to 1,000) injected into vein, H. §ss: D. m. xxx. Atropine 
sulph. subcut. H gr. Ii: D. gr. % . Strychnine subcut. H. gr. 1; D. gr. 1^ 00 to 
gr. 1/qq. "Digitalone" subcut. H. §ss; D. m. xx to m. xxx. 

606 



POISONS AND ANTIDOTES 607 



Antimony, Tartaric Emetic. 

Antidote. — Strong tea or tannic acid. Magnesia, slacked lime. Emetic or 
lavage if vomiting has not occurred. Give catLartic of salts or oil. Inject 
subcut. "digitalone," H. 3ss; D. m. xx to xl. Give under the skin strychnine 
sulph. H. gr. i; D. gr. y 1Q0 to gr. 14 . Heat and mustard paste externally. 

Antipyrin, See Acetanilid. 
Absenic. 

Antidote. — Freshly prepared "arsenic antidote" or hydrated sesquioxide of 
iron in large amount by the mouth. Perform lavage if possible or give emetic. 
The antidote is of little value. Caffeine, with equal amount of sodium benzoate, 
H. gr. xxx; D. gr. ii. subcut. "Digitalone" subcut., H. oss; D. m. xx to m. xl. 
Morphine subcut., H. gr. iii, D. gr. ss. Heat and mustard paste externally. 

Amyl Nitrite. Nitroglycerin. 

Inhalation of Ammonia. Alcohol subcut. H. §i; D. 3i to ii. Atropine sulph. 
subcut. H. gr. 1|; D. gr. y 60 . Strychnine sulph. subcut. H. gr. i; D. gr. y 10 Q 
to gr. 1/4.Q. Injectio ergotin. hypoderm. H. oii; L\ m. x. 

Atropine. Belladonna. 

Emetics or lavage. Chloroform inhalation for convulsions. Caffeine, with 
equal amount sodium benzoate, subcut. H. gr. xxx; D. gr. i. Strychnine sulph. 
subcut. H. gr. ii; D. gr. %oo to gr. l4o- Pilocarpine. Artificial respiration. 

Barium Chloride. 
Antidote. Magnesium or sodium sulphate. Lavage with same. 

Belladonna, See Atropine. 
Cantharides. 

Egg white, gruel, linseed tea, barley water; avoid oils. Lavage or emetic. 
Tine, opium for pain. H. §ii; D. m. x to xv. Give large amount of sodium 
bicarbonate in drinking water. High enemata of 5% sodium bicarbonate solu- 
tion. 

Carbolic Acid, See Phenol. 
Carbon Monoxide, See Gas Poisoning. 
Carbonic Acid, See Gas Poisoning. 
Chlobal. 

Lavage or emetics. Strychnine sulph. subcut. H. gr. ii; D. gr. 14 00 to %o- 
Caffeine subcut., with equal amount sodium salicylate, H. gr. xxx; D. gr. ii. 
Artificial respiration. Heat and mustard paste externally. 

Chloroform, See Anesthetics. 

Coal Gas, See Gas Poisoning. 

Cocaine. 

If swallowed give emetic or lavage. Ether inhalation if convulsions present. 
Morphine sulph. subcut. H. gr. v; D. gr. ss. Alcohol by mouth. H. gii; D. 3ii. 
Strychnine sulph. for collapse, H. gr. i; D. gr. y^ 00 to gr. 14 subcut. 



608 POISONS AND ANTIDOTES 



COLCHICTJM. 

Antidotes. — Tannic acid, oil, milk, linseed tea, barley water. Give emetic or 
lavage. Tine, opium. H. giii; D. m. x to xv. Atropine sulph. subcut. H. gr. 1J; 
D. gr. Yqq. Caffeine subcut., witb equal amount sodium salicylate, H. gr. xxx; 
D. gr. ii. Camphorated oil, subcut. H. §i; D. m. xv. Heat and mustard paste 
externally. 

Conium. 

Emetic or lavage. Strychnine sulph. subcut. H. gr. ii; D. gr. y x00 to gr. y i0 . 
"Digitalone," subcut. H. § ss ; D. m. xx to xl. Camphorated oil subcut. H. §i ; 
D. m. xv. Heat and mustard paste externally. 

Copper Sulphate and other soluble salts. 

Antidotes.— Potassium ferrocyanide, magnesia, egg white, milk. Emetic or 
lavage. Morphine subcut. H. gr. iii; D. gr. ss. Mustard paste rubbed on belly. 

Ckoton Oil. 

Egg white, milk, linseed tea. Emetic or lavage. Tine, opium H. giii; D. 
m. x to xv. Alcohol, H. 3ii; D. 3i. Heat and mustard paste externally. 

Creosote, See Phenol. 
Digitalis. 

Antidote. — Tannic acid. Give emetic or lavage, Keep the patient quiet. 
Tine, aconite, H. 3i; D. m. x, subcut. Camphorated oil, subcut., H. gi; D. m. 
xv. Caffeine, subcut. with an equal amount of sodium salicylate, H. gr. xxx, 
D. gr. ii. Heat and mustard paste externally. 

Eserine, See Physostigmine. 

Ether, See Anesthetics. 

Gas Poisoning, Carbon Monoxide, Coal Gas, Marsh Gas, Carbonic Acid. 

Artificial respiration, direct transfusion of blood. Cold douches on the head. 
Apply mustard paste to body. 

Gelsemium. 

Give emetic or lavage. "Digitalone" subcut., H. % ss ; D. m. xx to m. xl. 
Strychnine sulph. subcut., H. gr. i ; D. gr. y 100 to gr. y i0 . Mustard paste and heat 
externally. Artificial respiration. 

Hydrochloric Acid, See Acids. 

Hydrocyanic Acid, See Prussic acid. 

Hyoscyamus, See Atropine. 

Iodine. 

Flour or starchy substance mixed with water. Give emetic or lavage. 
"Digitalone" subcut., H. Sss; D. m. xx to m. xxx. Strychnine sulph. subcut., H. 
gr. i; D. gr. y 100 to gr. y± . Heat and mustard paste externally. 

Iodoform. 

Absorption from skin or internally. Give sodium bicarbonate internally in 
large doses. Saline intravenous infusion. Alcohol subcut., H. gii; D. 3i. Hot 
blankets to cause sweating. 



POISONS AND ANTIDOTES 609 

Jabokandi, See Pilocarpine. 
Lead Acetate and Soluble Lead Salts. 

Antidotes. — M&gnesium or sodium sulphate, or milk and eggs. Give emetic 
or lavage. Morphine sulph. subcut., H. gr. iii; D. gr. ss. Chronic Poisoning. 
Potassium iodide, H. & C. 3ii to 3iv thrice daily. Linseed oil. 

Lime, See Alkalies. 
Lobelia. 

Give emetic or lavage. Morphine sulph. subcut. to allay pain and vomiting, 
H. gr. v; D. gr. ss. Caffeine, with an equal amount of sodium salicylate, H. gr. 
xxx; D. gr. ii. subcut. Strychnine sulph. subcut. H. gr. i; D. gr. i^ 00 to gr. yIq. 
Mustard paste and heat externally. 

Meectjeic Bichloride and Other Soluble Salts of Mercury. 

Antidotes. — Egg white, tannic acid. Give emetic or lavage. "Digitalone" 
subcut. H. Bss; D. in. xx to m. xl. Atropine sulph. subcut., H. gr. If; D. gr. 
Yqq. Mustard paste and heat externally. Mercurial salivation. Use saturated 
potassium chlorate solution to swab mouth thrice daily and stop ingestion of 
mercury. 

Morphine and Opium. 

Antidote. — Potassium permanganate, H. 3ii to 2 qts. of water. D. gr. xv in 
half a pint of water. Give emetic. Lavage most important whether drug swal- 
lowed or injected. Caffeine subcut., with an equal amount of sodium salicylate, 
H. gr. xxx; D. gr. ii. Strychnine sulph. subcut., H. gr. i; D. gr. y l0 Q to gr. ^o- 
General faradic stimulation of the skin, or whipping of the animal. Artificial 
respiration. 

Nitrate of Silver, See Silver nitrate. 

Nitric Acid, See Acids. 

Nitroglycerin, See Amyl nitrite. 

Nitrohydrochloric Acid, See Acids. 

Nux Vomica, See Strychnine. 

Opium, See Morphine. 

Oxalic Acid, See Acids. 

Phenacetix, See Acetanilid. 

Phenol, Carbolic Acid, Creosote. 

Antidote. — Magnesium or sodium sulphate; benefit doubtful. Give emetic 
or better lavage with 10 per cent, solution of alcohol. Strychnine sulph. subcut., 
H. gr. i; D. gr. 1400 t° g r - -Vio- Atropine sulph. subcut. H. gr. 1|. D. gr. 
Y eo . Camphorated oil subcut., H. §i; D. m. xv. Artificial respiration, Saline 
intravenous infusion. Mustard paste and heat externally. 

Phosphorus Acid, See Acids. 
Phosphorus. 

Antidotes. — Potassium permanganate, H. 3ii in 2 qts. of water; D. gr. xv 
in half pint of water, or hydrogen dioxide, or copper sulphate, H. 3ii; D. gr. x. 
in solution. Give emetic or lavage. Avoid oil and fats. Give large doses of 
sodium bicarbonate for secondary symptoms. 



610 POISONS AND ANTIDOTES 



Physostigmine, Eserine, Calabar Bean. 

Atropine sulph. subcut. H. gT. 1J; D. gr. Yqq. "Digitalone," subcut., H. 
gss; D. in. xx to m. xl. Alcohol subcut. H. giv; D. 3ii. Strychnine sulph. 
subcut., H. gr. i; D. gr. i/ 100 to gr. y G0 . Artificial respiration. 

Pilocarpine. Jaboraxdi. 
Atropine sulph. subcut. H. gr. li; D. gr. y G() . 

Potassium Carbonate, See Alkalies. 

Potassium Cyanide, See Prussic acid. 

Potassium Hydrate, See Alkalies. 

Prussic Acid. Hydrocyanic Acid. Potassium Cyanide. 

Artificial respiration. Lavage. Atropine sulph. subcut., H. gr. i; D. gr. 
-/loo every half hour. Camphorated oil subcut., H. gi; D. m. xv. Intravenous 
injection sodium hyposulphite, H. §i; D. gr. xxx in solution. Mustard paste and 
external heat. 

Savin. 

Give lavage or an emetic. Cathartics, as epsom salts, or castor, or linseed 
oil. Morphine sulph. subcut., H. gr. v; D. gr. ss. 

Silver Nitrate. 

Give emetic or lavage. Demulcents, egg white, sweet oil, milk, soap and 
water. Morphine sulph. subcut., H. gr. iii; D. gr. ss. Mustard paste and heat 
externally. 

Snake Bite. 

Ligature about limb between wound and heart. Excise wound or cauterize 
it with a hot iron. Inject about bite 1% solution chlorinated lime, or 1 to 
1000 solution potassium permanganate. Calmette's antivenin. Strychnine sulph. 
subcut., H. gr. i; D. gr. i/ 100 to gr. y i0 . 

Sodium Carbonate, See Alkalies. 

Sodium Hydrate, See Alkalies. 

Strychnine. Nux Vomica. 

Lavage with tannic acid solution under influence of amyl nitrite or chloro- 
form inhalation. If convulsions are already present give amyl nitrite subcut. 
H. 3i; D. m. v and follow with chloroform inhalation. Chloral and potassium 
bromide per rectum in starch water. H. of each §ii; D. gr. xxx each. 

Sulphate of Copper, See Copper. 

Sulphuric Acid, See Acids. 
Tartaric Emetic, See Antimony. 

Tartaric Acid, See Acids. 
Tobacco. 

Antidote. — Tannic acid. Give emetic or lavage. Strychnine sulph. subcut., 
H. gr. ii; D. gr. i/j 00 to gr. y 40 . Camphorated oil subcut. H. §i; D. m. xv. 
Mustard paste and heat externally. 



POISONS AND ANTIDOTES 611 



Turpentine, Oil of. 

Give emetic or lavage. Give demulcents: — Egg white, gum arabic solution, 
linseed tea. Epsom salts, Linseed oil. Intravenous saline infusion. 

Zinc Salts, Soluble. 

Lavage if emesis is not copious. Cathartics, as linseed or castor oil, or 
epsom salts. Morphine sulph. subcut., H. gr. v; D. gr. ss. Stimulants. Mus- 
tard paste and heat externally. 



GENERAL THERAPEUTIC! MEASURES. 



Food and Feeding. 

In order to comprehend the rationale of feeding in disease it is 
essential to know something of the principles of feeding in health. 
A food has been defined as "that which, being innocuous in relation 
to the tissues, is a digestible, absorbable substance that can be oxi- 
dized in the body and decomposed in such a way as to give up to the 
body the forces it contains." 

A complete food is composed of organic and inorganic constitu- 
ents. The inorganic matters, with the exception of common salt, 
and rarely phosphate of lime and sodium, are usually present in 
sufficient quantity in ordinary food. The organic components of 
vegetable food stuffs are divided into nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous 
classes. These are analogous to the constituent parts of the animal 
body into which they are transformed. The greater portion of 
animal tissue is made up of nitrogenous elements, while the larger 
part of plants is composed of non-nitrogenous material. Among the 
nitrogenous elements the most important are the proteids. Gluten 
of flour is an example of a vegetable proteid ; while white of egg, 
casein of milk, and fibrin of blood represent animal proteids. Fat 
exists as such in both plants and animals. A single, chemical com- 
pound, as protein, is known as a nutrient in relation to feeding. 
The nutrients of importance are proteids, fat, and carbohydrates. 
The first two are common to animal and plant structure ; the latter 
to plants alone. A complete food contains the three nutrients just 
mentioned and inorganic substances. Carbohydrates include such 
bodies as sugar, starch, and cellulose, or woody matter of plants. 
Proteids consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur,, 
united in different proportions. Carbohydrates are composed of car- 
bon, hydrogen and oxygen. Eat is similar in composition to car- 
bohydrates, but in its combustion outside the body yields two and a 
quarter times as much heat as that produced by an equal weight of 
carbohydrate. Fat as a nutrient is therefore empirically regarded 
as equivalent to two and a quarter times the same weight of cai'bo- 
hvdrate material. 

612 



FOOD AND FEEDING 



613 



Hitherto computation of the food requirements has been based 
simply on the pounds of digestible nutrients and the proportion of 
proteids to carbohydrates, this proportion being known as the nu- 
tritive ratio. 

ISTow scientific feeding is founded on the fuel value or energy 
value of food. The fuel value means the amount of heat that is 
given out by food in its combustion in the body. There is 
much less heat formed by the combustion of food within the body — 
on account of losses in food undigested and fermented in the bowels 
and escaping incompletely burned in the urine — than would occur 
in food burned outside the body. The heat or energy value of food 
is measured in calories or therms. A calorie is the quantity of heat 
necessary to raise 1 gram of water 1° C. A therm is the amount 
of heat required to raise 1 kilo, of water 1° C. Tables based on 
the most elaborate experiments showing the actual amount of fuel 
or energy value of foods, together with the amount of digestible 
protein and dry matter contained in them, must be consulted in cal- 
culating daily rations. 

Thus, for maintenance of animals of 1,000 lbs. live weight per 
diem, it has been found that cattle require 0.5 lb. of digestible protein 
and food of the energy value of 6.0 therms. Horses require 1.0 lb. 
digestible protein and food of a fuel value equal to 7.0 therms. 

The daily food requirements of grown cattle are such that for 
each pound of digestible protein there should be 8 to 10 lbs. of carbo- 
hydrates and 20 to 30 lbs. of total dry matter. More important still, 
it has been found that there are necessary — in addition to the mainte- 
nance requirements of cows — 0.05 lb. of digestible protein and 0.3 
therm in energy value in the daily ration for each pound of milk 
produced. 

As a practical application of the foregoing, suppose that we 
compute a ration for cows giving 25 lbs. of milk daily and weighing 
850 lbs. Consulting a table showing maintenance requirements, 
we find that 0.45 lb. of digestible protein and food of energy value 
of 5.6 therms are necessary. Multiplying the additional require- 
ments for each pound of milk produced (as above) by 25, we find 
that 1.25 lbs. of protein and 7.5 therms are necessary for this milk 
yield — beside the maintenance requirement. Adding the require- 
ments for maintenance to those for milk yield we get the total daily 
requirements for cows weighing 850 lbs. and yielding 25 lbs. of 
milk as follows: 



614 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

Digestible protein. Energy value 

Lbs. Therms. 

For maintenance 0.45 5.6 

For 25 lbs. of milk 1.25 7.5 

1.70 13.10 

We shall now have to consult a table* showing the energy value, 
proteid content, and dry matter in all ordinary fodders, and com- 
bine them so that they shall possess in the daily ration 1.7 lbs. of 
digestible protein, energy value of 13.10 therms, and dry matter 
equal to 20 to 30 lbs. 

The particular food stuffs must be selected so that they shall 
be the cheapest in the locality in which the feeding is done. 

The mechanism of the animal body is always "running," and 
an animal at rest is like a motor car at a stand-still with the engine 
moving. Therefore no more protein is required by a horse at light- 
work than at rest, for repair of the machine. More fuel for work- 
ing- the machine is, however, needed. The requirements for work- 
ing horses are: For light work, digestible protein, 1.0 lb.; therms, 
9.8. For moderate work, digestible protein, 1.4 lb.; therms, 12.40. 
For heavy work, digestible protein, 2.0 lbs. ; therms, 16.00. 

Horses doing hard work, growing and pregnant animals, and 
all animals supplying nitrogenous products, as wool and milk, de- 
mand more nitrogen in their food. The protelds, as we have seen, 
constitute a large proportion of the solids and fluids of the body. 
The protein absorbed into the blood is utilized in two ways. One 
part is Energy-forming, the circulatory protein of Voit. The other 
is Tissue-building, or the Organic Protein of Voit, 

That part which is devoted to energy-producing is not trans- 
formed into tissue but is split up (katabolized) by the cells, or en- 
zymes within the cells (chiefly of muscles), and thus produces heat 
or energy. 

The other part is directly built into living protoplasm. If the 
amount of circulatory protein is deficient, then the organized protein 
is called upon, the tissues are robbed of their substance, and the body 
emaciates. When a larger amount of protein is contained in the 
blood, we have a proportionately larger elimination of nitrogenous 
matter in the urine, as equilibrium is soon established in the adult 
animal of constant weight, so that the amount of nitrogen eliminated 
equals that ingested. In young and growing animals a portion of 
the nitrogen does not reappear in the urine, but is utilized in tissue 
formation. This also applies to previously starving animals on be- 



Armsby, Bull. 346, U. S. Dep't. Agric. 



FOOD AND FEEDING 615 

ing well fed. An excess of circulating protein, besides being waste- 
ful economically, is harmful in causing various disordered conditions, 
resulting in the formation of products of imperfect oxidation. 

The vegetable proteids are transformed into bodies of simpler 
chemical composition in the stomach and are there converted in part 
by the gastric juice, but chiefly by pancreatic (trypsin), biliary and 
intestinal ferments in the intestines, into peptone, proteoses, and 
possibly acid and alkali and native albumin. 

The epithelial cells of the intestines possess the power not ouly 
to absorb the peptone, but to transmute it into more complex isomeric 
compounds, as serum albumin, serum globulin and fibrinogen; spe- 
cial cells being employed in the formation of particular compounds. 

Any peptone not so converted by the intestinal epithelium be- 
comes a poison when absorbed into the entero-hepatic circulation, 
but its toxicity is destroyed by the liver cells. In regard to the 
metabolism and fate of proteids, energy is not only directly liberated 
by the decomposition of the energy-producing protein in the muscle 
cell but is also formed by the functional activity of cell protoplasm 
in which katabolic changes occur. So that the tissue-building pro- 
tein is eventually an energy-producer as well. Elimination of 
nitrogenous matter is not increased by muscular activity, nor proteid 
metabolism, as carbohydrates furnish the fuel for the mechanical 
work — with increase of C0 2 and IT 2 elimination. The katabolism 
of protein in muscles then goes on independently of, and is not aug- 
mented by, muscular contractions. 

In the course of the metabolic processes in the muscles there are 
intermediate products set free — as kreatin, leucin, glycocoll, sareo- 
lactic acid, etc. These products are finally split up (katabolized) 
or synthetized (anabolized) in the liver with the formation of urea, 
uric acid, phosphates, sulphates, etc., as end-products, with the 
liberation of heat. From its absorption to the final urea stage each 
gram of protein liberates energy or heat equal to 4.1 calories. 

This heat formation is of extreme importance in stimulating 
and sustaining nervous action. 

The following role is played by protein as a nutritive : — 

1. It is the building material for cell protoplasm of tissues of 
all kinds. 

2. It forms energy directly by undergoing destruction without 
tissue-building. 

3. It may be so transformed (through its H and C) that it is 
deposited as fat. 

A dog can live on lean meat (pure protein) for months and gain 
in weight. 

Carbohydrates in the food, as sugar and starch, are digested in 



616 GEflSTEvRAI. THEKAFEIUTIC MEASUEES 

part by the salivary ferment (ptyalin), but chiefly by the pancreatic 
ferment (trypsin) in the intestines, and are converted by them into 
glucose. The glucose is then absorbed by the small intestines, passes 
thence as glucose into the enterohepatic circulation and is oxidized 
in all the cells of the body but chiefly in the liver, muscles and pan- 
creas — in the form of glucose and glycogen and with the production 
of heat equal to 4.18 calories for each gram of carbohydrates. Car- 
bon dioxide and water are formed as end-products. Sugar metab- 
olism is under the control of a medullary centre. The heat pro- 
duction, as in the case of the combustion of proteids, is of great im- 
portance in sustaining nerve action. 

Fat in the food is emulsified by the bile and by the pancreatic 
and intestinal secretions and is absorbed as fatty acids, glycerol and 
soaps by special cells of the intestinal mucous membrane and passes 
into the lymphatics as emulsions of fat ; thence into the thoracic duct, 
and is finally oxidized into carbonic dioxide and water with produc- 
tion of heat and energy. In what part of the body oxidation of fat 
occurs is unknown. In the combustion of 1 gram of fat heat equal 
to 9.4 calories is liberated. 

Carbohydrates do not directly furnish tissue elements, but do so 
indirectly in preventing decomposition (to some extent) of protein 
in the body, and in' lessening its consumption. In this way the 
comparatively inexpensive carbohydrates will compensate for an in- 
sufficient ration of costly proteids. 

It is asserted that this action of carbohydrates is explained by 
the fact that these nutrients have a greater affinity for oxygen than 
proteids and so are the first to undergo combustion. 

The term albuminoid was formerly used as synonymous with 
proteid, but is now employed to include nitrogenous bodies (gelatin) 
derived from protein in the body but not convertible into proteids. 
These bodies do not take the place of proteids, but appear to fulfil 
the functions of circulating protein, and, like carbohydrates, con- 
serve protein consumption, but are not tissue builders. 

Carbohydrates aid directly in the production of fat. Eat in 
the food may be directly assimilated as such if there is a sufficient 
carbohydrate and proteid ration to protect it from decomposition. 
The role carbohydrates play includes : 

1. The formation of tissue indirectly by protecting the proteid 
elements from combustion with an insufficient nitrogenous diet. 

2. The generation of heat, energy, or mechanical work. 

3. The production of fat. 

Carbohydrates cannot be relied upon as sole articles of food. 
The fat of the body is derived from the decomposition of proteids 
and carbohydrates, and directly from fat contained in the food. 



FOOD AND FEEDING 617 

Fat lubricates the tissues, and a reasonable accumulation serves as a 
store of potential energy to be called upon in time of need, when 
its action is similar to that of carbohydrates. The main source of 
muscular energy, movement, or mechanical work., is thought to reside 
in the carbohydrates, because with excessive muscular work there is 
increased evolution of heat, carbonic dioxide and water, but no 
material increase in excretion of nitrogen in the urine. In so far 
as muscular energy and power depend upon a good machine, in so 
far do the proteids aid the work of the machine by keeping it in 
good repair and working order. From this point of view the pro- 
teids represent the mechanism by which the work is done; the car- 
bohydrates the fuel necessary for its performance. It must be kept 
in mind that this is but a general statement, since muscular work 
is also done by protein, and may be wholly done by it, as shown by 
dogs living on lean meat. The exact relative value of carbohydrates 
and proteids in the production of the vital forces is still sub judice. 

The classes of food stuffs for the larger animals embrace both 
green and dry fodder, consisting of the whole plant minus the roots; 
parts from which the more valuable portions have been removed, as 
straw; tubers and roots containing a large percentage of water; the 
seeds or grains, constituting the most concentrated food ; and the 
seed coverings or chaff. 

Kef use and bye-products of manufacture are extensively used, 
as bran, cottonseed meal, linseed meal, and brewers' grains. In 
addition, animal matter, as flesh meal, bone meal, and dried blood, 
are sometimes of value. Pasture grass may be taken as a standard 
of comparison for green fodders. In 100 lbs. of grass there are ap- 
proximately digestible : 

Protein 1.04 lbs. 

Fat 0.5 " 

Carbohydrates 10.34 " 

Green clover contains considerably more, green rye slightly 
more, and o-reen oats somewhat loss protein ; while in green corn 
fodder there is only about half as much protein. Roots, as com- 
pared with green pasture grass, possess only one-third the quantity 
of protein and solids. Potatoes, however, have double the nutritive 
value of roots. Comparison is made in reference to protein, as that 
is by far the most valuable nutrient, and the amount of carbohydrates 
and fat do not vary much in similar kinds of fodder. 

Moadow hay, including such common varieties as timothy and 
red top, may be taken as a standard of comparison for dry fodder. 
In 100 lbs. of timothy hay there are approximately digestible : 



618 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

Protein „ 3.65 lbs. 

Fat 78 " 

Carbohydrates 45.8 " 

Clover hay has double the amount, and rowen or aftermath 
about one-third more protein than is contained in ordinary meadow- 
hay. Oats may be selected as a standard of comparison for grains. 
100 lbs of oats contain of digestible nutrients as follows : 

Protein 8.36 lbs. 

Fat 4.5 " 

Carbohydrates 45.0 " 

Corn yields slightly less protein and considerably more carbo- 
hydrates and fat, while cottonseed meal contains nearly three times 
as much protein, and four times as much fat as are found in oats. 
Bran (or shorts) has approximately the same chemical composition 
as oats. The straw of wheat, barley, rye, oats, and corn have a 
somewhat similar value. In 100 lbs. of wheat straw there are di- 
gestible : 

Protein 0.37 lbs. 

Fat 0.3 " 

Carbohydrates 36.00 " 

In order to compare the composition of food with that of the 
tissues into which it is converted, we submit the following: 

PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION OF LIVE ANIMAL. 
IN 100 LBS. OF WELL FED LIVE OX THERE ARE: 

Protein 15.8 lbs. 

Fat 7.1 " 

Ash 4.8 " 

Water 54.3 " 

Contents of digestive tract 18.0 " 

Certain of the fodders are especially adapted or otherwise for 
the various domestic animals. Green clover is prone to fermentation 
and the formation of flatulency if given in large quantities to any 
animal. A sudden change from dry to luxuriant green food is al- 
ways undesirable for a similar reason. Green grass cut short by a 
lawn mower should not be given horses, as it is swallowed in an 
unmasticated condition and leads to indigestion and colic. Corn 
chop is a frequent cause of colic and alfalfa of impaction of the colon 
in horses. Pasturing on the tops of sugar beets, after the beets have 



FOOD AND FEEDING 619 

been removed is responsible for colic in horses and gastro-enteritis in 
cattle, sheep and swine in parts of this country. Potatoes and roots 
are more suitable for ruminants than for horses ; yet upon the latter 
they act as natural and agreeable laxatives, and form a palatable 
addition to dry fodder, particularly carrots. The best variety of hay 
for horses consists of good bright timothy or herds grass with a slight 
admixture of red top and clover. Carrots should be sliced longi- 
tudinally to prevent choking when given to horses. Clover hay is 
dusty and apt to provoke "heaves" in horses, and that, together with 
rowen, is more appropriate for ruminants. 

Bran is but poorly digested by horses, yet acts favorably as a 
laxative when given once or twice a week mixed with boiling water 
and plenty of salt, constituting a "bran mash." Bran takes the place 
of oats as a nitrogenous food for ruminants, and is less expensive. 
Cottonseed meal, being extremely rich in nitrogen, and usually in oil 
or fat, is not easily digested by any animal, but may be given in 
quantities of a quart or two to ruminants, and from half a pint to a 
pint to horses, daily. Cottonseed meal is supplied cattle to compen- 
sate for a deficiency of nitrogen in the food, while in horses it acts 
as a slight laxative and may improve the general condition. Straw 
and corn fodder are not readily digested by horses unless cut and 
steamed, but are suitable for ruminants and are often preferable to 
a poor quality of hay. The demands of the system for food vary in 
relation to tissue change, which is diminished by rest, increased by 
work, and either accelerated or decreased by disease. The require- 
ments for nutriment are greater during the growing period and for 
the formation of the various natural products, as milk or wool. The 
state of the digestive organs and assimilative powers guide us in 
selecting the kind and quantity of food desirable. In acute disease 
it is advisable to feed little and often, the food being prepared in the 
most digestible and palatable form, and in as great a variety as at- 
tainable. We may restrict the diet as a whole or in part. Starving 
diminishes circulatory protein, increases tissue waste, weakens an 
animal, and lessens the natural resistance against disease. Restrict- 
ing the diet is useful in controlling unmanageable animals, in dimin- 
ishing sexual excitement, and in the treatment of plethora when com- 
bined with proper exercise. In most acute inflammatory diseases, as 
in acute laminitis, a restricted laxative diet is desirable, as steamed 
oats with bran and salt, roots and green fodder. In acute indigestion, 
or in acute inflammation of the alimentary tract, and in acute ne- 
phritis, all food should be withheld for at least 24 hours. In acute 
peritonitis all food is contraindicated, by the mouth. In the milder 
forms of acute gastro-enteritis we must restrict the diet to small quan- 
tities of easily digested food, as cracked or steamed oats, chopped hay 



'620 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

and gruels, with the addition of a little green fodder or roots for 
horses; while carnivora are given milk and lime water. In chronic 
digestive disorders the food must be readily digestible and as- 
similable, and of a nitrogenous character, since anemia and mal- 
nutrition follow the defective digestion and absorption. In chronic 
indigestion or gastro-enteritis of horses, Zuill recommends oats 
(boiled, scalded or steamed, and allowed to stand 12 hours), 2 parts; 
bran, 1 part; and malted barley, 1 part, The addition of salt and a 
little green fodder to this ration is palatable and desirable. The 
dietary for constipation in horses should consist of bran mashes twice 
a week with plenty of salt; roots and green fodder at frequent inter- 
vals, combined with suitable exercise and appropriate drug treat- 
ment. Dogs suffering from constipation may be given raw liver 
twice a week, or may be put on an occasional or exclusive diet of one 
of the commercial dog breads or biscuits. These are laxative and 
are invaluable in eczema of dogs. Avoid oatmeal, and feed bread, 
soup and milk in acute eczema. If constipation is very obstinate, 
total abstinence from all food, water excepted, for a time, followed 
by the use of lean meat with salt and beef tea, are indicated till the 
bowels are emptied manually or by enemata. The ration for diarrhea 
embraces the partial restriction of water, which increases the bulk 
and fluidity of the intestinal contents and so stimulates the move- 
ments of the bowels. If the diarrhea is so severe as to endanger life, 
an abundance of pure or boiled water should be allowed in order to 
■compensate for the loss of fluid from the blood. 

Theoretically, an albuminous diet is indicated in diarrhea be- 
cause of the loss from the blood and tissues, and because intestinal 
digestion is disordered and starchy food would be undigested and 
cause fermentation, etc. Practically, a certain amount of starchy 
food seems to be serviceable in the treatment of diarrhea. Horses 
and cattle should be given cooked flour or barley gruel and roasted 
oatmeal and cracked oats. Coarse foods, as bran and straw and 
green fodder, are not allowable. Swine should be supplied with 
gruels of boiled milk and barley, flour or oatmeal (strained). 

Fowl with diarrhea may be fed on boiled rice and given a few 
drops of laudanum two or three times daily. Dogs and cats should 
have boiled milk, boiled rice or strained rice gruel, cooked lean meat 
and crackers. Beef juice and white of egg in water are of value. 
Young calves, with diarrhea, should receive whey, broths and rice 
flour gruel. These dietaries should be employed in conjunction with 
other measures, as the preliminary use of a laxative, rest, the avoid- 
ance of too rich milk, quiet, and external heat and drug treatment. 
Young suckling animals, as foals and calves, may be fed on cooked 
and strained oatmeal or barley gruel made with milk, if the mother's 



FOOD AND FEEDING 621 

milk does not agree. In severe attacks of gastroenteritis, or in gas- 
tric or intestinal ulceration with hemorrhage from the stomach or 
bowels (after preliminary starving), the food should be bland and 
fluid, as soaked bread, oatmeal, barley or flour gruels, linseed tea 
(made by boiling linseed in a muslin bag immersed in water), and 
small quantities of green fodder for the larger animals ; while milk 
and lime water, white of egg and water, broths and beef juice are 
indicated for carnivora. In the latter animals we may have to resort 
to predigested food given by the mouth, or, if vomiting is persistent r 
by the rectum. 

The diet in cases of catarrhal jaundice should be easily digesti- 
ble, bland, and such as will not require much bile for its digestion. 
The larger patients should be given gruels, steamed cracked oats,, 
young and tender green food, cooked potatoes, together with alkalies 
and other appropriate remedies. Dogs are allowed milk and lime 
water, crackers, bread and cooked lean meat. Feeding in hemo- 
globinuria or "black water" of horses must be restricted to the use 
of gruels, green fodder and a little hay in the early stages of the 
disorder. Food is usually withheld 12 hours before surgical opera- 
tions, and this, in addition to the administration of a cathartic, will 
prevent injury in casting the larger animals, which might follow 
were the digestive tract overfull. It will also lessen the danger of 
intestinal fermentation and absorption of toxins from the bowels, 
which may occur after operation, owing to an enfeebled digestive 
action. If dogs are starved before surgical operation, vomiting is 
prevented during or after etherization. Water alone may be re- 
stricted to advantage in obesity, cardiac disease with edema, or in 
the treatment of chronic exudations, as in hydrothorax. Water may 
be allowed in these conditions only once daily, or even every other 
day; and this treatment may be combined with the use of saline 
cathartics in strong animals. The specific gravity and density of 
the blood and the tendency to absorption from the tissues and cavities 
are increased. By the same process the quantity of blood is dimin- 
ished and the load put upon the heart is lessened, both of which may 
prove beneficial in cardiac diseases. 

A full, or restorative diet should be especially rich in protein. 
Generous feeding is distinctly in order in the treatment of general 
debility, malnutrition, anemia, weakness of the digestive organs, con- 
valescence from acute diseases and in animals particularly sensitive 
to cold, or in those which sweat easily. A full diet is also useful in 
overworked animals and in those subject to losses from increased 
secretion, excretion, or exudation, as in chronic suppuration, diar- 
rhea, albuminuria, ascites and edema, A restorative diet for herbiv- 
ora includes grain, as corn, bran, oats and cottonseed meal; hay 



622 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

and grass, with occasionally beef meal, milk and eggs. For omnivora, 
corn, potatoes, blood, beef meal, milk and soups. For carnivora, 
meat extracts, cream, milk, eggs, broths and meat juice. In most 
wasting diseases, fat, protein and water are the food elements espe- 
cially needful. An abundance of water stimulates the appetite, secre- 
tions, excretions, tissue changes and vital processes generally. Salt 
should be given freely as an aid to digestion in increasing the formation 
of hydrochloric acid, and indirectly that of pepsin. Alcohol, being a 
nutritive and capable of easy absorption, assimilation and decomposi- 
tion in the body, forms a most valuable adjunct to a restorative diet. 
A deficiency of lime in the food is occasionally the cause of rickets 
in the young, and fragilitas ossium in the old, but more frequently 
these diseases are due to defective digestion, assimilation, or excessive 
lactation. Bone meal may be fed to advantage in such affections. 
It contains both lime and phosphoric acid and should be given in 
small quantities (1 tablespoonful to large animals; 1 teaspoonful to 
small patients) on the food in connection with the administration of 
hydrochloric acid and bitters. 

In fever a restricted diet is often necessary in the more acute 
stages, with loss of appetite, diminished secretions, and movements 
of the stomach, but as soon as convalescence sets in the increased 
tissue waste produces an excessive demand for food and the digestive 
organs may become overtaxed. The initial dietetic treatment of 
fevers consists in the use of oats, bran mashes, and gruels, with the 
addition of a small quantity of grass or roots for horses. The change 
from this diet should be very gradual to a dry, coarse fodder, in 
order to avoid digestive disorders. The bitters, alcohol, hydrochloric 
acid, and salt, together with a copious supply of water, will further- 
more aid convalescence. Carnivora, with fever, should be fed milk, 
beef juice, broth, bread, oatmeal and a small quantity of cooked lean 
meat. 

Obesity is treated most advantageously by proper feeding. A 
certain amount of fat is essential in the body in lubricating the 
tissues, in acting as a protection against cold, in serving as an en- 
veloping and shielding cushion to the underlying tissues, and finally 
in supplying a store of nutrition. Animals living in cold climates are 
covered symmetrically by fat, but those indigenous in hot countries 
have accumulations of fat in masses to avoid over-heating the body. 
This is seen in the hump of the camel, zebu and Brahmin bull. When 
the camel is severely taxed, the fat is consumed and the hump becomes 
loose and flabby. House dogs overfed and insufficiently exercised, 
horses, and other animals kept for breeding purposes, are those most 
commonly afflicted with obesity. Fat in the body may be formed 
from fat, albuminoids, and carbohydrates of the food. Carbohy- 



FOOD AND FEEDING 623 

drates, if in excess of tlie needs of the economy, protect the fat in 
the food from decomposition and so enable it to be stored in the body. 
Protein may also protect the consumption of fat of the food, for it is 
broken up into nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous elements, and the 
latter may be transformed into body fat. The accumulation of fat 
proceeds most readily when there is an abundance of fat in the food, 
in addition to the other nutrients ; less so when the ration consists of 
fat and albuminoids, or of carbohydrates and albuminoids ; and least 
of all with a diet consisting of pure protein. The latter, then, is the 
food to be approached as near its purity as advisable. If a proteid 
ration is followed too closely, digestive disorders, loss of strength and 
nervous disturbances are likely to occur. The fat resulting from the 
decomposition of a pure protein fodder is usually not sufficient to 
supply the needs of the body, and the organized fat is gradually called 
upon to supply the deficiency in the food. 

Exercise, cathartics, diuretics and diaphoretics, together with 
venesection, are synergistic measures. As emaciation proceeds, we 
must add more and more non-nitrogenous material to our ration. 
Fat is said to accumulate most readily in the vicinity of vascular 
areas where the flow of blood is retarded, and therefore oxidation, 
combustion, and molecular activity diminished. Exercise, on the 
other hand, stimulates the circulation, while deprivation of water 
makes the blood-current more rapid by decreasing the amount of 
blood. Both therefore favor the destruction of fat. Vogel has 
reported good results in reducing obesity by the use of the following 
rations. From 19 to 26 weeks are required for a cure. 



DAILY RATION FOR THE HORSE. 

Oatmeal 7 lbs. 

Straw 3.5 

Hay 7 

Linseed meal 1 

Salt 5 per cent, of above. 

DAILY RATION FOR DOG WEIGHING 115 LBS. 

Cooked oatmeal 3 lbs. 

Fat % " 

SAME LATER. 

Oatmeal 1 lb. 

Flesh meal % " 

Fat % " 

Salt 1 teaspoonful. 



624 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

DAILY RATION FOR FAT SETTER OR POINTER. 

Lean meat iy 2 lbs. 

Bread iy 2 " 

Fat 3 oz. 

Animals suffering from fatty degenerative changes do not stand 
such a rigid diet as the foregoing. These animals are affected with 
a weak heart, due to fatty degeneration of the myocardium, with 
atrophy of its muscular fibres. They have dyspnea on exertion. 
The cardiac insufficiency leads, in its turn, to secondary troubles, as 
catarrh of the digestive and respiratory organs, and disorder of the 
liver and kidneys, following general passive congestion. The treat- 
ment should be directed in such cases to lessening the amount of 
blood and the work put upon the heart, by limiting the ingestion of 
water, and by strengthening the heart with appropriate stimulants. 
The activity of the skin should be excited by frequent grooming and 
the use of diaphoretics, while the activity of the kidneys should be 
enhanced by the employment of diuretics. We are prevented from 
feeding an exclusively nitrogenous diet in these cases, as the oxidizing 
power of the blood is not sufficient to decompose it, neither is it safe 
or advisable to quickly remove the fat, as cardiac failure might ensue. 
Small quantities of water are allowed, given two hours after feeding. 
The general ration should be rich in proteids and also contain a 
moderate amount of fat and carbohydrates. 

ARTIFICIAL FEEDING. 

Artificial feeding consists in the introduction of food into the 
body other than in the ordinary way by the mouth. Rectal feeding 
is the only procedure of much value. The agents employed must be 
bland, and capable of easy absorption and assimilation. If the food 
is at all irritating, tenesmus and ejection quickly occur. From two 
to four ounces of liquid nourishment may be given to small or me- 
dium-sized dogs ; from four to eight ounces to large dogs. One 
quart may be employed for horses. The nutrient enema should be 
introduced into the bowel through a flexible rubber tube carried up 
into the colon. An hour before the enema is given the bowel is to 
be washed out thoroughly with cold water. The nutrient injection 
should not be given oftener than once in six hours, and if the bowel 
is irritable, not oftener than once in twelve hours. The absorptive 
power of the rectum is slight, but that of the colon is considerably 
greater. Predigested food is most valuable.' Leube's Beef Peptone 
may be used. A bullock's pancreas is finely chopped and rubbed up 
with eight ounces of glycerin. This extract will keep fresh several 
weeks in a cold place. To one-third of the extract are added five 



FOOD AND FEEDING 625 

ounces of finely chopped beef, and the mixture is ready for immediate 
use. The peptonizing powders of Fairchild Brothers & Foster are 
most convenient in preparing digested food. Each powder consists 
of five grains of pancreatic extract and fifteen grains of sodium bi- 
carbonate. 

A useful nutrient enema for a large dog may be made of two 
eggs and six ounces of milk. Four to six eggs may be added to a 
quart of milk for use as an enema for a horse. The mixture is then 
to be peptonized and introduced into the rectum at the temperature 
of the body. In using the peptonizing powders, one is placed in a 
quart glass jar together with a teacupful of cold water. Then a pint 
of the mixture to be peptonized is poured into the jar, and the latter 
placed in a vessel containing water as hot as the hand will easily 
bear. The jar is kept in the hot water for twenty minutes and put 
on ice. When the mixture is used it should be heated to 100° F. 
If predigested food is to be given by the mouth, it is well not to 
keep the glass jar immersed in hot water more than five minutes, as 
otherwise the taste will be bitter and disagreeable. A small dose 
of laudanum is always useful to prevent the expulsion of enemata. 
Brandy may be added in the proportion of one ounce to the pint of 
milk after peptonizing. The addition of salt to egg-albumin greatly 
facilitates absorption. Panapeptone and brandy, each one ounce, in 
six ounces of normal salt solution form a good substitute for the 
peptonized milk enema. Gruels of all kinds, and broths, may be 
peptonized, as well as milk. It is not essential, however, to pepton- 
ize milk and other fluids, although absorption is rendered somewhat 
more complete. The digestive powers of the large intestines are but 
slight. Sugar is absorbed unaltered; undigested proteids (with cer- 
tain exceptions) and fat are not absorbed. Peptones, soluble pro- 
teids, as milk, meat juice, egg albumen, and emulsified fat are ab- 
sorbed. ]STevertheless, absorption from the lower bowel is trivial 
compared with that from the small intestines generally, and 
as the extent of surface with which rectal injections come in contact 
is small, and their sojourn short, it follows that rectal feeding cannot 
take the place of normal alimentation. 

In tetanus, paralysis of muscles of deglutition, fracture of the 
jaw in horses, persistent vomiting and convulsions in dogs, and in all 
animals refusing food, rectal feeding is indicated. It is possible 
to feed animals through a stomach tube (or catheter), and, in hos- 
pital cases, this method may be preferable. 



626 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 



Counter-irritants. 

A counter-irritant is an irritant which acts counter, or against 
an existing irritation, result of irritation, or pain. In applying a 
"twitch" to a horse, we are inflicting an irritation to relieve some 
other source of irritation elsewhere. It is taken for granted that the 
damage and pain caused by the artificial irritant are not so severe 
as those already existing. The amount of injury produced by an 
irritant depends upon the nature of the material, its strength, the 
duration of its action, the mode of application, and the part to which 
it is applied. We may consider the effects occasioned by a mild and 
increasing action following the continued use of a single agent, or 
representing the action of materials of different degrees of potency. 
There first appears redness of the skin, accompanied by some burning 
or pain (rubefacient action), and if the irritation progresses there is 
a serous exudate poured out into the mucous layer of the skin. This 
leads to swelling and edema. Greater irritation causes more exuda- 
tion of serum and an elevation of the epidermis in a circumscribed 
area or areas, and the formation of blebs or blisters (vesication). If 
the irritation ceases at this point, the blisters break open and their 
contents dry on the surface, covering the parts with a thick scab. 
Synchronous with vesication we observe a similar process attacking 
the hair follicles. The hairs are loosened and fall, but as the papilla? 
are usually unaffected, the growth of hair is soon renewed. The re- 
covery of hair is facilitated by the application of grease to parts. 
Certain agents cause circumscribed inflammation of the gland orifices 
of the skin, with the formation of pustules (pustulants), as croton 
oil, and these create necrosis of the hair papilla?, and, therefore, per- 
manent loss of hair. If the irritant is severe, suppuration follows 
vesication; or, if an ordinary irritant is applied with violent fric- 
tion, is covered with a bandage, or placed over an already inflamed 
part, the same result happens. The terms referring to the degree 
of action inherent in agents are as follows : 

1. A rubefacient, causing hyperemia. 

2. A vesicant, or epispastic, inducing blistering. 

3. A pustulant, creating pustules. 

4. An escharotic, or caustic, occasioning death of the tissues. 
The same agent, as has already been pointed out, may produce 

one or more of these actions according to circumstances. The inner 
aspect of limbs and the flexures of joints are peculiarly sensitive, 
owing to the thinness of the skin over these areas. If a counter- 
irritant is rubbed properly into the skin it may penetrate into the 
mucous laver. 



COUNTER-IRRITANTS 627 

Reference has been made to the local influence of irritants. We 
will now direct attention to their remote effect. It is certainly known 
that irritation of the surface decidedly affects distant organs. Brown- 
Sequard noted contraction of vessels in one arm when the other was 
immersed in cold water. Severe burns of the surface are followed 
by duodenal ulcers. The preceding and succeeding remarks enable 
us to partially account for the remote influence of counter-irritants, 
but although we know their practical value, it is not within our pres- 
ent knowledge to offer theories wholly explaining their effect. 

The influence of counter-irritants may be summed up in reflex 
action; i.e., the production and conduction of an impulse from the 
periphery to nerve centres, thereby modifying the nerve functions and 
blood supply in distant parts. 

The skin is commonly the point of application. It normally 
is an organ of protection, respiration, secretion and special sense, 
and, through its medium, a regulator of temperature, responding to 
such natural stimuli as heat, cold, moisture and dryness. Such an 
unnatural and considerable stimulation as is produced by counter- 
irritants consequently creates very sensible alterations in the bodily 
functions. Extensive counter-irritation causes the breathing to be- 
come slower and deeper by reflex stimulation of the respiratory centre, 
and also by making the respiratory movements more painful, if the 
application be made to the chest wall. The circulation is likewise 
affected by stimulation of the vagus and vasomotor centres, and both 
the force of the heart and blood pressure are increased, unless the 
irritation is very widespread and severe, when the reverse happens. 
The abdominal vessels are those constricted; the vessels of the skin 
and limbs are unaffected. In accordance with the foregoing remarks, 
the use of considerable heat, together with mustard or turpentine, is 
of great value in conditions of vital depression, surgical shock, col- 
lapse and coma. Moreover, the effect on local blood supply is still 
greater and full of importance, since it may explain the beneficial 
action obtained in the ordinary use of counter-irritants. In experi- 
ments conducted upon animals, it has been observed that when sina- 
pisms are placed over the head, the blood vessels in the pia mater 
are first dilated, but soon contract and remain in that condition for 
some time. Likewise there was seen, following energetic counter-irri- 
tation of the chest, anemia of the underlying parts, including the 
muscles, pleura, and even the pulmonary tissue. It is essential to 
bear in mind, then, that while counter-irritants induce local congestion 
in their immediate vicinity, they "also cause reflexly vascular con- 
traction in more remote areas. In accordance with this demonstra- 
tion, the importance of these agents in remote inflammation lies not 
so much in their bringing blood to the surface, as in forcing it out of 



628 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

distant parts. This fact is not generally appreciated. The use of 
the word "drawing" signifies the common idea of a counter-irritant, 
and implies the first proposition. 

Temperature is not materially affected by the therapeutic use of 
counter-irritants, and they are not necessarily contraindicated in 
fevers. Experiments, however, appear to show that mild counter- 
irritation may lead to a slight elevation of body-heat, owing to stimu- 
lation of the calorifacient centres, while extensive and prolonged 
action lowers temperature by depression of the heart and heat centres, 
and because more blood flows through the peripheral vessels owing 
to constriction of the vessels in the abdominal organs. 

Counter-irritants notably relieve pain. This result is not only 
due to overcoming congestion, but occurs when pain is purely neu- 
ralgic. The phenomenon is not altogether explicable. The subdu- 
ing influence of a twitch in the case of pain inflicted upon a horse 
is an analogous example. Wechsberg, in some late experiments, notes, 
as a most striking effect of counter-irritants, edematous infiltration 
of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle in sub-ad j acent parts, with 
compression of blood vessels in the deeper-lying structures. He at- 
tributes the relief of pain afforded by counter-irritants to anemia 
and rapid compression brought to bear on the nerves in these under- 
lying parts* 

Still this explanation does not interpret the relief of pain some- 
times seen in parts remote from the point of application of counter- 
irritants. 

In disease of internal organs Head has constantly found certain 
corresponding areas of skin tenderness. This because both the inter- 
nal organ and the skin area are innervated from the same segment 
of the brain or cord. Theoretically and practically counter-irritation 
of a. skin area affects the internal organ corresponding (by nervous 
connection) to this area more than other parts. These areas of skin 
tenderness for diseased internal organs, and for application of skin 
irritants to relieve these conditions, have been mapped out in man. 
In the case of the chest and belly they are situated pretty nearly over 
the site of the internal organ. In the head the sensitive skin-sites 
are not over the diseased part. 

Pain is usually referable to the peripheral ends of an affected 
nerve. It is good practice to apply counter-irritation directly over 
a deep-seated inflammation or seat of pain (see above), but in as- 
suaging superficial pain it is found, that where the treatment can 
be made over the root of the painful nerve, better results are obtained. 
In pain in the chest wall a blister should be placed next the spine 
over the root of the spinal nerve involved ; in pain in the head in man, 
counter-irritation is applied over the back of the neck. Counter- 



COUNTEK-IEBITANTS 629 

irritation should be done over the temple, in pain in the eye (iritis) ; 
behind the ear, for pain in that organ. 

In the treatment of enlarged glands and in acute inflammations, 
as abscess, boils and carbuncles, by counter-irritants, the application 
should be about the lesions rather than directly upon them. 

Among other actions accomplished by counter-irritants are: pos- 
sible stimulation of trophic nerves and nutrition of a part ; augmenta- 
tion of tissue change, locally and generally, and dilatation of vessels 
(when applied after the subsidence of acute inflammation or in chron- 
ically inflamed parts), with renewed activity of the circulation and 
consequent absorption of inflammatory exudations. The local action 
of skin irritants increases the leucocytes and opsinins in the inflam- 
matory area (acted upon) and leads to bacterial destruction.' The 
toxins are also more rapidly removed by their influence. Further- 
more, counter-irritants reflexly overcome spasm and pain occurring in 
colic, by stimulating and replacing normal peristaltic action in place 
of abnormal localized contractions. In like manner they excite uter- 
ine contractions by stimulation of the involuntary muscular fibres of 
the womb. 

INDICATIONS FOR COUNTER-IRRITANTS. 

1. To overcome congestion and inflammation in remote parts. 

2. To promote absorption of inflammatory products locally. 

3. To relieve pain. 

4. To stimulate the heart, respiration and nervous functions. 

Rubefacients. — In this class are included the volatile oils — tur- 
pentine, oil of wintergreen, etc. — alcohol, chloroform, balsams, resins, 
iodine, tincture of camphor, tincture of cantharides, mustard, and 
heat. These agents are used when it is desirable to stimulate the 
nervous system rapidly, and to relieve pain and congestion. To 
attain this end, we employ comparatively mild agents in order that 
we may apply them over an extensive surface without causing serious 
or permanent results. Mustard is rubbed with warm water into a 
thin paste (a sinapism), and rubbed over the chest of horses in con- 
gestion of the lungs, in acute bronchitis, or in the first stage of 
pleuritis, to obtund pain and lessen congestion. Sinapisms also 
relieve obstinate cough, revive failing respiration, and stimulate re- 
flexly the vital functions in collapse, shock and narcotic coma. Ap- 
plied over the cardiac region, they avert syncope. To assist the 
action of mustard, we often cover the application with hot blankets, 
and then with dry ones. Stimulating liniments are sometimes pre- 
ferred. One volume of oil of mustard may be combined with fifteen 
volumes of oil of turpentine ; or ammonia water, thirty parts, and 



630 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

oil of turpentine, fifteen parts, are added to spirit of camphor and 
soap liniment, each fifty parts. 

Turpentine is more valuable in abdominal disorders in horses. 
It is sprinkled on hot blankets, and applied as a stupe to stop pain, 
spasm, and stimulate normal peristalsis in colic; and to relieve pain 
and congestion in enteritis, peritonitis, diarrhea and other difficulties. 
The beneficial result accruing from the use of external counter-irri- 
tants in bowel troubles is often facilitated by the injection of hot 
(115° F.) rectal enemata. 

Stimulating liniments are serviceable in aiding resolution of 
swelling following the acute stage of cellulitis, lymphangitis, neuritis, 
mammitis, rheumatism, strains and braises. They are often em- 
ployed in laryngitis. In chronic skin diseases, as eczema, mild 
counter-irritants (tar, oil of cade, Peruvian balsam, etc) substitute 
an active reparative process, tend to aid absorption of exudation and 
induration, and relieve pain and itching. The tincture of iodine 
may abort incipient inflammatory lesions, as boils and abscess, by 
means of its counter-irritant and antiseptic properties. 

VESICANTS AND THE ACTUAL CAUTERY. 

Cantharides, red iodide of mercury, and croton oil, are more 
commonly used in veterinary medicine to cause blistering. Refer- 
ence will be had, hereafter, to cantharidal blisters. Blisters and 
the cautery are especially indicated to cause resolution of inflam- 
matory products and modification of inflammatory processes ; to 
secure fixation and rest of parts, and to relieve pain. It is im- 
possible to enumerate all the conditions in which they are useful. In 
the treatment of severe sprains, as curb and "breakdown" ; and in 
exostoses, as ringbone and spavin, the actual cautery (firing) is 
used before and in conjunction with blistering to exaggerate the 
counter-irritant effect. Absorption is attained in the foregoing con- 
ditions by the production of an acute inflammation, with increase 
of vascularity, tissue change and fatty degeneration. In "breakdown," 
the formation of scar tissue is thought (without, reason) to assist in 
supporting the limb. Sometimes, on the other hand, osseous deposit 
is unabsorbed, but anchylosis and freedom from pain in a diseased 
joint is secured by the enforced maintenance of rest and fixation 
of the joint, together with the production of new bone. 

In exudative diseases of serous membranes, as pleuritis, peri- 
carditis, peritonitis, meningitis, arthritis, and synovitis, blisters fa- 
cilitate absorption and recovery after the acute stage is over. This 
favorable result is not due to loss of serum, but to modification of 
the inflammatory process. In the first three diseases named above, 



COinSTTER-IERITANTS 631 

blisters — flying blisters — may be applied in spots every few days in 
different places over the affected area. 

Blisters renexly stimulate the nerve centres in meningitis, in 
addition to their action on the inflammatory lesion. They should 
be applied over the poll or spine according to the location of the 
trouble. Absorption in chronically enlarged glands is assisted by 
blisters. They also hasten "ripening" of suppurating glands or ab- 
scess when this process is slow, and hasten their resolution after 
evacuation of pus. The blister should be rubbed on about the in- 
flamed area in these lesions. 

Vesicants are also valuable in pharyngitis and laryngitis for 
severe cases, when stimulating liniments are ineffectual : and, in 
lessening pain, exudation and swelling of the throat, may avert the 
necessity of tracheotomy. A blister applied about the coronet in 
diseases of the feet is serviceable in stimulating the growth of the 
hoof and promotes repair in navicular disease, laminitis, and carti- 
laginous quittor, after the acute stage is passed. In arthritis and 
synovitis, the whole diseased area, with the exception of the flexure 
of the joint, is covered with a blister. Since it is often impossible 
to immobilize a part, in veterinary practice, by splints, blisters are 
sometimes employed for this end after reduction of dislocations. 

The hair should be clipped from an area to be blistered, the 
skin washed with soap and water, and the animal tied up or re- 
strained in some way from biting the part. It is the custom to cover 
immediately the surrounding parts with grease, but protection from 
the acrid discharge can be secured more effectively by frequent spong- 
ing with soap suds and water ; or painting the skin, under the blis- 
tered surface, with a solution of rosin in alcohol. Grease is not 
so good a protective, since it is a solvent for cantharides. Vaseline 
should be applied following the active stage. 

Caustics or Escharotics are agents which destroy tissue. They 
comprise such substances as the caustic alkalies, mineral acids, silver 
nitrate ; iron, zinc and copper sulphates ; ferric, zinc and mercuric 
chlorides; carbolic acid, arsenic, together with the actual cautery. 
They are indicated in the treatment of exuberant granulations, mor- 
bid growths, septic, sloughing and necrotic parts, pyogenic mem- 
branes, fistulous tracts, and for the destruction of poisons, as in rabid 
dog and snake bite. Escharotics stimulate and modify nutrition in 
unhealthy wounds and ulcers. Many form chemical compounds with, 
the tissue elements. Heat oxidizes animal tissues, and also coagu- 
lates albumin and abstracts water from them. 

The alkalies produce greasy compounds with the proteids, 
saponify the fats and withdraw water from the tissues. They are 
the most widely destructive agents. Silver nitrate forms an in- 



632 G-ENERAE THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

soluble albuminate with the tissues to which it is applied, and pro- 
tects the underlying structures from further action. It is most 
superficial in its action, but possesses specific properties in altering 
the condition of unhealthy wounds for the better. Extreme heat, 
exemplified by the white-hot iron, acts as a counter-irritant in stimu- 
lating reilexly the nervous system ; in increasing the vascularity of 
surrounding parts, and in favoring revulsion of blood ; in aiding 
absorption and resolution, and in relieving pain apart from its direct 
destructive effect. Caustics may be applied in either the solid or 
liquid state, and in various forms, as the stick, powder, paste and 
ointment. Caustics are sometimes employed to stop hemorrhage. 
The reader is referred to articles on special agents for further details. 
Suppurants. — Any of the more active counter-irritants, as croton 
oil, may induce suppuration. Under this head may be mentioned 
setons and issues of rowel. A seton is a piece of tape or other 
material, introduced through an incision in the skin and thence under 
the skin in the connective tissue, and finally out through the skin 
at a short distance from the point of entrance. The loose ends are 
then knotted together, and the whole loop is drawn through the wound 
once daily to keep up constant irritation and suppuration. An issue 
of rowel is a piece of gauze or tow, which is passed into an incision, 
where the substance remains, and causes continual irritation and 
suppuration. To intensify their irritant action, both setons and is- 
sues of rowel may be first saturated with cantharides ointment or 
oil of turpentine. They have been employed in acute disease of 
the eye, meningitis, "strangles," and in joint and shoulder lameness, 
near the seat of trouble. Setons and issues of rowel are barbarous 
and dirty, and fortunately have become obsolete. 

Cold and Heat. 

Cold. — Cold and heat are only relative terms. As used here, 
they refer, respectively, to a thermal intensity below or above that 
of the body. Cold is usually applied by means of water in some 
form. In veterinary practice we are limited in the employment of 
cold air, as a medium, to the use of free ventilation and protection 
of animals from the solar heat.* Cool air is especially desirable in 
the treatment of most febrile affections by lowering temperature and 
serving as a stimulus to the respiratory, circulatory and nervous func- 

* The cold air treatment — of pneumonia, especially — is now exceedingly 
popular in human medicine. The patients are kept outdoors even in the coldest 
weather under shelter and well-covered. Reduction of fever and stimulation of 
the vital centres are among the chief advantages accruing. The same treatment 
applies to animals. In pneumonia of horses an abundance of fresh, cold air 
should be secured with the animal well blanketed and the limbs bandaged. 



COLD AND HEAT 633 

lions generally. Locally, cold causes contraction of the peripheral 
vessels and muscles of the skin, forcing out fluids from the part and 
reducing local temperature. This is more distinctly noticeable in 
congested areas. If the application is very severe or long continued, 
the vessels lose their tone, become paralyzed, and we have passive 
congestion, inflammation, and finally death. 

Ordinarily, reaction sets in after the use of cold, more particu- 
larly if followed by heat, when an active hyperemia is substituted 
for the ischemia. This is brought about both by reflex stimulation 
of the heart by the cold, and local dilation of the vessels. Therefore, 
when we wish to constringe parts, we use moderate cold continuously ; 
hut, by alternating cold and heat we may accelerate the blood supply, 
and by first forcing out, and then bringing back the fluids of the 
tissues, we can maintain such an activity of the circulation that even 
solid exudations are absorbed. Cold, locally, lessens nervous irrita- 
hility and pain directly, and, also, by contracting the afferent vessels, 
it diminishes the impact of the blood on sensitive parts. Moderate 
heat is said, nevertheless, to produce much the same result by relaxing 
the capillaries of the collateral circulation, thus draining off the 
hlood and relieving tension in the inflamed part. Tissue change is 
diminished, locally, by the action of cold. Suppuration and slough- 
ing proceed but slowly under its retarding influence. Acute abscess 
is converted into what might be logically termed a "cold abscess" in 
the most literal sense of the word. Kemotely, moderate cold applied 
to the body for a short period actually increases general temperature 
by stimulating reflexly the heat centres, increasing oxidation and 
lessening radiation from the contracted superficial vessels. If cold 
is in contact with the whole body for a longer time, the temperature 
gradually sinks and the reduction continues for some hours when, 
in healthy animals, the temperature rises above normal. Snch effects 
are much more pronounced in pyrexia. The action upon the nervous 
•system is exceedingly important therapeutically. The most powerful 
stimulating action is exerted upon the centres of innervation con- 
trolling the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and excretory organs. 
In fever, this treatment invigorates the failing digestive functions, 
relieves the nervous irritability by cooling the blood going to the 
great nerve centres in the medulla, and strengthens and stimulates the 
•entire nervous organization. Cold applications and drinks stimulate 
the circulation reflexly, increase blood tension, and, therefore, the 
secretion of urine in fever, which is very important for the elimina- 
tion of toxins. Locally, heat and cold are often used interchangeably 
in medicine. In human practice it is a rule to be guided in the 
choice of one or the other by the desire of and effect upon the patient, 
and this should apply, as far as possible, in veterinary practice. 



634 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

Cold is employed, locally, in congestions of superficial parts, and 
tends to abort inflammation and relieve pain. 

In meningitis, rubber ice bags or continual irrigation of the 
head and spine are used. Laryngitis may be successfully treated 
by ice poultices (cracked ice and sawdust in linen bags) or by thin 
rubber ice bags surrounding the throat. In the same way are treated 
sprained tendons, capped hocks, broken knees, recent curbs, and 
lymphangitis. In fact, most superficial inflammatory surgical affec- 
tions are benefited by cold applications. Ice and ice water are use- 
ful in checking venous or capillary hemorrhage, although hot water 
is often more serviceable. Cold water enemata are valuable in 
atonic constipation, diarrhea, and to reduce temperature in fever. 
In the uterus, ice in small lumps will arrest metrorrhagia, and, in 
the rectum, aid in reducing prolapse. Ice bags, placed along the 
spine over the sympathetic ganglia, will cause dilatation of arterioles 
in regions corresponding to the point of application. 

MODES OP EMPLOYING: COLD WATER. 

Ablution is the simplest method of applying water to the sur- 
face of the body. It is merely bathing. Water at the temperature 
of 50° to 60° F. is applied by a rough, coarse cloth. The water is 
thrown on in considerable quantities, beginning with the head and 
going rapidly over the neck, trunk and limbs successively, rubbing* 
the skin briskly all the while with the cloth. Two attendants are 
required for the application of an ablution to the larger animals. 
The patient is finally dried and warmly blanketed. The process 
may be repeated each half hour in fever, or twice daily as a tonic 
measure in chronic diseases. The rationale consists in the stimulus 
afforded by the cold to the nervous system, accompanied by contrac- 
tion and subsequent dilatation of the peripheral blood vessels, with 
consequent cooling of the blood and increased radiation of heat from 
the surface. In most hydriatic methods for reducing temperature in 
fever, friction of the skin should be the sine qua non, as otherwise 
the physical cooling of the body is confined entirely to the periphery, 
the contraction of the surface vessels driving the blood inward to the 
vital organs. The superficial muscles then act as non-conductors, 
and heat production being stimulated reflexly by the cold, an actual 
increase of internal temperature may obtain. 

It is only by securing dilatation of the superficial vessels by 
friction that the result first described can be prevented, for after the 
first shock the peripheral vessels dilate, an increased supply of blood 
is brought to the surface, is rapidly cooled and courses inward, only 



COLD AjSTC> HEAT 635 

to be replaced by more over-heated blood. The internal temperature 
is thus lowered, and instead of an internal congestion being brought 
about, as may happen when the skin is simply exposed to cold, we 
have a constant withdrawal of heated blood from the interior. In 
this perpetual interchange not only does cooling of the blood and 
body occur, but the circulation is equalized and congestions are over- 
come. 

The Sheet Bath. — Whole baths are impracticable for our larger 
patients, and the sheet bath may be substituted to advantage for 
antipyretic and other purposes to which the cold bath is adapted. A 
cloth soaked in cold water, or ice poultice, is placed on the poll to 
prevent determination of blood to the head, and a linen sheet, wet in 
water, of from 50° to 80° F., is placed over the animal, the surface 
being rubbed, while dashing on the sheet water at the temperature 
of 50° to 60° F. This process is continued for fifteen or twenty 
minutes, unless rigor is induced. The method is valuable in the 
treatment of fever and insolation. The general rationale is the same 
as in the case of ablutions, but the antipyretic effect is more marked 
and permanent. The sheet may be covered, while wet, by blankets, 
and converted into a wet pack. 

The Wet Pack is applicable for general or local use, and for 
various purposes. A linen sheet is dipped in water at a temperature 
of 50° to 70° F., and wrung out very thoroughly. A cold appli- 
cation is put on the head and the sheet applied and covered with 
dry woolen blankets. The duration of application is from one quar- 
ter to three hours, according to the object in view. If it is used as 
a strictly antipyretic measure, it should be changed frequently. 
The wet pack differs materially from other hydriatic procedures in 
that reaction occurs slowly, for there is no artificial stimulus in 
the shape of friction to accelerate it. The primary contraction 
of the vessels is succeeded by partial dilatation of them, when the 
blood from the interior of the over-heated body is cooled on the sur- 
face by contact with the sheet and by vaporization of the water. 
Vascular contraction again occurs owing to the cooling, forcing the 
chilled blood inward. So there is continual interchange of cooled 
and heated blood, until the wet sheet has become thoroughly Avarmed. 
After the wet pack is removed, the skin should be dried and the 
patient well blanketed. 

The interchange of blood is useful in relieving congestion of 
the internal organs, in aiding nutrition by bringing to the periphery 
nutriment absorbed from the gastro-mtestinal tract, and for its tonic 
effect on the nervous system. In fever, it abates cerebral hyperemia, 
delirium and excitement, and promotes rest and quiet. 



636 GENE RAX, THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

The Priessnitz Poultice* is similar to the wet pack, but a 
waterproof protective is interposed between the wet blanket, sheet, 
sponges or cloths on the inside and outside woolen coverings. Evap- 
oration is thus prevented, but not vaporization. Such an application 
may be used with safety in febrile diseases, as pleuritis and pneu- 
monia. If it is not renewed frequently, hyperemia of the surface 
occurs, and this may be beneficial in aborting or relieving internal 
congestion. It then acts as an ordinary poultice, and is of value in 
various local inflammations resulting from strains, blows and bruises ; 
also, in laryngitis. Besides relieving internal congestion, the Priess- 
nitz poultice stimulates absorption, removes induration and hastens 
suppuration, locally. The wet pack and Priessnitz poultice are more 
appropriate for practical use than the other methods in veterinary 
practice, since the evaporation from the hair of animals contraindi- 
cates methods suitable in human medicine. 

Cold Baths are only practicable for the smaller animals. Dogs 
may be immersed in water at 90° P., which is rapidly cooled down 
to 60°. The bath should last about fifteen minutes, the surface of 
the body being rubbed constantly. Ice water should be frequently 
poured over the head. After removal from the water, the patient 
must be thoroughly dried, wrapped in warm blankets, and a stimu- 
lant given if necessary. Such treatment may be used as an anti- 
pyretic measure if the temperature is over 103° F. in the rectum. 

Douches. — A douche is a forcible impact of water against the 
surface of the body. It is not used for its antipyretic effect, but 
acts as a stimulant to the nervous system at large, whereby the re- 
spiratory action is deepened and strengthened, and the circulation 
invigorated. The douche is given advantageously in the treatment 
of coma, of alcohol, chloroform, ether or opium, applied to the head. 
The water may be dashed from a pail or applied by means of a 
garden hose or from a tap. Rheumatic lameness and peripheral 
paralysis are suitable cases for the douche treatment, followed by 
vigorous rubbing and dry bandaging. Syncope may often be quickly 
relieved by douching of the head and chest. 

Local Baths are good, especially in inflammatory conditions of 
the feet in horses. Tubs may be employed for the animals to stand 
in, the water being changed frequently or being kept cool by ice. It 
is not advisable to allow animals to stand in large bodies of water 
on account of the danger they incur of "catching cold" from surface 
evaporation. The value of the local use of water in acute laminitis 



* The Priessnitz'scher umschlag (poultice) of the Germans is often defined 
as a cold water compress, without waterproof covering. It must be renewed 
frequently, as it soon dries. Its effect is cooling and not as a poultice in sup- 
plying moist heat, and it does not aid phagocytosis 



COLD AND HEAT 637 

is worth mentioning 'here. After the shoes have been removed the 
extreme pain may be alleviated by standing the horse in quite hot 
water, sufficient to reach up to or above the foot-locks. Good re- 
sults are obtained by changing to ice water after the first day and 
continuing this for several days, in this way causing a contraction 
of the arteries, lessening the amount of blood supplied to the part 
and the danger of chronic laminitis and dropped sole. If convenient 
to a running stream, about the same results may be obtained by 
standing the animal in it. 

Irrigation with cold water is done in inflammatory diseases of 
the joints, tendons and feet. Running water may be permitted to 
flow continuously through perforated rubber tubes, connected with a 
tap, or used as siphons and closed at their distal extremities. The 
holes may be made in the tube with red-hot needles. The rubber 
tubes should be wound about the limb or part and held in position 
by bandages. Letter's expensive block tin tubes are easily bent and 
rendered useless by the movements of our patients. The treatment 
of lacerated wounds by means of a stream of water from a convenient 
hydrant, causes the part to granulate quickly and greatly facilitates 
the healing process, but care should be taken not to allow the water 
to run over the wound more than three or four hours at a time each 
day, otherwise the part will become "waterlogged" and tend to break 
down and slough rather than to fill in with healthy granulation 
tissue. 

Cold Drinks are both refreshing and antipyretic in action. 
Cool water should be placed where the patient can take it as he 
desires. In stomatitis, tetanus and angina, cool water is distinctly 
grateful and comforting. In the latter two diseases, it should be 
arranged so that the animal can reach it without bending the neck. 
The mouth can be rinsed out continually, removing decomposing 
food and mucus, the thirst be slaked and heat and inflammation 
relieved. 

Cold Enemata are valuable antipyretic agencies. From five to 
fifteen quarts of cold water may be thrown up through a flexible 
rubber tube, six feet long, far into the bowel of the horse. 

Evaporating Solutions. — Ethyl chloride or ether spray may be 
applied for a short time by means of an atomizer, to induce local 
anesthesia of a part, through the powerful refrigeration produced 
in their evaporation, and is most satisfactorily employed in conjunc- 
tion with cocaine injections. One turn of a cotton or linen bandage, 
or a single thickness of similar stuff, put about a part and wet con- 
tinuously with cold water, forms a good evaporating medium in 
allaying superficial inflammation and pain. A mixture of clay, and 
equal parts of water, vinegar and diluted solution of lead acetate,. 



638 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

make a cheap and efficient cooling application for external use in 
the treatment of bruises and sprains. The paste should be removed 
as quickly as it dries. 

Refrigerants. — Certain medicines either produce a subjective 
feeling of coolness or actually cause it, applied externally or given 
internally. The subjective sensation is due to some inexplicable 
action on the local nerve supply. Some are stimulants and as- 
tringents, and diminish the circulation in the part. Externally, 
acetate of lead, chloride of ammonium, nitrate of potash, and vine- 
gar, are used most frequently as refrigerants. 

The mineral acids and salts of potassium and sodium, especially 
potassium nitrate, are administered more commonly, internally, both 
for their cooling effect and to allay thirst. 



HEAT. 

Water at a moderate degree of heat — what is termed lukewarm 
■ — i.e., 86° to 95° F., applied to the body, stimulates the action of 
the skin, relaxes peripheral vessels and diminishes nervous excita- 
bility, pain and spasm in neighboring parts. Water at a temperature 
of 11S° to 120° ~F. contracts blood vessels of underlying parts, re- 
lieving congestion and pain. Such a degree of heat resembles cold 
in its effect, and they may often be used interchangeably. Still 
stronger heat has much the same effect as excessive cold, only acting 
more quickly, causing dilatation of the vessels, pain, inflamma- 
tion and destruction of tissue. The action of powerful heat on the 
whole body, or upon single organs, is similar to that of counter- 
irritants. Mild, moist heat is beneficial in the treatment of wounds 
in poorly vascular parts where there is a tendency to indolent granu- 
lation, as about the feet in horses. Again, in low grades of inflam- 
mation with induration, as in strains of tendons, where moderate 
heat tends to stimulate the circulation and hasten absorption. In 
the treatment of abscess and burns, with destruction of tissue and 
suppuration, moist heat applied locally macerates the dead tissue, 
hastens sloughing and relieves pain, and in softening parts prevents 
the burrowing of pus and the formation of deep-seated pockets and 
sinus's. 

A modern view of poulticing is that it aids the migration of 
leucocytes, and therefore is productive of good in assisting their 
phagocytic action. Hot applications increase exudation, congestion, 
collection of leucocytes and opsinins, locally. All these results are 
inimical to bacterial growth. The abscess can thus be more speedily 
formed and more quickly defined. Herein heat differs from cold. 
In irritable and spasmodic troubles of muscular origin in various 



COLD AND HEAT 639 

organs, heat is distinctly remedial, as in pelvic and abdominal pain 
and colic, when employed in the form of rectal injections. Heat 
may, in many conditions, be used interchangeably with, or in the 
place of, cold, according to the preference of the practitioner or the 
effect upon the patient. As, for instance, in the case of pneumonia, 
pleuritis, angina, and in checking hemorrhage. Heat may be utilized 
in simply preventing the natural radiation of it from the body. 
Thus, simple, warm, dry blankets, applied all over the surface of 
the body, may abort catarrhal or rheumatic conditions by merely 
causing retention of the body heat, dilatation of the peripheral ves- 
sels and equalization of the circulation. Covering a portion of the 
skin with such dense preparations as tar, pitch or collodion, in mild 
superficial inflammatory lesions, is said to produce favorable results 
by restraining radiation and increasing heat and blood supply in the 
part. Even thickened tendons and indurated glands may be bene- 
fited thereby. The Priessnitz poultice continuously applied has a 
similar action. In vasomotor paralysis, seen in collapse, following 
loss of blood or poisoning, and in shock due to traumatism or surgical 
operation, heat is eminently a life-saving means. In such conditions 
the loss of vascular tone and dilatation of the vessels lead to danger- 
ous, and even fatal, cooling of the body. Heated dry blankets, or 
those wrung out in hot water, should be applied to the larger animals, 
together with hot rectal injections ; while the smaller animals may 
be placed in baths at the temperature of 105° F., till the temperature 
becomes normal. Such treatment should be combined with the use 
of vascular and cardiac stimulants, camphor, adrenalin, atropine, 
digitalis and strychnine, and saline infusions. 

MODES OF APPLYING HEAT. 

Poultices or Cataplasms* — Cataplasms are compositions for 
the local application of heat and moisture. They are made, com- 
monly, of flaxseed meal, bran, oatmeal, bread, potatoes and carrots. 
One or other of these is stirred up in boiling water until a thick, 
pasty consistency is reached. /This mass may then be applied, while 
very hot, directly to the part when we wish to produce a softening 
of the tissues, as in abscess or tender feet in horses, and the whole is 
covered by a cloth. In poulticing horses' feet, the material — usually 
bran and flaxseed meal, equal parts — is mixed in a pail, with boiling 
water, and spread on a piece of bagging (double thickness, and 
about two feet square), in sufficient quantity to surround and cover 



* Cataplasma Kaolini (U. S. P.) consists of kaolin, or porcelain clay, and 
is applied externally as a poultice. It acts to retain the body heat and is very 
similar to "Antiphlogistine," an excellent substitute for the ordinary poultice. 



640 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

the entire foot. The bagging is then folded and tied about the pas- 
terns, and over around the front and sole of the foot. The whole 
should occasionally be immersed in water to prevent drying of the 
poultice. When a poultice is used merely for its continued heat, 
in relieving heat and congestion, the material should be enclosed in 
a flannel bag, in order the longer to retain and radiate its warmth. 

A very hot poultice acts as a counter-irritant in contracting 
blood vessels in more remote parts, besides its effect in abating pain. 
A warm, moist poultice causes a mild local hyperemia, softens broken 
down and dead issues, and aids suppuration and sloughing. Poul- 
tices are not employed very much, except in the treatment of horses' 
feet, as they are clumsy, laborious contrivances, and difficult to keep 
in place. If long-continued, they cause tissues to become swollen, 
sodden and macerated, destroying their vitality. Antiseptic poul- 
tices are made by soaking sheet cotton, gauze or other absorbent 
material, in Lot antiseptic solutions, as corrosive sublimate, 1-1000 ; 
creolin or lysol, 1-100. The material is very lightly wrung out, 
wrapped about with dry gauze, covered with oil paper, silk or rubber 
protective, and applied to the part with a bandage. Antiseptic poul- 
tices are useful in the treatment of septic injuries, and when there 
is much pain, destruction of tissue, sloughing and suppuration. 
Otherwise, poultices are decidedly contraindicated in the case of 
wounds, as dry antiseptic or aseptic absorbent dressings are far 
preferable in securing one of the cardinal requirements in the process 
of healing, i.e., dryness. As substitutes for ordinary poultices, 
we have spongio-pilene. counter-irritants, stupes and fomentations. 
Spongio-pilene occurs in sheets, about an inch in thickness, made of 
a mixture of sponge and felt, backed with a flexible covering of gutta- 
percha. Its main objection is the expense. It forms, when soaked 
in water, a cleanly and easily applied poultice for non-suppurating 
parts. 

Counter-irritation, as has been pointed out, is produced by hot 
poulticing as w T ell as by drugs. A combination of the two is obtained 
in stupes. 

Stupes, Stupa. — A stupe consists of a flannel or other cloth, 
wrung out in plain or medicated hot water, and applied to the skin. 
These are often covered by waterproof protection, the better to retain 
heat. In the veterinary art, hot blankets are often applied over the 
whole chest or abdomen to relieve internal congestion and pain in 
pleuritis, pneumonia and colic. Turpentine stupes are more in favor 
with abdominal troubles. These are made by simply sprinkling oil 
of turpentine over the hot blankets, or by saturating flannel cloths in 
turpentine and wringing them out in very hot water. To get a very 



COLD AND HEAT 641 

active counter-irritant effect, a mustard paste may be rubbed over 
the chest, and then hot blankets applied. 

Hot Water Bags, made of rubber, and enclosing water at a tem- 
perature of 120° F., may be placed along the spine, and by stimu- 
lating the cord and sympathetic ganglia, cause stimulation of vaso- 
constrictors in regions corresponding to the controlling areas over 
which the heat is applied. In this manner inflammatory conditions 
of the throat, chest, and abdomen are said to have been aborted, and 
internal haemorrhage effectually arrested. Conversely, cold may be 
used over the spine to dilate distal arterioles. 

Fomentations are simply local baths. As technically employed, 
the word refers to bathing parts with plain or medicated hot water, 
by means of sponge or cloths. They may be used to cleanse wounds 
or parts of dried discharges; they act as counter-irritants if very 
hot, or as mild, stimulating, soothing and softening applications if 
warm. In order to produce much effect, besides a mere detergent 
one, they should be applied for a considerable length of time — one 
half hour at least — and be followed by drying and bandaging. Fo- 
mentations reduce swelling and pain, and hasten repair in bruises, 
strains and local inflammatory lesions. 

Injections of hot water are employed to cleanse wounds, stop 
bleeding and relieve pain and spasm. Injections may be thrown into 
the rectum or vagina at a temperature of 115° to 120° F. In the 
vagina, hot water may stop postpartum hemorrhage, pain and con- 
gestion in the pelvis, by producing uterine contractions, and atonic 
constriction of vessels in neighboring parts, which lasts for several 
hours following its use. Hot rectal injections (115° F.) subdue 
abdominal and pelvic pain or spasm, as intestinal or renal colic and 
spasm of the neck of the bladder. • The heat per se in such injections 
may be invaluable in shock and collapse as noted above. 

The water may either be led off through a rubber tube, from a 
stopi-cock in a pail or reservoir, placed above the patient, or else 
siphonage may be done off-hand through a bit of small-sized hose. 
Having hung a pail filled with water one or two feet above the 
patient, the hose is filled with water, and, closing the ends to keep 
it full, the upper part is put in the pail, while the lower, smooth 
and greased, is passed into the rectum or vagina; or water may be 
poured through a large tin funnel into the upper end of the tube. 
The ordinary fountain syringe is the best apparatus for smaller ani- 
mals. 

Dry Heat may be applied by means of hot blankets, hot water 
bags, hot salt or sand in cloth bags, a flatiron or hot, wet cloths be- 
tween waterproof coverings. Dry heat is often preferable to moist 
heat for simply relieving pain and congestion, as animals are less 



642 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

apt to become chilled by drafts and evaporation from the surface 
afterwards. It is generally more difficult to obtain, however. 

Inhalations of plain or medicated steam are given for their local 
effect on the mucous membranes of the upper air passages. The 
moist heat has a soothing action on the nerves, and tends to loosen 
dry exudations. Agents may be incorporated in the inhalation hav- 
ing a sedative, stimulating or antiseptic action. (Vid. "Agents Act- 
ing on the Respiratory Organs," pp. 41, 42.) 

The technique consists in placing a bucket containing a boiling 
mash under the horse's nose, or in pouring cool water over a heated 
brick or iron in the bottom of a pail. The practice of tying a bag 
over a horse's head, and steaming him therein, is bad, if the animal 
is suffering from respiratory troubles, as insufficient pure air is 
obtainable. A dog may be placed on the seat of a cane bottomed 
chair, and covered loosely with a sheet over the whole, the steam 
being generated in a vessel beneath. 

Hot Baths at a temperature of 98° to 110° F. are impracticable 
for larger animals. They can be given to the smaller animals in 
collapse, shock, rheumatism, and to abort cold after exposure. Glow- 
ing heat is applied by means of heated metal, and is treated under 
the section on counter-irritation. 

ACTION OF HEAT CONTRASTED WITH THAT OF COLD. 

The action of intense heat or cold on animal tissue is very simi- 
lar in effect, producing vasomotor paralysis, congestion, inflammation, 
destruction of tissue and death. Even the sensations to which they 
give rise resemble each other so closely, that coolies on first han- 
dling ice said they could not hold it because it burned their fin- 
gers. Strong heat (115° to 120° F.) contracts blood vessels in 
underlying parts and overcomes pain and congestion. Heat of this 
degree approaches cold in similarity of action. A moderate degree 
of heat dilates vessels, while cold of like intensity contracts them. 
Moderate heat relieves pain by relaxing tissue, diminishes vascular 
tension by dilating efferent vessels of the collateral circulation, 
and draining off blood from the congested areas. Moderate 
cold, on the other hand, accomplishes a similar result in benumbing 
nervous sensation and lessening the impact of blood in the painful 
region by constringing the afferent vessels. Tissue change is in- 
creased by moderate heat, but decreased by cold applied locally, or 
generally in fever. Swelling of tissue is reduced by cold directly; 
only indirectly by heat, which may, indeed, increase it. Softening 
and sloughing of parts, suppuration and "ripening" of abscesses and 
"cleaning off" of wounds, are facilitated by moderate heat, but hin- 
dered by cold. 



DISINFECTANTS, ANTISEPTICS AND DEODORANTS 643 



Disinfectants, Antiseptics and Deodorants. 

Disinfectants, or germicides, are agents which destroy the micro- 
organisms, causing infectious and contagious diseases, fermentation 
and putrefaction. Antiseptics are agents which prevent or retard 
the growth and development of the micro-organisms occasioning 
fermentation, putrefaction and disease, more especially the micro- 
cocci producing suppuration. 

Deodorizers, or deodorants, are agents which destroy or counter- 
act a foul odor. They are not necessarily antiseptics or disinfectants. 
Considerable confusion exists in relation to the terms disinfectant 
and antiseptic, because the latter is often described as an agent which 
inhibits the growth, or destroys the life of the micro-organisms of 
fermentation, putrefaction, and disease. This definition makes 
antiseptics synonymous with disinfectants. The distinction exists, 
however, according to common usage, that while disinfectants may, 
m dilution, act as antiseptics, antiseptics are not often disinfectants, 
and in the nature of things are not strong enough to kill germs, al- 
though they may hinder their growth. Antiseptics may then be 
regarded as a subdivision of disinfectants. The two terms are un- 
necessary and misleading, as either might embrace both interference 
with the growth and destruction of micro-organisms. Disinfection 
may fall short of sterilization; i.e., death of all germs. Boiling a 
fluid containing micro-organisms wholly kills them; but, while dis- 
infectants may destroy the germs of disease, they often fail to kill 
more resistant and harmless organisms, as the spores of B. subtilis. 

A discrimination between disinfectants and antiseptics may be 
made in relation to their connection with the body. Those agents 
employed to kill germs, in matter distinct from the living body, are 
disinfectants; while those agents applied on the surface, or intro- 
duced within the body, may be classed as antiseptics, since they can 
rarely be used in such strength as to kill all micro-organisms without 
injuring or killing their host. 



DISINFECTANTS AND DISINFECTION. 

Air, sunlight, heat and water are naturally the best disinfectants. 
Air scatters and dilutes micro-organisms, making them pathologically 
inactive. There is no more effective way to disinfect a stable, in 
which animals are living, than by free ventilation with pure air. 
It is well known that animals are less liable to contract infectious 
'diseases in the comparatively pure air of the country than in closely 
crowded and ill- ventilated city buildings. Likewise, the contagious 



644 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

diseases of children mostly occur in winter, when they are herded 
together in schools and in poorly ventilated dwellings. 

To attempt to disinfect the air surrounding a patient is the 
height of absurdity. The generation of chlorine and sulphurous 
acid gases for this purpose, although recommended in text books, 
is futile, and by irritating the respiratory mucous membrane, accom- 
plishes more harm than good, since a congested surface offers a more 
suitable field for bacterial growth. Air, on the other hand, may be 
a medium of infection when contaminated with dust containing 
pathogenic bacteria (B. tuberculosis). Sunlight is prejudicial to 
the vitality of bacteria. Whereas the bacilli of tuberculosis will 
live almost indefinitely in dark, damp places, they quickly succumb 
to sunlight and dry air. Sunlight and pure air are, then, imperative 
for both the immediate and preventive treatment of germ diseases. 
Heat is the most powerful agency for disinfection at our command. 
Dry heat, to be efficacious, must be applied at a temperature of 140° 
C. (284° F.) for three hours to kill all bacteria and spores; but 
this degree of heat scorches most fabrics and destroys many materials. 
Boiling water quickly kills all non-spore-bearing pathogenic bacteria, 
and these include most of the organisms causing the common con- 
tagious and infectious diseases (anthrax excepted). Two hours of 
continuous boiling will not destroy the most resistant micro-organ- 
isms — the spores of the hay bacillus — but moist or saturated steam, 
at 230° F., will infallibly kill any spores whatsoever within a few 
minutes. Fire is the most complete disinfectant, because it not only 
destroys germs, but their food and products. Water, like air, dilutes 
germs and aids oxidation and destruction of organic matter ; but, 
again like air, drinking water may be the source of infection when 
sufficiently contaminated. 

MECHANICAL MEANS OF PROCURING ASEPSIS. 

Hitherto the placing of sole reliance on chemical agents to se- 
cure surgical sterility of the skin and fresh infected wounds has 
been a mistake. It has been impossible to render living, infected 
tissue sterile by merely bathing it in chemical solutions. In other 
words asepsis has been procured most satisfactorily by mechanical 
means and the chemical has played a secondary part. 

Thus the most efficient method has been to remove the hair from 
the skin surrounding a wound or operative area, and to shield the 
wound with sterile gauze meanwhile. Then the skin was actively 
scrubbed for 10 minutes with green soap and water and followed 
with 70 per cent, alcohol. The wound was then exposed, foreign 
matter and loose tissue removed by forceps and scissors, and the 



DISINFECTANTS, ANTISEPTICS AND DEODORANTS 645 

wound scrubbed, syringed or douched for 10 minutes with normal 
salt lysol, or other solution. Kow we have learned we can sterilize 
the skin and infected raw tissue without the scrubbing, and washing, 
and other laborious methods and with apparently as good results by 
using iodine (See p. 644). 



CHEMICAL AGENTS. 

Mercuric bichloride, carbolic acid, quicklime, chlorinated lime, 
sulphurous acid, and chlorine, are more frequently employed as dis- 
infectants. Corrosive sublimate solutions are decomposed by keep- 
ing, and by contact with albumin and ammonia. Acids, or common 
salt, added to bichloride solutions prevent, in a measure, this decom- 
position; but, nevertheless, mercuric bichloride is rendered unfit for 
the disinfection of masses of decomposing albuminous matter, as 
manure. One of the best solutions, employed by the Paris Disin- 
fection Service, is composed of corrosive sublimate 2 grammes; tar- 
taric acid, 4 grammes; and water, 1 litre (1-500), colored with 5 
drops of a 5 per cent, solution of indigo carminate. An English 
solution, in common use, consists of corrosive sublimate, 1 ounce; 
hydrochloric acid, 2 ounces, and water to make 3 gallons (1-768). 
The usual strength of corrosive sublimate solutions, for disinfection, 
varies from 1-500 to 1-1000. These solutions are suitable for arti- 
cles made wholly, or in part, of leather, rubber and fur ; for blankets, 
cotton and woolen fabrics, and for floors, walls, and wood work of 
stables. Surgical instruments, and other metallic implements and 
fixtures, are injured by corrosive sublimate solutions. Carbolic acid 
is more expensive than corrosive sublimate, and less efficient in cases 
where the latter is applicable. Carbolic acid can, however, be used 
to disinfect albuminous material and metallic substances. It is em- 
ployed on animal excreta in 5 per cent, aqueous solution (about 8 
ounces to the gallon of hot water). This solution will cause the 
hands to dry, crack and fissure if they are immersed in it for any 
length of time. A two per cent, solution of commercial cresol is as 
efficient and cheaper than a five per cent, carbolic acid solution; 
or a four per cent, solution of the U. S. P. Compound Solution of 
Cresol may be used. 

Chlorinated lime and quicklime, are good disinfectant agents to 
mix with animal evacuations. In fact, bleaching powder is prob- 
ably the best and cheapest disinfectant we possess for use in privies, 
drains, sinks, cesspools, and sewers, and for the destruction of micro- 
organisms on floors, and in fseces and urine. 

A few pounds of this preparation may be thrown into privies 
or cesspools once a week, and the pure compound, or a saturated 



646 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

solution, may be scattered over floors or mixed with manure. A 5 
per cent, solution is used to disinfect harness, which should be washed 
and greased directly afterwards. Stagnant and putrid water may 
be rendered safe and drinkable, after some hours, by the addition 
of % to 1 ounce to each 65 gallons of water. Chlorinated lime is a 
powerful deodorant as well as disinfectant, out is of no value in 
either capacity unless the compound contains so much chlorine gas 
that the face cannot be held near it without the production of great 
irritation to the eyes. It is used in 5 to 10 per cent, solution in 
water (or in whitewash) for disinfection of premises and on excreta. 
Bleaching powder should be placed upon decomposing animal bodies, 
and sheets wet with a saturated solution should be wrapped about 
the carcasses of animals dead from contagious diseases, to prevent in- 
fection during transportation. Disinfection by sulphurous acid and 
chlorine gas is clone to destroy germs which cannot be reached by other 
methods. Three pounds of sulphur and two ounces of turpentine or 
alcohol (to afford moisture and aid combustion) are needful for every 
1000 cubic feet of air space. Sulphur is generally burned in an 
iron vessel placed on sand, or floating in a tub of water. If the 
building is sufficiently tight to insure proper disinfection, it is diffi- 
cult to secure combustion of the proper amount of sulphur. To 
obviate this, the sulphur may be saturated with turpentine, ignited 
and placed in an iron kettle on a tripod over an alcohol lamp. 
Chlorine is disengaged from chlorinated lime, to which is added 
crude muriatic acid, one pound of former to three of latter for every 
5,000 cubic feet of air space. Buildings must be tightly sealed and 
made completely irrespirable for animals during the space of three 
hours. Sulphurous acid disinfection will not kill the spores of an- 
thrax and should never be allowed to replace thorough mechanical 
cleansing and disinfection with other chemical agents, but may be 
utilized, as an additional safeguard. Chlorine gas is more reliable. 
Formaldehyde is now being employed by most boards of health for 
general disinfectant purposes, and it appears to be the best means 
of gaseous disinfection. (See p. 310.) In most barns gaseous dis- 
infection is useless because the premises cannot be made air-tight. 

ANTISEPTICS, 

It is perhaps well to consider here the sources of infection and 
the natural defenses or immunity possessed by animals agaiust para- 
sitic invasion. Pathogenic micro-organisms are commonly brought in 
contact with the body through the agency of the air, drinking water 
and food, and insects (flies, ticks and mosquitoes), and gain entrance 
by means of the air passages, digestive canal and blood ; but even in 



DISINFECTANTS, ANTISEPTICS AND DEODORANTS 647 

the two former eases, the micro-organisms are in a certain sense 
outside of the body, since it is not easy for them to penetrate the 
intact and healthy ciliated mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. 
But when the mucous membrane is damaged by inflammation, and 
the cilise become paralyzed, and abnormal secretions are formed, 
then a favorable opportunity is offered for their growth and entrance 
into the circulation. In the digestive tract the hydrochloric acid of 
the gastric juice and bile* act as natural antiseptics, while the liver 
is thought to destroy toxins resulting from bacterial life. 

When digestion is in a normal condition, putrefaction and fer- 
mentation do not occur; but when its activity is diminished, and the 
secretion of the digestive juices is lessened, and the hepatic 
functions are depressed, then a chance is offered for bacterial 
growth, fermentation and absorption of toxins, or even actual trans- 
migration of micro-organisms through the intestinal walls. To these 
natural agencies of defense, which may be likened to outlying pickets 
shielding the animal from bacterial invasion, we must add the in- 
trinsic power of resistance vested in the tissues, blood serum (op- 
sinins, bacteriolysins, agglutinins), and leucocytes in combating mi- 
cro-organisms; and the production of antibodies in the system 
antagonizing the toxins formed by bacterial action. Micro-organisms 
are always to be found on the surface of the body and within its 
natural cavities open to the air, but pathogenic bacteria are less likely 
to do harm if the animal is in a healthy condition. A limited num- 
ber of bacteria (micrococci) may even exist within the blood in 
health, and this fact accounts for suppuration occurring when the 
tissues are severely injured, without solution of continuity. The 
internal use of antiseptics is of comparatively little value, even when 
these agents come in direct contact with germs in the digestive tract. 
This follows because it is impossible to administer antiseptics in 
sufficient amount to seriously interfere with bacterial growth in the 
tissues, without injuring or even killing the patient. 

There are certainly known but two instances (quinine in malaria 
and salversan in syphilis) where the exhibition of an antiseptic will 
inhibit the development of micro-organisms of a general infectious 
disease, and so absolutely arrest it. It is probable, however, 
that salicylates in rheumatism, and carbolic acid in tetanus, act thera- 
peutically as internal antiseptics. Antiseptics are of benefit in 
rendering the contents of the digestive tube more or less aseptic, and 
(after absorption) they exert some antiseptic action on the mucous 
membrane of the respiratory tract (volatile oils), and also pn the 
urinary tract (urotropin), during their elimination. The principal 

* Experiments in human patients show that many forms of pathogenic bac- 
teria may live in bile. It is but moderately bactericidal. 



648 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

agents used as antiseptics for surgical purposes are : iodine, carbolic 
acid, creolin, lysol, hydrogen dioxide, corrosive sublimate, potassium 
permanganate, zinc chloride, iodoform, salicylic acid, aristol, iodol, 
and boric acid. Those employed internally include naphthol, salol, 
creolin, carbolic acid, bismuth salicylate and subnitrate, quinine, 
salicylic acid, and many others. For a more detailed description 
the reader is referred to special articles on these agents in the pre- 
ceding pages. 

DEODORIZERS OR DEODORANTS. 

Deodorants are not of any practical value in simply exchanging 
one odor for another, but, as in the case of chlorine, they sometimes 
actually destroy compounds which give rise to the stench. Sewer 
and other malodorous gases, resulting from foul decomposing matter 
and excreta, may be freer from bacteria than ordinary air, and are 
not usually the carriers of micro-organisms, nor the cause of specific 
infectious diseases. These gases do, however, occasion indefinite 
symptoms of ill-health. Deodorizers, which are also disinfectants, 
are of service in destroying noxious emanations and their source; but, 
to accomplish this, it is necessary that they come into direct contact 
with putrefying material, and should not be placed about the habi- 
tations of man or animals, with the ridiculous idea that they are 
achieving more than the production of a vile odor. 

PRACTICAL DISINFECTION. 

The premises occupied by animals suffering from contagious dis- 
eases, together with all articles contained therein, such as harness, 
blankets, stable implements, and evacuations, must be disinfected 
after the removal of all animals and isolation of the sick First, all 
parts of the premises must be cleaned. The woodwork of the floors, 
ceilings, walls must be swept, and filth removed by scraping if neces- 
sary. Floors that are too old to readily clean should be taken up 
and burned. Manure and valueless infected objects should be burned 
or the manure mixed with five per cent, solution, of chlorinated lime. 
Where the floors are of earth, the earth should be removed for a depth 
of four inches and mixed with the chlorinated lime (5 per cent.) 
solution. 

Blankets and clothing should be boiled or soaked for 12 hours in 
a solution (1 to 500) of corrosive sublimate. Harness should be 
washed with soap and. water and then with 4 per cent, liq. cresolis 
comp. 

The best way to apply the disinfectant is by means of a hand 



DISINFECTANTS, ANTISEPTICS AND DEODORANTS 649 

force or spray pump to every part of the building. In some cases, 
where only a stall or small area requires disinfection, a brush will 
do. The best outfit consists of a strong spray pump with 20 feet of 
hose and 5 feet of straight iron pipe connected to the same, to 
the end of which is attached a spray nozzle. The disinfectants which 
are most suitable are 4 per cent, solution of compound cresol solution, 
or 2 per cent, solution of cresol. This is known as liquid carbolic 
acid in the market and should contain 90 to 98 per cent, of cresylic 
acid to be efficient. Either of these disinfectants may be used alone 
or, in the strengths mentioned, in whitewash. Thus one slakes YV2 
lbs. of lime with hot water and mixes it to a creamy consistency. 
Then to this one stirs in either 15 ounces of cresol, or 30 ounces of 
compound cresol solution, and adds water to make 5 gallons.* A 
specially liberal application of the disinfectant must be made to 
feed boxes, gutters and drains. If one uses the disinfectant alone 
it is well, after it is dry, to apply a coat of whitewash to the premises. 
A 1 to 500 corrosive sublimate solution may be used in place of the 
agents recommended when the avoidance of odor is necessary as in 
the production of milk. This should be followed by a coat of white- 
wash. Gaseous disinfection is now in order where the stable can 
be made air-tight and the animals removed. Formaldehyde (p. 307) 
or sulphur (p. 238) may be employed. Live steam is the most useful 
when a suitable apparatus for its applications to woodworks, hay- 
mows, etc., is obtainable. After thorough ventilation healthy ani- 
mals which have not been exposed to infection may be allowed to 
return to the disinfected quarters. 



SUBGICAL ANTISEPSIS AND ASEPSIS. 

It may be fitting, and not out of place, to briefly outline here 
the use of antiseptics and asepsis in veterinary surgery. Since the 
days when Lister introduced antisepsis, surgery has advanced in a 
manner which appears, however, like retrogression. It is now con- 
ceded that asepsis can be attained more satisfactorily and safely 
without the general use of antiseptics. For antiseptics, as has been 
noted, inflict a certain amount of damage upon denuded surfaces, 
and, in so far, lessen the resistance of the body to the inroads of 
bacteria. Modern surgery attempts to secure a comparative asepsis 
by mechanical cleanliness, which is more efficient, simpler, and harm- 
less to the body. Antiseptics are indicated to assist asepsis in the 
toilet of the unbroken skin, and when sepsis has already occurred, or 
is unavoidable. The gross neglect of aseptic precautions, often seen 



* Farmers Bull., No. 480 U. S. Dept. Agric, 1912. 



650 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

in the operations of veterinary surgery, would be considered criminal 
practice in human surgery. 

Asepsis is, nevertheless, very difficult to secure in the lower ani- 
mals living among filthy surroundings and lying on fecal discharges. 
In addition to these disadvantages the trouble of controlling animal 
movements during operation, and of keeping dressings in place, make 
the attainment of asepsis embarrassing and frequently impossible. 
The more common administration of anesthetics would facilitate 
asepsis by preventing movements of the patient and contact of the 
operative field with dirt. 

But there are all degrees of infection, and while, with the best 
methods of securing cleanliness at our command, it is impossible to 
completely sterilize normal skin and tissues, yet the surgical result 
may be perfect. Therefore, in surgical operations, we should en- 
deavor to procure as small an amount of infection, or dosage of micro- 
organisms, as possible, consistent with existing environment and con- 
ditions. t 

The following aseptic technique is especially applicable in the 
case of any surgical operation undertaken upon a noninfected part. 
If it is possible to carry out all the details, and the result is success- 
ful, healing will take place without suppuration. 

To prepare the surface of the body for operations, the hair is 
first clipped and shaved, the skin is thoroughly scrubbed with a brush, 
green soap and water for ten minutes, and then with 70 per cent, 
alcohol. Since tincture of iodine has come into vogue the preceding 
method has been superseded by iodine with many operators. In this 
case the hair should be shaved the day before when water and soap 
may be used. Before the operation the dry skin is cleansed with 
gasoline, or when this is undesirable on account of its inflammability, 
ether may be used. Then tincture of iodine is painted all over the 
operative field and allowed to dry before the operation is begun. 
On delicate parts the tincture should be diluted with an equal amount 
of alcohol. After the skin is incised there is no further necessity for 
antiseptics unless the wound is already infected, or becomes so by 
exposure to impure air or contact with dirt. The hands of the 
operator, including the finger nails, should be brushed until 
clean with green soap and water, and then with 70 per cent, 
alcohol. 

In accidental wounds the tincture of iodine is the most efficient 
agent. 

As we have seen the skin must not be wetted with water 
in order that the iodine penetrate into its "pores." Washing also 
carries germs into the wound. The hair should be cut from the 
dry skin with scissors or by shaving the dry skin with a razor. The 



DISINFECTANTS, ANTISEPTICS AND DEODORANTS 651 

skin is cleansed by mopping with gasoline or ether and the dirt re- 
moved from the wound by forceps and scissors and gauze. 

Then a large surrounding area of skin and the wound itself 
should be swabbed with pure tincture of iodine by means of a brush, 
or absorbent cotton on a stick. After suturing the wound it is best 
to swab over the line of sutures with tincture of iodine and allow it 
to dry before dressing. In burns and all accidental wounds and 
emergency cases the iodine treatment is the thing. On delicate skin 
and mucous membranes the dilution of the official tincture with an 
equal amount, of alcohol is indicated. 

It is well for all participating in an operation to wear thin 
rubber surgical gloves after thorough hand-disinfection — in pus 
cases, to prevent contamination of the hands ; in clean cases, to 
avoid infection of the wound from the hands. If gloves are not 
worn in operating upon clean cases, they are all the more useful in 
dressing or operating upon pus cases to avoid contamination of the 
hands which later might give rise to wound infection when the 
naked hands come in contact with a clean wound. Instruments 
are thoroughly scrubbed with soap and water, and boiled for ten min- 
utes in an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (1 teaspoonful to 
the quart), and then placed in a solution of carbolic acid (1-40), or 
removed to a sterile towel. New sponges only should be employed, 
which have been previously cleansed, and then soaked in carbolic acid 
(1-40) solution, or pieces of sterile gauze may be used. 

If irrigation is desirable, normal salt solution (1 heaping tea- 
spoonful to the quart of sterile water) is appropriate. Nothing else 
but this is allowable within the non-infected abdominal cavity.* 
Sutures of silk, and needles, are prepared by boiling in water for 
thirty minutes. The area about the operative field is to be sur- 
rounded with cloths, or towels, which have been boiled or baked, and 
instruments and sponges may be laid on these. 

Dressings may consist of gauze f which has been exposed for 
three hours to dry heat at 140° C. (284° F.), or placed in an oven 
of an ordinary cooking stove, in closed tin cans, until it becomes 
scorched and slightly brown. The same gauze may be used for 
sponges. Unsterilized articles are not to be suffered to come in con- 
tact with the operator, or wound, during the operation. 

Wound infection from exposure to the air and other media, is 
prevented by immediate dressing and bandaging, or by collodion ap- 
plications. 

* It may be noted here that the peritoneum of the horse is so extremely 
delicate and liable to infection, as compared to that of man and dogs, that 
most abdominal operations are practically contraindicated in the case of this 
animal. 

f Sterilized gauze is now sold by all druggists. 



652 



GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 



Venesection. 

Venesection, or blood-letting, formerly abused, has, for that 
reason, fallen into almost complete disuse. This is unfortunate, 
since blood-letting is a valuable and often life-saving measure. The 
indications for venesection are chiefly limited to conditions associated 
with a general high arterial pressure and local engorgement of some 
organ. 

In such cases venesection very rapidly reduces general blood- 
tension to a point lower than that existing in the engorged region, so 
that congestion is relieved. A full, incompressible pulse is said 
to indicate the desirability of venesection in severe acute disorders — 
in accordance with the above — but this is not by any means invariably 
the fact, as will be shown. 

Venesection leads to a reduction of temperature, and vascular 
tension is lowered for from 3 to 48 hours, according to the quantity 
of blood withdrawn, but the blood vessels quickly adjust themselves 
to the smaller mass of blood, and the original quantity of this vital 
fluid is soon restored (24 to 48 hours) through absorption from the 
tissues and alimentary canal. The heart beats more rapidly, owing 
to the lessened resistance in the vessels, and venesection is accom- 
panied by nausea and prostration. 

The blood is less dense and more fluid after blood-letting, and 
for this reason, if inflammatory processes follow, exudation is more 
apt to ensue. The fibrin is first regained, then the normal number 
of white, and finally that of red corpuscles, in from one to five weeks. 
Circulatory depressants — as veratrum viride — accomplish much the 
same results as blood-letting, by causing general reduction of vascular 
tension and relief from local congestion, thus "bleeding an animal 
into its own veins" without loss of blood, it is true, but with less 
rapid and certain effect. 

Cathartics, diuretics and diaphoretics also lower blood pressure 
by abstraction of fluid from the vessels, but their action is slow. The 
following disorders are those most suitable for treatment by venesec- 
tion when they exist in an alarming form in robust animals : 



Cerebral congestion. In insolation and 
tympanites. 

Apoplexy, particularly parturient apo- 
plexy of cows. 

Encephalitis. 

Acute cerebral meningitis. 

Active pulmonary congestion and apo- 
plexy. 



Passive pulmonary congestion in car- 
diac disease. 
Sthenic pneumonia. 
Sthenic pleuritis. 
Urticaria. 
Lymphangitis. 
Hemoglobinuria. 



Toxemia 

" bacterial, 
" mineral, 



VENESECTION 653 



Toxemia 

vegetable, 
(Followed by saline infusion. 



Venesection from the jugular in cerebral congestion is. in fact, 
a species of local blood-letting by directly draining blood away from 
the brain; and it preserves life by preventing pressure on, and 
paralysis of, the great vital medullary centres controlling the res- 
piration and heart. Moderate blood-letting is sometimes advisable 
in the early stages of severe inflammatory attacks of the brain or its 
membranes. 

In cerebral congestion, and dyspnea due to gastric tympany 
and pressure on the diaphragm, bleeding may give relief. Blood- 
letting was formerly used in the treatment of parturient apo- 
plexy of cows, and, when the disease has once occurred, it may be 
employed as a prophylactic measure in plethoric animals immediately 
before parturition. Venesection alleviates dangerous pulmonary 
congestion, removes the venons load on the right heart, and relieves 
dyspnea and cyanosis by making it possible for the heart to force a 
smaller quantity of blood through the less obstructed lungs. 

A feeble and easily compressible pulse does not necessarily con- 
traindicate venesection in engorgement of the lungs, for this con- 
dition leads to stasis in the pulmonary circulation, prevents the proper 
flow of blood into the left ventricle, and thus causes arterial anemia. 
Therefore, so far from contraindicating blood-letting, this condition 
urgently demands it. Alarming dyspnea, great cyanosis, together 
with a general plethoric state, should guide us in blood-letting in 
sthenic pneumonia and pulmonary congestion, rather than the state 
of the pulse. Venesection is serviceable in advanced cases of cardiac 
disease in dogs — with failing compensation, venous engorgement of 
the lungs, and dyspnea — by relieving the obstruction to the right 
heart. Moderate blood-letting is occasionally useful in severe cases 
of acute pleuritis, laminitis, lymphangitis and urticaria in plethoric 
horses. 

Finally, in various toxemias, blood-letting drains away both the 
blood and its contained poison. The mass of blood removed may 
be advantageously replaced by injection of normal salt solution into 
a vein or under the skin. This method is not in prevalent use in 
veterinary medicine, but is applied with notable success in human 
practice. Every veterinary practitioner should be competent to bleed 
an animal. An amount greater than % of the total quantity of 
blood should not be withdrawn. The total quantity of blood is equal 
to about 13.5 per cent, of the body weight in horses; to 2.2 per cent, 
of the body weight of fat swine; to 6.6 per cent, of the body weight 
in dogs, and to 7.7 per cent, of the body weight in man. Large 



654 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

horses or cattle may be bled to the extent of from 4 to 6 qts. ; 
smaller subjects, 2 to 4 qts. ; sheep, % to 1 pt. ; dogs, 4 oz. to 1 pt. 

Blood-letting is generally done to animals in the upright position 
by shaving the hair and sterilizing the skin over the jugular vein in 
the upper part of the neck. The vein is made prominent by pressure 
below the site of operation, and a fleam, or knife carefully guarded, 
is plunged transversely into the vein, making a good clean incision. 
The blood should be quickly withdrawn and carefully measured and 
the effect on the pulse noted, and the blood-letting maintained until 
there is noticeable reduction in the vascular tension and other symp- 
toms, for the relief of which venesection is employed. The bleeding 
is arrested by suturing the lips of the wound and by pressure with a 
bandage. 

Local Blood-letting, or Scarification, is often useful in relieving 
tension and pain in locally congested or inflamed tissues, and may 
even avert death of the part. Furthermore, stasis is removed and 
exudation from the engorged vessels may be prevented, while a fresh 
supply of arterial blood flows in to reinstate the vital processes. 

Scarification is practiced by making numerous small, parallel 
incisions into the skin, fascia or other tissues in the long axis of a 
limb or part. In inflammation of the periosteum it is necessary to 
puncture this membrane. Bleeding is facilitated by warm poultic- 
ing, and is arrested by packing the incisions with sterile gauze. 



INDICATIONS. 



Lampas. 

Glossitis. 

Periostitis. 

Cellulitis. 

Conjunctivitis. 



Mastitis. 
Laminitis. 

(To secure blood for microscopic ex- 
amination. ) 



Sometimes the veins leading from an inflamed area are opened, 
thus securing local abstraction of blood, e.g., the digital veins in 
laminitis; the milk veins in mammitis. 

Scarification, or puncture, is indicated in the above-mentioned 
conditions whenever there is great swelling, pain and tension in the 
affected parts, and not otherwise. 

Transfusion. 

Transfusion is the transfer, directly or indirectly, of blood from 
one living animal to another. In this process the blood must be 
obtained from an animal of the same species as the patient. Trans- 
fusion has been discarded in the past because of the dangers of sepsis, 



SALINE INFUSION" 655 

embolism, destruction of the infused blood corpuscles and nephritis. 
Within the last few years direct transfusion has been widely done, 
and with very little danger, in human surgery. 

Crile in this country has been the chief means of making the 
method popular and practicable. He has devised a special tube for 
performing anastomosis so that the intima of the artery of the donor 
will come into contact with that of the vein of the recipient. The 
author has many times done transfusion in dogs with this tube, using 
the femoral vein of the recipient and an artery of the donor. jSTow 
there are many substitutes for Criles ? tubes, one of the simplest being 
glass tubes coated with paraffine, or sterile, liquid vaseline, which are 
perfectly satisfactory. 

Direct union by suture of artery of the donor with vein of the 
recipient is now commonly practised. The technique belongs to the 
domain of surgery. 

Transfusion is particularly indicated to supply loss of blood in 
the recipient following severe hemorrhages. 

In some diseases of the blood and in poisoning by gas it has also 
proved of life saving value. 

The injection of warm, normal salt solution (.6 of 1 per cent.) 
has been found to fill many of the indications for transfusion of 
blood, and yet is free from the dangers and difficulties besetting the 
latter. 

Saline Infusion. 

Saline infusions are intended to replace the normal blood plasma, 
and, therefore, should contain approximately the amount of sodium 
chloride — .6 of 1 per cent. — contained in this fluid. The solutions 
should be filtered and boiled previous to their use, when this is possi- 
ble, and are made by adding a heaping teaspoonful of sodium chloride 
to the quart of sterile water, which is used at a temperature of usually 
103° to 115° F., according to the mode of introduction and circum- 
stances.* 

Simple distilled and ordinary water are noxious to the tissues, 

* The true proportion of sodium chloride in blood plasma of mammals is 
.8 per cent., or 123 grains to the quart. 0.6 of 1 per cent, of sodium chloride 
is not really "normal" for mammals, but was deduced from that found in the 
plasma of frogs. The injection of a too dilute saline solution will cause the 
red blood cells to swell and part with their hemoglobin and will lead to great 
sweating and diuresis in the effort of nature to restore the plasma to its proper 
composition. A more exact solution for saline infusion consists of: Sodium 
chloride, .8 per cent.; potassium chloride, .03 per cent.; calcium chloride, .02 
per cent.; water, 100. In emergencies, ordinary table salt (which contains a 
slight amount of calcium chloride, causing its deliquescence), in the proportion 
of 123 grains to the quart or a level teaspoonful to pint of sterile water, may 
be employed for intravenous infusion or hypodermoclysis. 



65G GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

while salt solution is entirely innocuous unless it contains three times 
the quantity of sodium chloride normally present in the blood. 

Mode of Introduction, — Saline infusions are introduced within 
the body (1) by intravenous injection; (2) by injection into mus- 
cular tissue (hypodermoclysis) ; and (3) by rectal injection (en- 
teroclysis). 

Intravenous injection is the most rapid and certain method, but 
not so simple and practicable as hypodermoclysis. 

Any superficial vein which can be readily seen and isolated, may 
be utilized ; preferably the jugular or internal saphena vein in ani- 
mals; the median basilic, or cephalic, at the bend of the elbow in 
man. 

The apparatus consists of a glass funnel or rubber bag connected 
by four or more feet of rubber tubing, with a canula or curved piece 
of glass tubing 4 inches long and % inch in diameter for horses ; !/§ 
inch in diameter for dogs. The apparatus should be boiled imme- 
diately before using. The vein is made prominent by manual pres- 
sure exerted by an assistant, or by a bandage, applied proximally to 
the seat of operation. The hair is shaved from the part, which is 
sterilized, and an incision 1% to 2!/2 inches long is made by lifting 
a transverse fold of the skin directly over the vein and snipping off 
the top of the fold with scissors parallel to its long axis. The sheath 
of the vein is exposed, raised by dissecting forceps, and divided. 
The vein is then lifted from its bed with an aneurism needle, and 
two silk or catgut ligatures are drawn under it about an inch apart. 
The vein is now incised longitudinally, and, as the blood begins to 
spurt out, the distal ligature is tied about the vessel. The canula 
is next passed into the incision in the vein toward the heart and 
proximal ligature is tied, with the first part of a surgeon's knot, about 
the vein and canula, holding the latter in place and preventing leaking 
of the salt solution from the vessel. When the injection is completed, 
the tube is withdrawn and the proximal suture is tied on the heart 
side of the incision, and thus the vessel is occluded on either side 
of the seat of operation. A simpler method consists in connecting 
the tubing with a sterile, hollow aspirating needle which is plunged 
into the vein through the skin or, more certainly, after expos- 
ing the vein as above. The apparatus filled with salt solution — 
including the funnel, tubing, and canula — at a temperature of 103° 
to 110° F. before its introduction into the vein, and the funnel 
should be kept full during its use to prevent the entrance of air into 
the vessel. Any pressure, previously employed between the incision 
and the heart, should of course be removed before beginning the in- 
jection. A little sterile absorbent cotton may be placed at the bottom 
of the funnel before the salt solution is poured into it, if the solution 



1 HYPODEEMOCEYSIS 657 

has not been previously filtered. In using the apparatus the funnel 
is raised about two feet above the vein. The quantity of salt solution 
to be injected will vary from a few ounces to two pints in the case 
of dogs; from 2 to 6 quarts for horses. Enormous quantities 
of normal salt solution may be introduced into the blood without 
harm, even an amount equal to four times that of the blood, pro- 
viding the inflow is not too rapid; i.e., exceeding one fluid drachm 
to the pound of live weight in fifteen minutes. When this amount 
is exceeded the heart and kidneys cannot take care of the great quan- 
tity of fluid in the vessels and tissues. A return to the normal 
volume, force, and rate of the pulse, and of color to the mucous mem- 
branes, will lead us to stop the saline infusion. The use of intra- 
venous saline injections is frequently followed by a reaction within 
half an hour, characterized by a severe rigor, succeeded by sweating, 
labored breathing, a strong pulse and increased urinary secretion. 

Hypodermoclysis. 

Injection of warm (103° to 105° ~F.) normal salt solution into 
the muscular tissue of the neck, abdomen or flank, is done aseptically 
with the same apparatus employed for intravenous saline infusions, 
using a large hollow needle to thrust under the skin instead of the 
glass tube for intravenous injection ; or a fountain syringe filled 
with saline solution and attached to a sterile aspirating needle may 
be used; or a reversed aspirator apparatus may be utilized: i.e., by 
filling the jar with salt solution and forcing the air into the jar, thus 
displacing the fluid. The fountain syringe is the best apparatus. 
Hypodermoclysis may be employed in the same cases as intravenous 
infusion, and is a better method on account of its simplicity. We 
are guided as to the quantity of solution desirable by the same indi- 
cations noted above as referring to intravenous saline injections. 
Hypodermoclysis may be done in several places, and absorption is 
assisted by massage. Salt solutions are injected under the udder in 
females, and are occasionally thrown into the peritoneal cavity, par- 
ticularly after operations in this region, before closing the abdominal 
walls. 

Enteroclysis. 

Enteroclysis applies to slow, rectal injection of normal salt so- 
lution (105° to 120° F.) to secure absorption. This method may 
be applied in cases not so urgent as to demand intravenous saline 
infusion or hypodermoclysis, more especially moderate degrees of 
hemorrhage, shock, collapse and circulatory depression, when the in- 



658 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

trinsic heat of the injection is valuable in restoring the normal bodily 
temperature. 

USES. 

INDICATIONS FOR SALINE INFUSIONS. 



Grave hemorrhage. 

Shock, traumatic, operative, and elec- 
tric. 
Suppression of urine. 
Severe diarrhea. 
Eclampsia. 

Purpura hemorrhagica. 
Hemoglobinuria 



Bacterial. 
Toxemia J Mineral. 

Vegetable. 
In threatened death from any acci- 
dental cause. 
In any disease with feeble heart and 
low vascular tension. 



HypodermocTysis, or the intravenous injection of saline in- 
fusions, find their greatest usefulness as life-saving measures in 
severe hemorrhage. While these methods are not in vogue in veter- 
inary practice,* they have become recognized procedures of great 
value in human medicine. The indications, following hemorrhage, 
are to fill up the vessels and to restore vascular tension, since danger 
is imminent, not from loss of blood corpuscles, but from lack of a 
circulating medium. There is a sufficient number of red corpuscles 
to carry on the respiratory and oxygen-bearing functions even after 
the greatest loss of blood possible from ordinary causes. In fact, 
respiration is but slightly impaired in human subjects suffering from 
pernicious anemia, when there is a 90 per cent, reduction in the 
normal number of red corpuscles, and two-thirds of the blood may 
be withdrawn from animals and replaced with normal salt solutions 
without serious damage resulting. In shock there is general vasomo- 
tor paralysis, so that most of the blood collects in the abdominal veins, 
while the ventricles and arteries are emptied. In this condition 
saline infusions (105° to 110° F.) are of infinite value, because 
absorption of drugs from the digestive canal and subcutaneous tissue 
is impaired. Saline infusions greatly dilute the blood — and, there- 
fore, poisons in the blood — in toxemia, while they increase the activ- 
ity of the kidneys and elimination of toxins. The intrinsic heat of 
the injections is thought to stimulate antitoxin formation, and the 



* Since writing the above, favorable reports of the use of saline infusions 
have been accumulating. Thus G. W. Dunphy {Amer. Vet. Review, June, 1905) 
writes that he treated two cases of purpura hemorrhagica in the horse by in- 
jection of 6 liters of normal salt solution following the removal of 5 liters of 
blood from the jugular (by means of a trocar and canula) , and, at the end 
of twenty-four hours, bled 2 more liters and injected 3 more liters of salt 
solution with very happy results. He also demonstrates the wonderful life- 
saving influence of intravenous saline infusion after the loss (by a horse) of 
25 liters of blood. 



^kunsel's treatment 659 

restoration of vascular tension is believed to assist the natural bodily 
resistance of the patient. 

A great variety of disorders have been treated successfully in 
human medicine with saline infusions, on this basis, including : septi- 
cemia, pneumonia, uremia, diabetic coma, purpura hemorrhagica, 
tetanus, ulcerative endocarditis, pyelitis ; acute alcohol, ether, chloro- 
form, carbonic monoxide, arsenic and mushroom poisoning; and 
toxemias resulting from acute infectious disorders. The same treat- 
ment might be applied to hemoglobinuria and other toxemias pe- 
culiar to the domestic animals. Venesection for the purpose of 
removing the poisoned blood should, in most cases, be resorted to prior 
to practising saline injection in the toxemias. Excluding shock and 
hemorrhage, where heat is invaluable, saline infusions are generally 
given at the temperature of 103° F. by the rectum, under the skin, 
or into a vein. 

Kunsel's Treatment for Milk Fever in Cows. 

This special form of treatment merits the attention of the veter- 
inary profession because of the remarkably successful results which 
have been almost universally secured in the case of milk fever, which 
is not only a very common disease, but one which has hitherto baffled 
the best therapeutic attempts of the veterinarian. Following the 
Schmidt treatment with his intramammary injections of potassium 
iodide — which was productive of great diminution of the mortality 
of milk fever, but was often followed by local injury to the udder — 
M. Kunsel, of Lucerne, in March, 1903, made his first report of the 
method under discussion. This consists in the following: A tank 
of compressed oxygen, which can be had of any of the wholesale drug 
houses, is connected by rubber tubing six feet in length to a milking 
tube and firmly wired to the nozzle on the tank and to the tube, 
which should be boiled previous to use. The udder of the cow af- 
fected with milk fever should be stripped of milk and thoroughly 
washed with warm water and soap and the teats cleansed Avith 10 
per cent, alcohol or some other effective antiseptic. The milking 
tube is then introduced into one of the upper teats and the oxygen 
gas is allowed to flow slowly into the teat until the corresponding 
quarter of the udder is tense and well distended. While pinching 
the teat to prevent the escape of gas, the tube is withdrawn and a 
strip of bandage or tape is bound about the lower part of the teat 
to retain the oxygen. The same procedure is repeated in each of the 
remaining teats. The ligatures on the teats may be permitted to 
remain in place for an hour and a half, when they should be removed. 
The inflation of the udder may be repeated in six hours, if necessary, 



660 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

owing to the non-improvement of the patient. As synergistic meas- 
ures, the subcutaneous injection of one-half grain of strychnine ni- 
trate, the use of enemata to empty the bowels, and catheterization are 
important in aiding recovery. 

The animal should also be comfortably propped up with bags 
of hay. 

If oxygen can not be readily obtained, the use of a bicycle pump 
connected with a milking tube may be employed with much success; 
some veterinarians claiming that the results are as good as with the 
use of oxygen, providing the air is pure which is pumped into the 
udder. This purity of the air may be attained by blowing the air 
through a wash bottle containing 2 per cent, carbolic acid solution. 

Very convenient arrangements are now commonly sold at a small 
price for inflating the cows udder with air. These consist of a rubber 
bulb and tubing, a chamber containing sterile cotton (through which 
the air is filtered) and a milking tube for introduction into the teat. 
They may be used by the laity, and their employment has been as satis- 
factory as when oxygen was injected. The cow with milk fever 
should not be milked for ten or twelve hours after inflation of the 
udder, and only partially milked for several days following this time. 
Either emptying the udder of air by rubbing, or of milk by milking, 
within a few hours of inflation, has frequently led to a renewal of 
the disease in its worst form. The use of the tape to retain the in- 
jected air is said to be unnecessary, provided one compresses the teat 
for a few minutes after inflation. This needs further endorsement 
before general acceptance. 

The results of the Kunsel treatment are wonderful. Kunsel 
reported a series of twenty -two cases of milk fever, without a death, 
following the use of his method. Similar results have been secured 
in this country. The rationale of the treatment has yet to be eluci- 
dated. Various hypotheses have been advanced, such as the effect 
of the oxygen on a hypothetical anerobic bacillus in the udder ; the 
action of the oxygen on the blood and general metabolism in destroy- 
ing toxic products in the economy; the action of air-compression in 
the udder in overcoming congestion in this part, and thus preventing 
anemia of the central nervous system ; and a possible stimulation of 
the secretory function of the mammary gland with elimination of 
toxins. The hypothesis most in vogue is that of a cerebral anemia 
following rapid emptying of the udder of milk and resulting udder 
congestion. The fact that injection of milk into the mammary gland 
has produced a condition simulating milk fever appears to augur a 
local cause of the disease. 

The latest and most rational theory is that of Healy and Kastle 
who find the first colostrum of cows with parturient paresis to be 



LAVAGE 661 

extraordinarily toxic when injected into other animals, whereas colos- 
trum from normal cows is inert. They believe the disease to be 
caused by a toxin elaborated in the udder through faulty metabolism 
and that inflation cures parturient paresis by preventing the absorp- 
tion of this toxin. 

Lavage. 

Lavage is a term applied to washing out the stomach with the 
stomach tube. This process, while an every-day occurrence in human 
medicine, has been too long neglected in Veterinary practice. For- 
tunately, new interest was awakened in this useful procedure by 
Phillips, of St. Louis, who has perfected a tube and demonstrated 
the practicability of its use.* 

The passage of the tube is chiefly of value in acute indigestion 
of the horse, with gastric flatulence and distention, where pain and 
danger of rupture of the organ are averted by permitting escape of 
gas, and by further washing out the stomach in such conditions and in 
gastritis and engorgement, toxic, fermenting ingesta are immediately 
removed and the evil results, as tympanites and local inflammation 
of the stomach and of the intestines, are prevented. In choking, as 
by oats, the passage of the tube may afford relief, while in poisoning 
the washing out of the stomach is the one essential treatment. Gas- 
tric indigestion and flatulence are shown by colic, distention in the 
region of the stomach, difficulty in thoracic breathing and eructa- 
tions of gas by the mouth, or attempts at retching and vomiting. 

To pass the tube, the horse may be backed into a stall. The 
operator stands to the animal's left and an assistant, holding up the 
horse's head and the distal end of the tube, to the patient's right. 

The tube is placed in warm water and the surface is dusted 
with powdered slippery elm or smeared with vaseline. The left nos- 
tril of the horse is also lubricated in the same way. 

The operator pushes the tube gently along the floor of the left 
nasal fossa with the left hand, while guiding its direction with the 
right hand. 

The first obstruction is likely to be met, when the tube has been 
entered about a foot, by its contact with the turbinates. The point 
of the tube should then be held downwards, by the pressure of the 
right forefinger pushed as far as possible into the nostril, while the 
outer part of the tube is lifted upward to force the point down into 
the pharynx. When the tube enters the pharynx attempts at swal- 
lowing are likely to occur and these are just what are needed to close 
the epiglottis over the larynx and to force the tube into the gullet. 



* Amer. Vet. Review, May, 1904. 



662 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

If swallowing is not evident it may be brought on by pushing the end 
of the tube gently backward and forward into the pharynx, and, when 
an attempt at deglutition occurs, the tube should be thrust forward. 
If the tube goes into the trachea instead of the esophagus, it will 
meet with little resistance and expired air may be felt coming from 
it, while coughing often results. If it is in the gullet, the tube will 
be held more firmly by its walls and only fetid gas may escape with 
stomach contents. It should by these means be definitely established 
then that the tube is in the gullet before introducing it farther. 

The tube should be made with white marks on the rubber to 
show when it may be expected to have reached the gullet and again 
the stomach. 

During the course of passing the tube it must be well lubricated. 

When the stomach is reached the gas may have already escaped 
and fluid contents may be siphoned off by filling the tube with warm 
water from a funnel or syringe, holding the distal end tightly closed 
and lowering it to the ground so as to permit of the escape of stomach 
contents by siphonage. If the contents are largely solid, the stomach 
must be repeatedly filled with 2 to 4 quarts of warm water and 
allowed to escape again by lowering the outer end of the tube to the 
ground. If the flow stops, owing to choking of the tube, it may be 
started again by injection of water into the tube with a syringe or 
pump. 

The latter must not be used to suck out the contents of the 
stomach except so far, if necessary, as to start the siphonage. The 
stomach should thus be repeatedly washed until the water comes 
away clear. If water is injected with a syringe, care must be taken 
to avoid forcing air into the stomach. 

When passage of the tube becomes impossible through one nos- 
tril, the other one may be tried. Phillips reports failure to pass the 
tube in the horse in only 5 per cent, of trials. The tube is best made 
of red Para rubber and long enough to reach from the stomach to 
the ground when in place. Occasionally in impacted stomachs it is 
impossible to pass the tube through the lower portion of the gullet 
unless a stilette is used in the tube. 

For this purpose a wire bent double has proven satisfactory and 
is easily carried about. The apparatus consisting of an inner and 
an outer tube is not so generally serviceable as the single stomach 
tube. 

Lavage of the stomach of dogs is accomplished by fastening the 
animal to a table on its side by tying the feet and a band about 
the body to the table. A gag made of wood is placed in the mouth 
to hold the jaws apart. Through a hole in the gag a tube is passed. 
The tube should be about 5 ft. long and different sizes are required. 



- SERUM THERAPY 663 

A large human catheter, or small human rectal tube, are commonly 
suitable. To the catheter or rectal tube a funnel is attached by means 
of a piece of rubber tube and glass tube. After the stomach tube is 
passed water is poured into the funnel, to the amount of a pint or so, 
and the stomach is emptied by lowering the funnel to the floor and 
allowing the water to syphon off. The tube must of course be filled 
with water when it is lowered, in order to act as a syphon. 

Lavage of the stomach and indeed the whole alimentary canal 
may also be accomplished in dogs by inverting the animals or hang- 
ing them up with head downwards and allowing several gallons of 
warm water to run into the rectum from a tube with funnel attached 
and raised some 6 ft. above the patient. Water is allowed to flow 
until vomiting begins. It is well to introduce the rectal tube slowly 
for several ft. and to compress the anus about the tube to prevent 
the water from escaping. This method is valuable after foreign 
bodies or poisons have been swallowed. 

Serum Therapy.* 

Antitoxic Serum. — The microscopic organisms which cause in- 
fectious diseases — of which the bacteria are the most common — 
act chiefly through the production of certain complex, poisonous, pro- 
teid bodies called toxins, which combine with the cells of the vital 
organism and destroy their vital functions. Indeed, all the classic 
symptoms of some of the infectious diseases may be caused by in- 
jection of the toxins of the bacteria which cause these diseases ; such 
is the case with tetanus and diphtheria. 

Our understanding of the effect of antitoxins is based on Ehr- 
lich's classic theory of immunity. Tissue cells possess supposed 
prolongations or receptors, These combine with special food-prod- 
ucts in the blood for which they have an affinity. As soon as a recep- 
tor has become attached to a food-product the cell makes one or many 
new receptors to replace it. These new receptors when abundant are 
thrown off and exist unattached in the blood. The toxins of disease 
are proteids and, in their relations to the receptors, take the place 
of food-products. 

They unite with the receptors of cells and cause their death. 



■' In the use of serum therapy the strictest aseptic precautions are_ to be 
used. The animal is prepared by' shaving off the hair from the dry skin and 
painting the skin with tincture of iodine. The syringe and needle must be 
boiled for five minutes before using. When many animals are injected at one 
time, it may be sufficient to wipe off the needle after each injection with 70 
per cent, alcohol. The puncture may be covered with collodion to advantage. 
Glass syringes, with asbestos packing on plunger, are most suitable for boiling, 
the needle connected by rubber tubing. 



664 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

Acquired immunity is brought about when so many free recep- 
tors are produced in the blood that the toxins of a disease unite with 
these — rather than with the receptors of the cells — and thus the ani- 
mal is not overcome. These free receptors in the blood are antitoxins 
and are produced in abundance in the blood of horses injected with 
diphtheria or tetanus toxins. The free receptors or antitoxins are 
specific against the particular toxin with which they combine. 

Natural immunity may be due to the fact that the animal has 
not any cell receptors capable of uniting with the specific toxin of 
the given disease. 

To illustrate the method of artificially manufacturing antitoxins, 
we will take as an example the production of tetanus antitoxin. 

Tetanus Antitoxin. — Tetanus bacilli are grown in bouillon for 
two or three weeks in an incubator, when the culture is filtered free 
of bacilli and furnishes tetanus toxins. A horse is injected with 
one-half a cubic centimeter of toxin and an equal amount of Lugol's 
solution to lessen its virulence. The injections are repeated in in- 
creasing quantities till the seventy-second day, when as much as 150 
cc. are injected. The horse is very susceptible and reacts with local 
inflammation at the site of each injection and generally by the pro- 
duction of antitoxins in its blood. A few days after the last in- 
jection the horse's immunity is at its maximum — that is, its blood 
is highest in antitoxic strength. The horse's blood is then withdrawn 
under strictest aseptic precautions and the serum is decanted after a 
day or two. The serum is placed in aseptic bottles holding 10 cc, 
which are sealed. 

They are put in an incubator for several days to prove their 
sterility; if the serum turns cloudy it is rejected. Most serums will 
keep a year if preserved with a slight amount of carbolic acid or if 
treated by repeated sterilization below 100° C. Cloudiness in a 
serum indicates that it is unfit for use. 

The activity of a serum is estimated in two ways. First, the 
amount of antitoxic serum required to neutralize a given volume of 
toxin of known strength. Second, the strength is stated in units. 
Thus in tetanus antitoxin the unit is ten times the least amount of 
serum necessary to save the life of a 350-gram guinea pig for 96 hours 
against the official test dose of the standard toxin. The test dose is 
100 minimal lethal doses of a precipitated toxin preserved under 
special conditions at the Hygienic Laboratory of the Public Health 
and Marine Hospital Service ; or, to put it in other ways, one tenth 
unit of antitoxin neutralizes 100 minimum fatal doses of toxin, or 
1 unit neutralizes 1000 lethal doses of toxin for a 350 gm. guinea 

P^ . .... 

The dosage is, then, reckoned in units of antitoxin which is 



SERUM THERAPY 665 

the most accurate method. This mode of standardization is 
now a legal requirement in relation to diphtheria and tetanns anti- 
toxin for use in human medicine. The same should apply in veter- 
inary tetanus antitoxin and the dosage should be reckoned in units 
and not in Cc. which means nothing as showing the strength of the 
serum. 

The better makers now standardize their antitoxin according to 
the human standard. Thus 1 Cc. of veterinary tetanus antitoxin 
(Mulford) equals 50 American units as defined above. 

While the human prophylactic dose is 1500 units that for the 
horse is only 500 units (10 Cc. Mulford) because one uses a homol- 
ogous serum, or serum from the horse for the horse. Horse serum 
is not so potent for man. 

The toxin of tetanus is developed by the bacteria of this disease, 
which gain entrance through wounds of the tissues of the body. The 
bacilli of tetanus are not distributed by the blood, but remain at 
the site of infection, and the toxins they produce are taken up by the 
peripheral nerve endings in the vicinity and carried along the axis 
cylinders of the motor nerves to the central nervous system. The 
same thing happens in rabies. When the toxins reach the spinal 
cord the symptoms of tetanus appear and finally death occurs, when 
the important centers of the medulla become intoxicated. Tetanus 
bacilli live in the soil, and wounds which are contaminated with 
dirt or foreign bodies, and those which do not have free access to air 
— as bruised or punctured woimds — are chiefly liable to the develop- 
ment of tetanus. Tetanus is common for this reason in mules em- 
ployed in coal mines. It will thus be seen that tetanus does not 
become apparent until some time after the involvement of the nervous 
system, and for this reason the use of tetanus antitoxin is not so 
actively preventive at this period when the toxins have combined with 
the receptors of the nervous system and are therefore unable to com- 
bine with and be neutralized by the antitoxin. jSTevertheless, tetanus 
antitoxin is of some value as a curative remedy in tetanus if used 
within thirty hours of the beginning of the attack. Tetanus is fatal 
in proportion to the shortness of its incubation. When antitoxin is 
given to cases having a short incubation (5-8 days) there is little 
hope of its success. Bacelli's treatment is preferable (p. 301). 
When the period of development has been longer (1 to 2 weeks) the 
chance of recovery is much better with than without antitoxin. 

As a preventive agent when employed before infection, or imme- 
diately after it, tetanus antitoxin is almost certain. jSTocard injected 
2,727 horses with tetanus antitoxin in a certain district, and while 
none of these developed tetanus, there were 259 cases in the same 
region in unprotected horses. Pecus reports 500 cases of horses with 



Q6Q GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

nail pricks of the feet in which not a single case of tetanus developed 
after one immunizing dose of tetanus antitoxin. The immunity 
produced by tetanus antitoxin is thought to last from fifteen to thirty 
days. So-called idiopathic tetanus is in reality traumatic, resulting 
from small unseen wounds of the mucous membranes or integument. 
Tetanus antitoxin is then indicated for use in the horse when the 
case is not acute, or as a preventive where tetanus is prevalent or 
following wounds the character of which (see above) suggests the 
possibility of the development of the disease. In such localities it is 
wise to immunize animals against tetanus with a dose of antitoxin 
before undertaking surgery (as castration) upon them. The remedy 
may be employed without fear of doing any damage if properly ad- 
ministered. There are three ways of giving tetanus antitoxin; as a 
preventive it may be given under the skin or intravenously, and, as a 
cure for the disease, it may be used in these ways or be injected 
within the brain. The latter method has been practiced considerably 
in human medicine and with somewhat uncertain results as compared 
with the intravenous injection, although it is generally considered 
superior. Eoux saved 35 out of 45 guinea pigs by intracerebral 
injection, whereas by subcutaneous injection of antitoxin he had but 
two recoveries in seventeen cases of tetanus. The injection is made 
with a blunt needle into the substance of the brain through a small 
hole in the skull made with a drill at a point midway between the 
outer angle of the orbit and the centre of a line drawn over the top 
of the head from one auditory meatus to the other. 

In most cases in veterinary practice the subcutaneous, or, better,, 
intravenous, administration will be found most practicable. As a 
prophylactic, a dose of 10 cc. or 500 units should be injected sub- 
cutaneously in horses and repeated at the end of the first and third 
week, and later, if there is danger from wound infection. As a 
curative agent antitoxin is useless in rapidly developing cases but in 
chronic and slowly developed cases it may be employed. 

Tor treatment of the horse 10,000 to 20,000 units of antitoxin 
should be given intravenously at the earliest possible instant and then 
followed by a dose of 10,000 units intravenously every 12 hours 
until the symptoms abate. Then 5,000 units may be given daily 
under the skin until recovery occurs. The local treatment of wound 
infection appears to be most favorably conducted with tincture of 
iodine, and general sedative or Bacelli's treatment may be carried on 
at the same time. 

Tetanus bacilli and spores may live in the tissues for weeks, and 
thus it is safer to repeat the dose — when given for immunizing pur- 
poses — at the end of the first week to antagonize any later intoxica- 
tion caused by a new crop of bacilli. 



SERUM THERAPY 667 

An influenza antitoxin is now prepared by some makers of 
biological products (Parke, Davis & Co.). This is of chief value 
in affording passive immunity to the disease in horses which are to 
be exposed to diseased animals or infected premises, as in shipping 
young horses. A single dose of 30 cc. injected subcutaneously will 
protect a horse, if given 10 days before exposure. 

As a curative agent this antitoxin is of most service in the very 
beginning of the disease in the same dose (30 cc.) and repeated every 
12 hours for 2 or 3 doses. After the disease is well advanced the 
curative power of the antitoxin is correspondingly less but it may 
be given in large doses (90 cc). If given early it shortens the 
attack and lessens the mortality. It is not possible at present to esti- 
mate its precise value. Human diphtheria antitoxin is used with 
success for the same purpose. 

Anti-Strangles Antitoxin. — An Anti-Strangles Serum is now on 
the market. That made by the Pasteur Laboratories of America is 
obtained from horses which are given the strangles streptococcus (S. 
equi) in gradually increasing doses for a year. The serum from 
these immunized horses is an efficient prophylactic agent and of some 
value in the early stages of the disease as a curative remedy. All 
young horses liable to be exposed to the disease from recently bought 
animals, or by coming in contact with diseased ones in the barn, pas- 
ture, road, or in shipping should receive prophylactic closes. Also 
in receiving horses, recently shipped, it is wise to use the antitoxin, 
unless it has already been employed. The immunity conferred is 
thought to last 2 months. The minimum preventive dose is 30 cc. 

Anti-infectious Serum. — Antistreptococcic serum is included un- 
der this head because it appears to be especially antagonistic to 
streptococci themselves and to possess antitoxic power. In the prepa- 
ration of this serum (after Marmorek) streptococci are grown in 
serum or serous exudate mixed with two parts of peptonized bouillon, 
and their virulence is greatly increased by repeatedly injecting them 
from rabbit to rabbit. This virulence becomes in this process so 
great that an amount of culture equivalent to one single streptococcus 
will certainly kill a rabbit. Small doses of a culture of living viru- 
lent streptococci from the rabbit are injected into the horse from 
time to time, this animal reacting vigorously to the injections. It is 
not until the horse has undergone this treatment for a year and has 
recovered from each injection that a serum is obtained of a sufficient 
strength to combat living streptococci and their toxins. The blood 
of the horse being withdrawn furnishes anti-streptococci c serum. It 
is now thought by many authorities that the serum to be most ef- 
fective should be polyvalent — that is, should be active against the 



668 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

many varieties of streptococci by the cultivation of large numbers of 
streptococci to represent their different toxins. 

Marmorek holds, however, that the streptococci causing ery- 
sipelas, cellulitis, abscess, sore throat, parturient infections, scarlet 
fever, etc., are identical; that all produce the same toxins, and that 
all are antagonized by an anti-infectious or antitoxic serum made 
from any one or all of them. 

The therapeutic results of antistreptococcic serum are not so 
certain as those following the use of some other serums — notably 
anti-diphtheritic serum in man — because so-called streptococcic in- 
fection is often a mixed infection, by which is meant that produced 
in part by other bacteria, and because serums produced by the cul- 
tivation and inoculation of apparently the same varieties of strep- 
tococci seem to differ considerably in their protective value. As in 
the case of other serums, the therapeutic result is much more favor- 
able when antistreptococcic serum is used as a prophylactic or in the 
early stages of the infection. 

The injection of antistreptococcic serum is practically devoid of 
danger. 

With the qualifications above noted, antistreptococcic serum has 
proven serviceable in the following morbid conditions : Strangles, 
medical and surgical septicemia, pyemia, parturient infections, pur- 
pura hemorrhagica, influenza, traumatic infections, peritonitis, em- 
pyema, cellulitis, erysipelas, broncho and contagious pneumonia of 
horses, and cerebro-spinal meningitis. 10 cc, used as a prophylactic 
dose, may prevent strangles and influenza in horses and septic ar- 
thritis in calves exposed to the disease; and a full dose, during in- 
fluenza, may avert purpura as a sequel. As some of the above dis- 
eases are often caused by infections other than streptococcus, the 
employment of antistreptococcic serum may be unavailing in them 
unless the etiology is known to be streptococcic invasion. On 
the other hand, any form of horse serum increases the re- 
sistance to infection and, according to Metchnikoff, is more valuable 
than bacterial vaccines to stimulate antibodies and phagocytosis. 
This may explain why anti diphtheric serum or antitoxin is useful in 
influenza as well as antistreptococcic serum. 

Anti-streptococcic serum is especially useful in septicemia of 
the new-born, derived from navel infection, and attacking foals, 
calves, and lambs. As a preventive in endemics 10 cc. should be 
given at birth and, for treatment, 10 cc. should be injected daily — 
in addition to care of the navel and joints. 

Dosage. — Tn the larger animals from 20 to 55 cc. are injected at 
all ages at a single operation, and the dose should be repeated every 
12 or 21 hours until symptoms abate. 



HOG CHOLERA SERUM 669 

A fresh specimen of antistreptococcic serum is always desirable, 
as its power to destroy streptococci is soon lost. 

Hog Cholera Serum. 

The prophylactic treatment of hog cholera and the treatment in 
the early stages of the disease by serum is now on a firm basis. 

The serum is made by hyperimmunizing immune hogs (those 
which have recovered from the disease) with intravenous injections 
of blood serum from hogs sick with hog cholera. After a week or 
so has elapsed the hyperimmunized hog is bled and the serum from 
this hog (mixed with 0.5 of 1 per cent, phenol) is employed in 
prophylaxis and treatment of the disease. 

It is given subcutaneously into the thigh by two methods. 1. 
The simultaneous method by which the sterile serum from a sick 
hog (with 0.5 of one per cent, phenol) is injected together with the 
serum as above prepared. In this way ^ cc. of the serum from 
the sick hog is injected with 40 cc. (per 100 lbs., live weight) of the 
immunizing serum. 

Thus immunization of the animal is made permanent but the 
animal is given a mild form of disease and may therefore communi- 
cate a virulent form to unprotected hogs. 2. The immunizing serum 
is injected alone, in doses varying from 5 to 10 cc, for 75 lbs., live 
weight, for animals which have not been exposed ; and 30 cc, per 50 
lbs., live weight, for animals which have been exposed. The im- 
munizing serum gives a transient, passive immunity lasting some 
weeks, unless the animal becomes shortly exposed to hog cholera when 
the immunity becomes lasting. The serum is supplied free by cer- 
tain states and also is prepared by makers of biological products. 

Statistics show that the immunizing serum protects hogs to the 
extent of 100 per cent., if given just before exposure has occurred, the 
immunity not being permanent. In herds which have been exposed,, 
of those inoculated with serum only 1 per cent, die, while of those 
untreated 90 per cent, perish. In herds, in which hog cholera al- 
ready exists, of the inoculated 15 per cent, died, as against 75 per 
cent, among the uninoculated. As a curative agent it is not so satis- 
factory, the result depending on the day of disease in which it is- 
used. At the outset it is very successful, in doses of 40 or more cc. 
per 100 lbs., and is the only remedy which offers any promised suc- 
cess. 

Bacterial Filtrates. 

Tuberculin. — Koch's tuberculin is prepared by growing tubercle 
bacilli in flasks, containing peptonized bouillon and glycerin, in an 



C70 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

incubator at 37° C. for six weeks. The cultures are boiled and fil- 
tered through porcelain to remove the dead bacilli, and the toxic 
substance is concentrated to one-tenth of its bulk by boiling. The 
result is a solution of the endotoxins of the tubercle bacilli in glycerin, 
and to this is added a 1/2 per cent aqueous solution of carbolic acid 
for injection. Tuberculin is used in veterinary medicine solely as a 
diagnostic test for tuberculosis in animals, chiefly cattle. It may 
be used with almost entire certainty for this purpose, Koch claiming 
99 per cent, of correct results from its injection. Injections in 
tuberculous animals cause a rise of temperature of from one to three 
or more degrees F. in about twelve hours from the time of injection. 
If there is any focus of tuberculosis, as in the joints or bones, open 
to inspection, there will be a notable reaction observed in this local- 
ity, with heat, redness and decrease of function of the part. Ehrlich 
formerly attributed the fever following the injection of tuberculin 
to a reaction of the zone of cells about the tuberculous focus which 
are made unusually susceptible by the toxins of the disease so that 
they become inflamed by the sudden extra amount of toxin injected. 
In a tuberculous guinea pig, which has been killed by the injection 
of an overdose of tuberculin, zones of hyperemia may be seen sur- 
rounding each of the gray nodules characteristic of the disease. It 
is now believed that the fever in the subcutaneous tuberculin test, 
and the local redness and swelling at the site of application in this 
and in the eye and skin tuberculin tests, are due to anaphylaxis or 
serum disease. 

Anaphylaxis means the hypersusceptibility to a toxin or foreign 
proteid by an animal which has survived a non-fatal dose of the same 
substance. If repeated injections of a foreign proteid are made at 
short intervals, less than seven days, no untoward result occurs, but if 
given at longer intervals than ten days then the outcome may be 
fatal in man and animals. Thus the serum from another species 
of animal injected into a patient after a long interval, following the 
primary dose, may cause slowing of the respiration, dyspnea, cyanosis, 
convulsions and death from paralysis of the heart muscle. Digitalis 
and atropine given under the skin are the best antidotes. 

Vaughan explains the phenomenon of anaphylaxis on the as- 
sumption that when foreign proteids (antigen) enter the tissues un- 
changed the cells form enzymes (antibodies) capable of destroying 
the proteids. In their destruction the cleavage-products produce toxic 
symptoms. 

Thus in tuberculosis the enzymes are already formed in the 
cells and on the injection of tuberculin there is a sudden production 
of cleavage-products, especially in the region of the sensitized cells 
of the diseased area, and at the site of injection. The reason the 



BACTEKIAL EILTEATES 



671 



sensitization does not occur commonly till after a second injection 
of a serum, and after an interval of 7 to 10 days, is because the cells 
require time to form the specific enzymes which are thereafter stored 
in the cell to attack the specific foreign proteid whenever it enters 
the body unchanged. Sensitized animals split up proteids rapidly 
while in normal animals the proteid is split so slowly as to cause no 
disturbance. 

In man the injection of horse serum (diphtheria antitoxin) has 
occasionally caused severe anaphylaxis and death, though the repeated 
injection of antitoxin at month intervals is the routine practice in 
many children's hospitals and no casualties have resulted. As most 
of the antitoxins are horse serum the repetition of injections of anti- 
toxin in the horse at long intervals is not fraught with danger, since 
the serum is homologous, or natural to the animal. The same applies 
to the use of human serum in man. All animal serums, but that of 
the horse and rabbit, are toxic to man. 

The injection of an ordinary dose of tuberculin is practically 
harmless and does not even render the milk of a cow unfit for food. 
In an advanced stage of tuberculosis the animal may not react to 
tuberculin, and this may be explained by the fact that the tissues are 
perhaps habituated to the toxins. 

There are two other periods in tuberculous infections during 
which the animal does not react to tuberculin. These are the incu- 
bation and latent periods. Thus after an animal has become in- 
fected it may be two months before the animal will react to tuber- 
culin. When tests are made every six months it frequently happens 
that, after two or more positive reactions occur in an animal, it may 
cease to react. The animal is then called a "ceased reactor." This 
follows because the lesions have healed through the curative action 
of the tuberculin injections or through natural agencies. Thus seven 
animals reacted to tuberculin at two successive six month tests. 
They ceased to react to the following tests and were slaughtered three 
years after the last positive reaction. At this time all but one of 
the seven animals proved to be tuberculous at autopsy. They had 
healed lesions and the disease was in the latent or dormant state. 
Whenever there is a large percentage of reacting animals in a herd 
the non-reactors will be found reacting at later tests in considerable 
numbers. The only way to free a herd permanently from tubercu- 
losis is to retest it every 2 months until there are no reactors. The 
annual and semi-annual tests allow incubative cases, not reacting 
at the previous test, to develop and communicate tuberculosis to 
other animals and so the disease is perpetuated in the herd indefi- 
nitely. It is always advisable to purchase animals from a herd al- 
together free from tuberculosis. 



672' GEJ^EEAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

Moore of Cornell found in a herd of 491 animals that all re- 
acted to the tuberculin test save 96 animals. These 96 non-reactors 
were segregated in non-infected quarters and tested every six months. 
At the end of four years only 19 remained which had not reacted 
to the tuberculin test. The explanation of these figures lies in the 
fact that some cows were in the incubation stage, that others became 
infected, and that in others a latent or healed lesion became active 
or open. 

The Test. — It is best to take the temperature of the animal 
from 6 a.m. every two hours until the tuberculin is injected on the 
evening of the same day between 8 and 10 o'clock. The test is 
unreliable in animals whose temperature reaches 103.2° F. (except 
in the young, when this may be considered a normal, maximum 
temperature) during this period prior to the injection, and some- 
times in those in advanced stages of the disease. The test is also 
misleading when the animal is "in heat"' and within a few davs of 
parturition, either before or after. The injection is made aseptically 
into the subcutaneous tissue in the side of the neck or back of the 
left scapula with a syringe and needle previously boiled. The ani- 
mals should be kept in the stable during the time required for the 
test, and should not be allowed to drink large quantities of cold water 
to reduce their temperature while the test is being made. The tem- 
perature of the animal should be taken at 6 o'clock on the morning 
following the injection and from that time every two hours till 
8 P.M. 

A rise of two degrees F. is necessary for a positive reaction; 
that is, a rise of two degrees over the maximum temperature of 
the animal in the fourteen to sixteen hours before the injection. 
Those animals in which the temperature does not rise to 103° F. 
within fifteen or at most twenty -four hours after injection may be 
considered non-tuberculous; when the temperature is between 103° 
and 104° F. the test is doubtful, and the animals should be re-tested 
after two months ; when the temperature rises gradually to 104° F., or 
over, within fifteen hours after the injection, the animals may be 
classed positively tuberculous, provided the temperature constitutes 
a rise of two degrees over the maximum temperature recorded prior 
to the injection. Before admitting new cows to a herd they should 
be isolated until tested twice with tuberculin without reacting. This 
is necessary because cows may not react in the incubative or latent 
stage and because previous injection of tuberculous cows with 
tuberculin may prevent them from reacting to small doses. There- 
fore after a first test with negative result the cows are kept isolated 
for tbree months, when a second test is made with three times the 



BACTERIAL FILTRATES 673 

first dose of tuberculin. Milk from these cows may be sold as certi- 
fied milk during the isolation period. 

Animals should be kept at rest before the tuberculin test is made. 
Tasteless antipyretics are sometimes put in food to prevent the action 
of tuberculin. 

The average dose of tuberculin as prepared and diluted for 
immediate use by the U. S. Government is 2 c.c., representing 0.25 
c.c, of old tuberculin. If tuberculin is to be kept for any period, it 
is better to procure the concentrated toxin and dilute it with a l/o of 
one per cent, carbolic acid solution prior to injection. In old and 
emaciated animals double the ordinary dose of tuberculin should 
be used, and in re-tests (as has been noted above) three times the 
usual dose of tuberculin should be injected. Tuberculin should be 
kept in a cool, dark place and should be rejected if it becomes cloudy. 
The dosage is adjusted somewhat to the weight of the animal. 
Yearlings and 2-year-olds may be given 1 to 1.5 c.c. Bulls and large 
animals may receive 3 c.c. 

Oplithalmo-Tuberculin Diagnostic Test. — Simultaneously both 
Calmette of Lille and Wolff-Eisner of Berlin announced this test in 
June, 1907. It consists in dropping one drop of a 1 per cent, solu- 
tion of tuberculin in the eye. In tuberculous subjects this is fol- 
lowed by hyperemia,, lachrimation, and redness of the eyelids, which 
begins in about 3 to 8 hours, reaches the maximum in S to 14 hours, 
and remains 1 to 4 days. There is often edema of the lids and 
purulent discharge. The reaction is caused by an acquired ana- 
phylaxis to tuberculin as shown by local leucocytosis and hyperemia. 
No harm results to the normal eye. 

The solution is made by precipitating crude tuberculin with 
alcohol, the precipitate is collected and dried and dissolved in normal 
salt solution. 

It is best to perform the test early in the morning to observe the 
results. One should hold down the eyelid in making the instillation 
and gently massage the lids afterwards. If the ocular test proves 
negative on its first trial it may be repeated in the other eye after 
the lapse of three days. It should not be repeated much later than 
this, or one may get a reaction in the eye of any healthy animal owing 
to sensitization of the subject (anaphylaxis). 

Tablets for dilution (and glass tubes containing single doses) 
of tuberculin for the eye reaction may now be bought of makers of 
biological products — together with the pipette and directions for 
using. 

The eye test may be used in the case of newly-arrived animals, 
and in animals having fever, in pregnant animals, in those remain- 
ing out-of-doors and in those which have had a course of tuberculin 



674 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

treatment. A positive reaction may later be substantiated by the 
subcutaneous test with which it does not interfere. 

Tuberculin especially prepared for the eye test contains no car- 
bolic acid. The animals should be inspected on the 12th and 24th 
hour after the instillation for redness and swelling of the lid-con- 
junctiva with that of the haw and caruncle, and for increased vas- 
cularity and redness of the white of the eye and muco-purulent dis- 
charge. 

Intradermic Method. — When tuberculin (2 to 4 m. of a 10 per 
cent, solution) is injected into the skin of one of the subcaudal folds 
in cattle, or at the base of the ear in hogs, a specific swelling 
and redness occurs in cases of tuberculosis. Moussu and Mantoux 
have shown that it is reliable and useful in that it is much 
easier to perform than the subcutaneous or ophthalmic tests. The 
injection into cattle is made in the skin of the middle or upper part 
of one of the folds, seen on lifting the tail, without any aseptic pre- 
cautions. Within 24 hours an oval or elongated edematous swelling 
occurs about the size of a hazel nut or walnut, if the test is positive. 
This begins to diminish in 4 days and disappears in 10 days. In 
the non-tuberculous there may be a swelling as large as a grain of 
wheat. In comparing the two folds, on lifting the tail, it will be 
seen that the injected fold is twice or three times as thick as the other 
in positive reactions. 

In the hog the injection is made into the skin of the base of the 
ear, after the animal is thrown as for castration. Within 4 to 48 
hours a swelling the size of a hazel nut or walnut appears behind the 
base of the ear surrounded by a red areola as large as the palm of 
the hand while, at the site of injection, there appears a bright-red 
area growing as large as a quarter dollar in unpigmented skins, when 
the test is positive. The reaction begins to diminish on the third 
day and disappears by the 15th day. In non-tuberculous animals 
occasionally some swelling and redness occurs within an hour at the 
site of injection but this disappears entirely at the time the positive 
reaction is at its height (24 to 48 hours). 

Luckey* believes both the eye and skin tuberculin tests unre- 
liable but finds the intradermal test fully as accurate as the sub- 
cutaneous test and preferable to it in being suitable for all animals, 
old and young alike, without regard to circumstances unfavorable 
for the temperature test. Thus animals "in heat," recently in calf, 
advanced in pregnancy, or those heated and excited are suitable for 
the intradermal test. The great saving in time, in not taking tem- 
peratures, makes the test much more simple and economical than the 
old test. In the testing of 3458 animals, checked by 103 autopsies, 

* Amer. Vet. Review, June, 1912. 



BACTERIAL FILTRATES 675 

there were but three errors. Luekey thinks it unnecessary to pick 
up the caudal fold but injects about three minims of tuberculin 
through a medium sized needle wherever, in this vicinity, the skin 
is soft and pliable. The needle should be thrust just as near the 
surface of the skin as possible and yet not allow the tuberculin to 
escape. Three days later the animals are examined. 

Cutaneous Test. — In the ordinary skin reaction (Von Pirquet's 
Test) a drop of 25 per cent, solution, or pure, old tuberculin is rubbed 
on the abraded skin, as in human vaccination. Within 24 or 48 
hours a papule forms at the site of the test, surrounded by a zone 
of hyperemia, if the reaction is positive. 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VARIOUS TUBERCULIN" TESTS. 

It is commonly taught that reactions to the different tests have 
different values. Thus the subcutaneous test is properly regarded 
as the most reliable, in showing active lesions, but it is often stated 
that a positive reaction sometimes is observed in a tuberculous lesion 
long healed (Hare). Again, in regard to the eye test, it has been 
reported positive in 18.5 per cent, of normal subjects and negative 
in 20 to 30 per cent, of known tuberculous lesions, active or otherwise. 

The skin test is so often positive in humans that it is considered 
of little value in showing an active lesion, except in children. A 
lesion existing in the young may be considered active since it is of 
recent origin. 

But it is probable that a fully healed tuberculous lesion will 
never cause a positive tuberculin reaction in any of the tests. The 
reaction is caused by antibodies which are brought into existence by 
the toxins of tuberculosis. As long as these toxins escape into the 
circulation so long will the antibodies be formed. But when the 
lesion is healed, or shut off completely by encapsulation and no toxins 
enter the circulation, then, or within a short period thereafter, will 
reaction to tuberculin cease. Rapidity of reaction to any of the 
tuberculin tests is most important as showing the activity of the 
lesion. 

Thus a test which gives a maximum reaction within, or as early 
as 12 hours, indicates an active lesion. While a test in which reac- 
tion begins in 24 hours and is at its maximum on the second or third 
day signifies an inactive or latent lesion. Sometimes a very marked 
reaction occurs during these later hours. 

Mallein. — This is made, like Koch's old tuberculin, by steriliz- 
ing and filtering a culture of B. mallei to remove the dead bacilli. 
It is an extract containing the toxins. The usual diagnostic dose is 
one c.c. (as prepared by the U. S. Bureau of Animal Industry) 
for the average sized apparently healthy horse, but a larger dose (not 



676 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

to exceed 2 e.e.) should be given to suspicious cases, and to extra 
large horses, and weakened and old animals. Small animals may 
receive a proportionately smaller dose. Animals with acute diseases 
or those with suppurating lesions are unfit subjects for the injection 
of mallein. 

The actual mode of making the test is as follows : The tem- 
perature should be taken at 2, 5 and 8 p.m. and a careful clinical ex- 
amination should be made and the animal numbered or lettered, if 
several are to be tested. In suspicious cases a separate syringe and 
thermometer should be used for each patient and, in other cases, the 
syringe, needle and thermometer should be sterilized each time before 
using, the latter by washing and immersion in alcohol and then 5 
per cent, carbolic solution, while the syringe and needle should be 
boiled. The hair should be clipped from the side of the neck over 
an area 3 inches in diameter and if the temperature does not exceed 
101° F. on the three occasions it has been taken, then on the evening 
of the same day (8 to 10 p.m.) mallein may be injected aseptically 
under the skin of the neck. Temperature recording should be again 
begun 10 hours from the time of injection and be continued every 
2 hours for a period of 20 hours, and longer where the temperature is 
rising and there is a local reaction as well. The following rules for 
condemning an animal have been adopted by the IT. S. B. A. I. 

1. In order that a reaction produced by mallein may be consid- 
ered positive it should evince the characteristics of a typical reaction ; 
that is, a combination of thermal, local, and general reactions. 

2. By a typical reaction is to be understood a gradual rising 
of temperature at least 3° F. and to above 104° F., the maximum 
temperature being sustained in the form of a single or double plateau. 
It should be accompanied by a local as well as a general reaction. 
The local reaction consists of an infiltration at the site of injection 
forming a large, abrupt, painful swelling, with radiating lymphatics 
appearing as raised cords, generally attaining greatest prominence 
at from 18 to 21i hours after injection. The general reaction is ex- 
hibited by a stiffened gait, depression, loss of appetite, and acceler- 
ated breathing. 

3. The presence of a local reaction, especially when associated 
with a general reaction, should be regarded as an evidence of glan- 
ders, even if the thermal reaction be slight or absent. 

4. Animals giving an atypical reaction and those reaching a 
maximum temperature of 103° F. should be retested after the ex- 
piration of not less than 15 days. In the normal animal, a swelling 
occurs at the site of injection, without rise of temperature, but the 
swelling is much smaller and has almost disappeared at the end of 



SPECIFIC VACCINES 677 

24 hours, whereas in the glandered animal the swelling persists until 
the third or fourth day. 

After several mallein injections glandered animals may cease 
to react and such have been thought cured. Butherford has shown 
that these "ceased reactors" not infrequently communicate glanders 
to healthy animals. 

When the mallein reaction is not typical and doubt exists as 
to the presence of the disease the animal should be quarantined and 
the complement fixation test applied. Also when apparently normal 
animals react they should be given the complement fixation test since 
a certain percentage of such harbor parasitic, nodules (not glanders) 
in the liver and lungs which are wholly harmless. The results of 
the mallein reaction were satisfactory in 89 per cent, of all tests in 
6,870 cases (Mohler and Eichorn). 

Specific Vaccines. 

Vaccination consists in introducing, within the animal body, 
bacteria (or their products) of a disease — with the intention of pro- 
tecting the animal against the disease. The beneficent action of 
vaccines is produced by modifying the virulence or action of the 
bacteria in some way, whereby antibodies are developed in the in- 
oculated animal. These not only prevent the occurrence of the inocu- 
lated disease, but even the development of disease thereafter when 
introduced by natural channels. The activity of bacteria is lessened 
in various ways. Thus in preparing the vaccines against anthrax 
and blackleg the bacteria are exposed to heat. Then by inoculating 
the bacteria in a way, different from that in which they naturally 
gain entrance to the body, their activity may be diminished; e.g., the 
bacillus of blackleg is introduced under the skin or intravenously, 
and the tail is sometimes chosen as a site, the blood supply being 
poor. The vaccines of blackleg and anthrax do not prove curative if 
employed after the development of the disease, against which they 
are preventives, and often they are ineffectual if used after the ex- 
posure of the animal to the disease. This is not the case in 
antirabic inoculation, however, as the treatment proves successful 
after the patient has been bitten and infected by a rabid 
animal. So in smallpox in the human, vaccination will modify and 
possibly prevent smallpox if done within four days after exposure to 
infection. The duration of the period of immunity conferred by 
vaccination differs in the case of the different vaccines. 

Blackleg or Quarter Evil. — This disease is caused by B. Chauvoei 
and is distinct from anthrax. Calves should be vaccinated when six 
months old and again within a year. The best time is that before 



678 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

the usual occurrence of the disease, and no surgery, as branding, 
castration, marking, dehorning or spaying, should be done before, 
or within two weeks after, vaccination. Vaccination is done with a 
powder obtained by drying and triturating a piece of affected muscle 
and heating. Either one or two vaccines are used, the first being 
the weakest and prepared by heating to 103° and the second being 
heated to 93° C. and used eight days later. The Chief of the 
Bureau of Animal Industry, U. S. Agricult. Dep't., Washington, 
D. C, supplies gratis to stock owners black leg vaccine and directions 
for using the same. One dose given subcutaneously is usually suffi- 
cient to protect the animal for life against black leg, if used after 
the animal is 6 months old. In localities where the disease develops 
in younger animals the vaccine must be given at an earlier age and — 
in these cases — repeated the following year. 

Immunity begins in 10 to 12 days following vaccination. 

Anthrax. — Anthrax is the most fatal disease attacking horses, 
sheep, goats, mules and cattle. It occurs in the United States, more 
often in Mississippi and Louisiana. Vaccination was done by Pas- 
teur in 1880 and was the first attempt made in establishing artificial 
immunity in practice. Great crowds gathered to see the result of 
his treatment. He subjected 24 sheep, 1 goat and 5 cattle to vac- 
cination, and then 60 animals (including the vaccinated and unvac- 
cinated) were inoculated with anthrax. Forty-eight hours later the 
sight presented to the public beggars description. In the paddock 
were seen dead and dying all the unvaccinated animals, while the 
vaccinated ones appeared in perfect health. A small number of 
animals — especially sheep and goats — die from the treatment. In 
countries where anthrax is endemic, vaccination has reduced the 
mortality from 10 to l/ 2 of 1 per cent. Statistics also show that less 
than 1 per cent, of vaccinated animals die of the disease. When 
unvaccinated herds are attacked usually 80 per cent. die. The vac- 
cination should be usually practiced in summer or fall, as these are 
the favorite seasons for development in infected regions. The pro- 
tection lasts from six to twelve months. Two vaccines are used. 
Number one, the weaker, is made by growing baccilli in a current 
of air at 109° F. for twenty-four days; number two is prepared in 
the same manner during twelve clays. The weaker number one is 
injected and followed in ten days by number two. Sick animals may 
infect a pasture for ten years, but vaccination will practically per- 
mit of pasturing on the infected land. The method of inoculation 
requires minute directions, which may be obtained from manufac- 
turers of biological products. 

There are some other specific vaccines which are yet in the 
experimental stage but promise much. Thus cultures of the dead 



GENERAL VACCINE THERAPY 679 

bodies of B. bronchisepticus of Ferry which are prepared by Parke, 
Davis & Co., will prevent canine distemper if given one month before 
exposure and, combined with the vaccine of staphylococci and strep- 
tococci, will cure the disease after it has made its appearance, accord- 
ing to Ferry in a personal letter to the author. 

A streptococcus vaccine made from S. equi of strangles given in 
the dose of 1 to 2 cc. will apparently act as a valuable prophylactic 
agent in that disease. A vaccine prepared from the various strains 
of streptococci from septicemia of calves will prevent that infection 
if given 24 hours after birth. Vaccines made from the dead bodies 
of micrococcus melitensis seem to offer protection against that dis- 
ease. 

The matter of vaccines is still in that experimental stage when 
one cannot lay down positive statements concerning the indications, 
dosage, results and other details which are desirable in a text book. 

General Vaccine Therapy. 

By General Vaccine Therapy we refer to the use of so-called 
vaccines, or bacterins, for infections generally. These vaccines are 
suspensions of killed bacteria in sterile salt solution. The vaccines 
may be used against any given infection by injecting subcutaneously 
small doses of the killed bacteria of the same species as that causing 
the infection. Thus in the case of staphylococcus infection one must 
know by examination of pus from the infection what variety of 
staphylococcus is causing the trouble and use the killed germ of that 
same variety of staphylococcus in order to get the best results. This 
treatment is based on the fact that the injections of the dead bacilli 
and their toxins stimulate the formation of antibodies in the serum 
of the patient — more particularly opsonins — and probably bac- 
teriolysins and agglutinins as well. These antibodies further act 
by enhancing phagocytosis or the power that the leucocytes have to 
enclose and destroy bacteria— apparently by some action on the bac- 
teria, The antitoxins and antisera contain antibodies^ which 
are immediately imparted to the patient on their injection and so 
confer a temporary and passive immunity. The vaccines, on the 
contrary, act to stimulate the production of antibodies, and tend 
to confer an active and permanent immunity. The earliest and 
simplest form of vaccine treatment is autogenous and coeval with 
the existence of animals themselves. This consists in the licking of 
wounds. Absorption from the mouth and alimentary tract gives rise 
to specific antibodies in the serum. The wounds which heal most 
badly in cats and dogs are those about the head where they cannot 
be licked bv the animals. But if, in these cases, a little wound dis- 



680 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

charge is given by the mouth, according to Duncan, then wound 
healing becomes good. Acting on these premises Duncan * gives 
to human patients with recent infected wounds a few drops, by 
the mouth, of the early serous or purulent discharge from the 
wounds, without causing infection in the throat and with reported 
success. In acute general infections the use of vaccines is generally 
not so successful, since in them there is already enough toxin in the 
blood (causing fever and other symptoms) to enable the patient to 
produce his own antibodies and so to recover. But some systemic 
infections have been successfully treated with vaccines, as puerperal 
infection, pyemia and septicemia. Local infections are more amena- 
ble to vaccine therapy, but treatment should be begun early before 
a mixed infection occurs and before the part becomes surrounded by 
an impermeable barrier of pyogenic membrane or bacteria. Thus 
staphylococcus infection, causing boils, acne and local suppurations ; 
pneumococcus infection, producing empyema, cystitis, etc. ; colon ba- 
cillus infection, inducing cystitis and other local infections, have been 
apparently cured by injections of vaccines. Sir A. E. Wright, of 
London, who has introduced the vaccine treatment of infections to 
the medical profession, believes that the treatment should be guided 
by the opsonic index. This means practically the comparison of 
the power of leucocytes to invest bacteria in the serum of the patient, 
with the same action of leucocytes on the same bacteria in the serum 
of the normal person or animal. Thus 100 leucocytes may ingest 
500 staphylococci in the presence of healthy serum. Employing the 
serum of an animal with furunculosis, 100 leucocytes may take up 
but 250 staphylococci. The opsonic index of the healthy individual 
is regarded as one and that of the example quoted would be 0.5. 

The determination of the opsonic index is an elaborate pro- 
cedure and is not essential for vaccine treatment. In a general 
way, after the injection of vaccines, the power of phagocytosis is 
lessened, but, after a few days, it is increased. So that injections 
are commonly made every 4-10 days or so, or after any general or 
local symptoms — caused by the injections — have passed. In sys- 
temic infections it may be necessary to inject daily, to secure the 
formation of antibodies, and the patient may be too depressed to be 
stimulated by the vaccines at all. 

Both antisera and vaccines may be used at the same time, as 
antistreptococcic serum and streptococcus vaccine. Then comes the 
question of the source of vaccines. They may be prepared from 
bacterial cultures obtained from locally infected tissue, or discharges, 
or from the blood of the patient (autogenous). Or stock vaccines 
may be used which are now sold by makers of biological laboratory 

* N. Y. Med. Record, Sept. 16, 1911. 



GENERAL VACCINE THERAPY 681 

products, that is, vaccines kept on hand ready-made. The autogen- 
ous vaccine is theoretically preferable in securing just the strain of 
infecting bacteria. 

JsTow in regard to the use of vaccine in veterinary practice. 
While the preceding facts form the basis of vaccine therapy yet 
more experience with the treatment has caused us to modify our 
views and to ignore some of the requirements hitherto accepted as 
essential. Under this head we may consider the following points: 
1. The necessity for isolation of the specific organism responsible 
for .the infection. 2. Knowledge of the exact number of killed ba- 
cilli which is given at a dose. 3. The avoidance of reactions. 4. 
The uselessness of vaccine treatment in acute infections. 

1. While the discovery of the infecting organism is theoretically 
necessary yet as a matter of experience it has been found not to be 
essential for successful vaccine treatment, in many cases. In the or- 
dinary wound infections, for example, the infection is usually mixed 
or due to several common organisms. The predominating bacteria 
are the Staphylococcus albus, aureus and citreus, Streptococcus 
pyogenes of many strains, B. coli communis and some others, as B. 
pyocyaneus. Stock vaccines made from pus often act very favorably 
in wound infections. Indeed some surgeons affirm that they get 
better results from mixed varieties of the same species of organism, 
or what is called a polyvalent stock vaccine, than from a pure cul- 
ture of the infecting organism, or organisms, derived from the pa- 
tient. In urinary infections in which the B. coli communis com- 
monly preponderates, with also the staphylococci and other bacteria 
participating, in many cases a mixed vaccine containing the above 
organisms has often proved satisfactory. 

2. An arbitrary dosage is not of so much importance as it has 
formerly been thought for the reason that individuals vary so in 
response to the action of vaccines. The writer has noted such a 
difference in the susceptibility of two patients with colon infection 
of the urinary tract that one required a hundred times greater dose 
of killed bacteria, to produce a reaction than the other. It is feasible 
to inject a small amount of vaccine, without knowing the number 
of contained bacilli, and thereafter to regulate the dose according 
to the action on the patient. 

3. It has been commonly taught that one should avoid marked 
reactions but it has been found that patients often do very well 
after such. This remark includes both the local reaction, consisting 
of swelling and heat at the site of injection, and the general reaction 
— which includes anorexia, depression, stiffened gait, rapid breath- 
ing and possibly slight fever. 



682 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

The essential point in spacing the doses consists in waiting till 
the local reaction has wholly subsided and the general reaction has 
entirely passed away before the dose is repeated (4 to 10 days). On 
the other hand the dose may be repeated to advantage and doubled 
in amount every 2 days until either a marked local, or general reac- 
tion, is observed. Then the dosage may gradually be increased until 
another reaction occurs. 

4. The production of antibodies is often progressing at the 
highest point in acute general infections and, at other times, the 
leucocyte count is low and the system is so overwhelmed by toxins 
that there is no attempt at bodily repulse. Tn neither of these cases 
are vaccines indicated. They are, however, often prophylactic when 
given to patients likely to be exposed to acute infections, as in the 
case of the B. bronchisepticus of canine distemper and in strep- 
tococcus infection of strangles, and in the case of typhoid fever in 
man. 

In some acute infections where the body is not producing all the 
antibodies possible vaccines may be used to stimulate their production 
and in these cases the leucocyte count is the best guide taken 4 
hours before and 8 hours after vaccination. Tf the count is increased 
by the vaccine one may wait several days and then double the dose ; 
if the leucocyte count is not increased then one may increase the dose 
on the following day. 

Tn acute wound infections the use of vaccines is undoubtedly of 
value. Indeed Jewell* affirms that vaccine treatment is as useful 
in acute as in chronic wound infections and that, if employed in all 
infected recent wounds, healing will progress in half the usual time 
— providing proper drainage is secured and necrotic tissue and 
foreign bodies are removed from the wound. Jewell finds Kinsley's 
method of making vaccines most simple and satisfactory for the 
treatment of recent and serious infected wounds, especially those of 
tendons — sheaths and joints, and in punctures about the feet of 
horses. The vaccine is also applicable in more chronic suppurative 
conditions, as in fistulous withers and poll evil. Jewell has followed 
an arbitrary rule which is to give 2 c.c. of Kinsley's vaccine under 
the skin at the side of the neck at the earliest moment of infection 
and to give another close of 4 c.c. after 4 days. He states that not 
more than two doses are commonly needed for cure. If, however, a 
cure does not at once follow he gives, at 4 day intervals, 2 c.c, doses 
of the vaccine. Local and general reaction does not deter him from 
continuing the treatment until pus disappears from the wound. Kins- 
ley's method is as follows: A culture medium is prepared from 



Amer. Vet. Review, Oct. 1911. 



GENERAL VACCINE THERAPY 683 

Liebig's beef extract, 2 gms; soluble peptone, 10 gms; pure sodium 
chloride, 5 gms ; water, 1 litre. 

Boil 2 or 3 minutes, test to see if it is neutral or slightly alka- 
line. Filter through ordinary filter paper and place in 100 c.c. 
sterile flasks. Sterilize the flasks and contents at 212° F. for 15 
minutes on 3 consecutive days. Take a sterile platinum loop and 
place two loopfuls of pus from a wound, not treated with vaccines, 
into a flask of culture medium. The flask should then be incubated 
at 38° C. for 48 hours and taken out and sterilized for one hour 
at 60° C. in a dry sterilizer. To each 100 c.c. of the product add 
seven drops of phenol as a preservative. The product or vaccine is 
placed in sterile vials holding 2 c.c. and 4 c.c, both the corks and 
vials being previously sterilized at 160° C. for one hour by dry 
sterilization. The corks are dipped in melted paraffine and the vials 
sealed with them. In making the vaccine one can judge of the 
activity of the culture by observing the growth on the medium and also 
by examining smears of the vaccine under the microscope. All that is 
necessary is a good growth and the exact number of killed bacteria 
per c.c. is not ascertained. In using this method one may use a 
box enclosing a small electric light, for an incubator, and a wash 
boiler with gas heating for dry or steam sterilizing. 

Mangan has pursued the method of Duncan (p. 673) in veter- 
inary practice (Amer. Vet. Review, July, 1912). He believes that 
organisms grown in a culture medium have less effect in stimulating 
immunity than those taken directly from the patient. He uses 15 
Cc. of pus, or scrapings of necrotic tissue when yus is unobtainable, 
taken from the wound which is to be treated. 

This is shaken with 180 Cc. of water in a brown bottle to dis- 
guise the contents. The dose of the mixture is 30 Cc. hourly for 
4 doses, by the mouth, repeating the same every fourth day. Or 1 
to 3 Cc. of pus (according to its density) are shaken with 20 to 30 
Cc. of water and kept at room temperature for 10 hours, shaking 
the mixture occasionally. 

This mixture is then placed in a Berkefeld filter (ISTo. 3-N- 
Med.). The filtrate is kept in a sterile container and from 1 to 2.5 
Cc. are injected subcutaneously every four days, or as circumstances 
dictate. Mangan has had great success with this treatment in badly 
infected wounds of horses in a limited number of cases and it cer- 
tainly has simplicity to commend it. 

There are various forms of stock vaccines on the market. The 
H. K. Mulford Co. put out the following vaccines in glass ampuls, 
each representing a single close of which part may, however, be used. 
1. Colon bacilli in, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 hundred million killed 
bacteria in separate ampuls. The initial dose is from 1 to 4 hundred 



684 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 

million bacteria and the vaccine may be used especially in urinary 
infections and infections connected with the digestive tract. 2. 
Staphylococcus vaccine. This contains polyvalent strains of the 
three common species of staphylococcus from equine sources. It is 
prepared in about the same doses as the colon vaccine and the initial 
dose is from 2 to 4 hundred million. This vaccine is useful in 
abscess, fistulse, poll evil, quittor, boils, acne, and suppurating lesions. 
3. Streptococcus vaccine. This is a polyvalent streptococcus vaccine 
prepared in the same doses as the colon vaccine and the initial dose 
is from 1 to 4 hundred million. It is indicated in spreading in- 
fections as erysipelas, cellulitis, lymphangitis, strangles, fistula and 
poll evil, etc. 4. A mixed vaccine, containing from 200 million to 
6 billion polyvalent streptococci, mixed with from 1 to 6 billion of 
the three species of staphylococci, in six separate ampuls, each con- 
taining a single dose. This vaccine is perhaps most useful, espe- 
cially when the infecting organisms have not been isolated. The 
initial dose is 1 billion staphylococci with 200 million streptococci. 
It is indicated in all wound infections, fistula 3 , poll evil, parturient 
infections, septic omphalitis and arthritis of the new born, strangles 
and cellulitis. 

Parke, Davis & Co. prepare vaccines for veterinary use consist- 
ing of 100 to 500 million killed bacteria in tablets for hypodermatic 
use. These represent four formula 1 : 1. Combined varieties of 
staphylococci. 2. Streptococcus pyogenes. 3. Streptococcus pyog- 
enes with the three species of staphylococci. 4. Colon bacilli. The 
use of vaccines representing the specific organism of various diseases 
is in its infancy but the future is bright with promise, especially 
as prophylactic agents. 

The subcutaneous injection of minute and gradually increasing 
doses of tuberculin (1/2000 to 10 mgm.) as treatment for tubercu- 
losis in human medicine — now much in vogue — is an example of 
vaccine treatment to stimulate antibodies in the serum of the patient. 
Sometimes only the toxin of the tubercle bacillus is used (Koch's 
old tuberculin) and sometimes a suspension of killed tubercle bacilli. 

Strangles is caused by a specific streptococcus (s. equi). The 
use of vaccines of killed streptococci will induce immunity to the 
disease. The disease may also be prevented, and even cured in its 
early stage, by immunizing serum obtained from horses receiving 
increasing doses of the specific cocci. The latter are sometimes pro- 
tected against the immediate effects of the streptococci by immuniz- 
ing serum. 

This method of combining the use of a protective serum and 
injections of active bacteria is now being employed against rabies, 
anthrax and rinderpest. The immunizing serum in rinderpest is ob- 



GENERAL VACCINE THEEAPY 685 

tained from animals recovering from the disease and the protective 
value of their serum is much augmented if these animals are injected 
with blood from animals affected with a fatal form of rinderpest. 

In rabies the combined method of injecting active organisms 
and protective serum bids fair to supersede the Pasteur method of 
prolonged vaccination, as but one injection may suffice and the treat- 
ment may be given at a much later stage of incubation to protect 
from the disease. The immunizing serum for this method is ob- 
tained from sheep receiving intrajugularly and subcutaneously in- 
creasing doses of an emulsion of the brain of a dead, rabid rabbit. 
When an animal is bitten by a rabid patient the bitten animal is 
given subcutaneously an injection consisting of the protective serum, 
made as above, and an emulsion of brain from a rabid rabbit. Re- 
ports have been most favorable and in epidemics of rabies immuniza- 
tion of all animals by this method may be required in the future. 

In anthrax also the combined, or simultaneous, method is said 
to be yielding much better results than the double inoculation with 
the weak and stronger vaccine of Pasteur. 



AN EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF DIS- 
EASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



For details concerning the use of drugs or measures recommended in this section 
the reader is referred to the text of this book. 



Abortion. 

(1) Accidental, all animals; (2) Epizootic, in cows and ewes. The 
complement fixation test is useful in diagnosis. Ingestion of food 
contaminated with infected vaginal discharge is chief source of 
the infection. 1. To prevent, give opium; rest, laxative diet. 2. Isolate, 
burn fetus and membranes; disinfect premises; empty uterus. Antiseptic 
vaginal injections; lysol, creolin, carbolic acid, corrosive sublimate. 
Separate attendant and utensils; patients must not go to bull till vaginal 
discharge ceases; bull apt to become infected and if has balanitis is unfitted 
for service of healthy animals. Animals which have aborted may be wisely 
fattened for market. 

Abscess. 

To abort, paint with tincture of iodine; or inject 10 or more m. of 2 per 
cent carbolic acid solution; poultices, fly blister, open with knife or actual 
cautery under ethylchloride spray, and cocaine. After opening, inject anti- 
septics, as hydrogen dioxide, and iodoform with vaseline or glycerin. To 
aid resolution, a blister of cantharides, vaccines. 

Abscess, Cold. 

Open with actual cautery or knife; inject antiseptics, as carbolic acid in 
glycerin; Peruvian balsam. Dress with powder, equal parts of tannic acid, 
boric acid, iodoform and charcoal. 

Acariasis. See Mange. 
Acne. 

Prevent by avoiding rough harness and by constant cleansing with sulphur 
soap after removal of harness. Abort by applying pure carbolic acid. When 
acute, hot fomentations with borax, 3 ii-Oi ; dry sulphur, sulphur ointment. 
Fowler's solution in chronic cases. Vaccine of acne bacilli and staphylococci 
in obstinate cases. 

Actinomycosis, 

Chiefly in young cattle, affecting the jaw and tongue, soft parts of head, 
pharynx, larynx, skin and internal organs. Excise, curette, chisel. Apply 
tincture or compound solution of iodine to wound, or iodoform. Large doses 
of potassium iodide internally; good food and tonics. 

686 



diseases op the domestic animals 687 

After-Pains. 

Remove membranes and clots; opium, morphine. If fever and foul vag- 
inal discharge are present, see Puerperal Fever. 

Aged Animals, destruction of. 

Strychnine, bullet, chloroform, prussic acid. 

Alopecia (Baldness). 

If general, due to debility, give good food, iron, arsenic, bitters; and 
apply to skin tinct. cantharis, 3 i ; lin. saponis, 3 viii. With scaling, use 
sulphur ointment, and add later to it Peruvian balsam; also groom very 
thoroughly. In alopecia areata, use ung. chrysarobini ; or equal parts alco- 
hol and tine, iodi; or creolin and alcohol (1-10-20); or balsam of Peru 
and alcohol (1-10). 

Amaurosis. 

Treatment depends on cause. If owing to debility, loss of blood, trauma 
or quinine poisoning, give strychnine internally; and apply fly blister about 
temples. In amaurosis due to cerebral disease (concussion, hydatids, par- 
turient apoplexy), to renal disorder, convulsions, lead poisoning, etc., 
treatment depends upon the causative factor. 

Ammenorrhea. See Sterility. 

Anemia. 

Remove primary cause. Full diet; fresh air and exercise; comfortable 
housing; sodium chloride and HC1; iron, arsenic, quinine, gentian, strych- 
nine, cupric sulphate. Cod liver oil, myrrh. Clip horses with thick coats. 
In pernicious form, Fowler's solution in increasing doses till the maximum 
dose is reached; H., 3 ii twice daily; D., TIlxxx thrice daily. 

Anemia, Infectious, of Horses, Asses and Mules. 

Treatment is purely symptomatic and is not very successful. Give anti- 
pyretics for fever : acetanilid 3 ii and quinine sulph. gr. 40 t.i.d. sodium 
cacodylate, gr. xxx every other day subcutaneously. When fever subsides 
give pulv. ferri sulph 3 ii, acid arsenosi gr.2, quin. sulph. gr.xxx, pulv. 
nucis vom. 3 i, pulv. gent. gi; M. et f. pulv. I.; give one such t.i.d. Give 
laxative food and daily enemata of cold water to excite peristalsis and 
reduce fever. 

Aneurism. . . 

Radical cure by ligation of aneurism on either side of sac and excision 
of sac. When impossible, ligate proximal side. Employ Matas' operation, 
in which temporary ligation on either side of sac and obliteration of orifices 
and sac with layers of buried chromic gut sutures are done and continuity 
of vessel remains intact. Continuous pressure by hands or truss; potassium 
iodide; ergot injections into sac in early stages; needling; acupuncture; 
introduction of foreign bodies into sac, as wire. 

Anorexia (Appetite, loss of). 

Gentian, cinchona, quinine, quassia, cascarilla, calumba, taraxacum, hy- 
drastis, hydrastine, hydrastin, calamus, capsicum. Remove cause as carious 
or sharp teeth, and digestive or general disorders. 



688 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

Anthrax. Charbon. In Cattle, Horses and Sheep. 

Treatment is chiefly preventive; bodies of dead burned or buried 7 feet 
deep, with hide intact. Flesh of the dead may communicate the disease, 
if eaten. Isolate or kill patients; infected premises and discharges must 
be thoroughly disinfected; avoid infected pastures; anthrax vaccine confers 
immunity; medical treatment is generally unsuccessful and may lead to 
infection of attendants or other animals and therefore inadvisable. In- 
ternally, calomel and salts, in cattle, and carbolic acid or creolin in enor- 
mous doses have aided recovery in some cases; injection of 5 per cent, 
carbolic acid solution at many points in anthrax carbuncles has proven 
curative in human patients. 

Aphtha. See Stomatitis. 

Aphthous Fever, See Foot and Mouth Disease. 

Apoplexy, Cerebral. 

Eaise head, ice bag to poll; venesection, 4-8 quarts in horse; veratrum. 
Mustard paste to legs and bandage; croton oil; dark, quiet quarters; 
gruels and mashes, if swallowing is possible. Change in position im- 
portant; also use of the catheter and enemata. To aid resolution, potas- 
sium iodide, strychnine, massage and electricity. 

Apoplexy, Parturient. In Cows. 

Prevent by withholding grain last six weeks of pregnancy, except bran 
mashes; also give Epsom salts occasionally. Milk twice daily before par- 
turition unless animal dry. Kunsel's treatment, successful in 90 per cent 
of cases. Enemata, ice to poll; bandage legs; prop patient up on sternum 
and change position every few hours. Catheterize and use enemata, caffeine, 
strychnine, alcohol, if collapse. Avoid drenches if animal unconscious; 
otherwise, give Epsom salts. For resulting paralysis, use potassium iodide; 
strychnine; blister over lumbar region; gruels and mashes during con- 
valescence. 

Apoplexy, Pulmonary. See Pulmonary Congestion and Edema. 

Apoplexy, Splenic. See Anthrax. 

Appetite, Depraved. See Depraved Appetite. 

Appetite,, Loss of. See Anorexia. 

Arthritis. 

1. In horses, traumatic and septic; 2, in new-born, due to umbilical 
infection; 3, may be variety of acute infection known as acute articular 
rheumatism; in this form use salicylic acid or salicylates; salol; externally, 
formalin and glycerin infections, methyl salicylate, sodium bicarbonate, 
iodine ointment; later stages, salicylates and potassium iodide; diet, milk 
for small, and gruels and mashes for large patients in acute stage. 2. 
When disease prevalent segregate pregnant animals. Ligate aseptically the 
cord of new-born at birth and sterilize the stump with tine, iodine. As 
preventive, give new born within 24 hours of birth 10 c.c. antistreptococcus 
serum subcut. or specific vaccine. 

Disinfect the stall before another birth occurs. May be due to B. necro- 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 689 

phorous, staphylococcic, or other infection; see Umbilical Infection. In 
traumatic arthritis, cold irrigations or hot fomentations; internally, cal- 
omel; Priessnitz poultice; rest, splints and slings; later, blisters; red 
mercuric iodide; iodine. An arthritis may occur as a complication of 
almost any acute infection. Use formalin and glycerin in acute infec- 
tions. 

Ascarides. See Parasites. 
Ascites. See Dropsy. 
Asthma, Bronchial, in Dogs. 

In attack, chloroform, amyl nitrite, morphine, fumes of stramonium 
leaves and saltpetre, equal parts. Chloral, bromides, belladonna, potassium 
iodide, inhalations, arsenic, cod liver oil, between attacks. 
Azoturia. See Hemoglobinuria. 

Balanitis. 

Withdraw penis. Cleanse with lysol. If the urethra discharges, give ure- 
thral injection, 1 per cent, zinc sulphate and lead acetate mixed; hydrastis. 
Horse or bull may have to be cast and glans cleansed with lysol (2 per cent.) 
and touched with stick silver nitrate. Rest, cathartic and sloppy food. 

Barreness, Sterility. 

Remove the immediate cause, if possible, after careful examination of 
body and generative organs. In the female, injection of yeast (cow) has 
given favorable results; one cake of fresh, compressed yeast dissolved in 
quart of tepid water, after standing 2 hours, is used as a vaginal injection 
once daily for a few days; the vagina should first be cleansed with soap 
and water. Aphrodisiacs, yohimbine, emmenagogues. Examine semen for 
spermatozoa. Exercise, reduce obesity (see Obesity). In debility, bitters, 
iron and good food. In female, change male; may try intrauterine in- 
jection of semen; dilatation of constricted os uteri. 

Bites. 

Of Snakes: Calmette's serum injected into muscle (10 c.c. human dose) 
very successful; immediate cautery with hot iron, or free incision of the 
bite, and ligature above the injury on a limb must be done. Inject 1 
per cent, solution of potassium permanganate or 15 grains of chlorinated 
lime in 2 ounces of sterile water about the bite in several places; strychnine 
subcutaneously in enormous doses; and adrenalin. 

Of Rabid Animals: — Cauterize with hot iron, nitric acid followed by 
saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and then by alcohol, or excise the 
bite, even 24 hours after injury; human patients should receive Pasteur's 
anti-rabic vaccine. 

Of Insects: — Aromatic spirit of ammonia, potassa; or a 10 per cent 
solution of sodium bicarbonate should be applied to bite; also wet dressing, 
clay, antiphlogistine. 

Black-Quarter. Black-Leg. 

Prevention secured by vaccine; avoid infected pastures; bury dead with 
hide intact, 7 feet below surface in quicklime; disinfect premises; free in- 



690 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

cision of swellings (endangers spread of infection) and injection of hydrogen 
dioxide and other antiseptics in mild cases. 

Bladder, Irritable. 

Sloppy food, linseed tea. A cathartic; rest; hot enemata, Remove 
smegma, calculi and other sources of irritation. Belladonna, hyoscyamus, 
potassium citrate, potassium acetate, spirit of nitrous ether, camphor, 
buchu, salol, urotropin. 

Bladder, Paralysis of. 

Empty by sterile catheter or, in horse, pressure through rectum. Treat- 
ment directed to cause. 

B L E P H ARO S P ASM . 
Atropine. 

Bleeding. See Hemorrhage. 

Bog Spavin. See Synovitis. 

Rest; irrigation; hot fomentations; Priessnitz poultice; high heel shoe 
or slings, in bad cases; after acute stage passes, cantharidal blister. 

Boils or Furuncles. 

Aborted by touching with tincture of iodine, or pure carbolic acid, or 
painting with collodion, or 20 per cent silver nitrate solution; injection of 
2 per cent carbolic solution. Puncture central opening with pure carbolic 
acid on toothpick and dress with carbolized vaseline; or creolin in Peruvian 
balsam (1-10) ; poultices inadvisable as they spread infection, Staphylococcic 
vaccine, for recurrence, internal remedies of doubtful advantage; calcium 
sulphide, H, gr. 20-30; D, gr. |-J, thrice daily; or sodium sulphite, or 
compressed yeast cake, 1 daily to dogs in pills. In anemia, bitters, iron 
and arsenic. Paracentesis in severe cases; dress with Peruvian balsam and 
creolin, as above, or iodoform, and avoid chafing of parts. 

Bots in Horses. 

Give carbon disulphide in capsules; 2 drams at hourly intervals for three 
doses, followed in 24 hours by a pint of linseed oil. Laxative diet of 
green fodder. Destroy larvae in feces in spring, then give bitters, iron and 
arsenic for a fortnight. 

Broken Knees. Horses. 

For mere abrasion of skin, tie head up, to prevent the animal from lying 
down for 2 or 3 days, and apply white lotion on a compress continuously. 
When the skin is cut, shave or clip hair from surrounding skin, but 
use no water. Wipe away dirt with sterile gauze or remove by means of 
forceps and scissors. Paint wound and skin area with pure tine, iodine 
and use sterile silk sutures, dry, aseptic gauze and bandage. Apply splint 
to leg, and tie the head up. If the wound suppurates, remove stitches, 
apply wet dressing (2 per cent, lysol), covered with oil silk or rubber, 
for few days, and then Peruvian balsam, aseptic dressing and bandage. 
If the sheath of extensor tendon is opened and tendon exposed, or joint 
opened, place the animal in slings (with splints on leg) and treat with 
tincture of iodine and wet dressings (if suppuration occurs) as above 
exactly as for the lesser injuries. Treatment is unavailing if the tendon 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 691 

is much lacerated, the bones of the knee fractured or joint opened — except 
in the case of invasion of the carpo-metacarpal articulation alone. 

Broken Wind, or Heaves in Horses. 

Avoid water before hard or fast work; give water in moderation between 
meals; give mashes of bran and oats with carron oil; also small amount 
of moistened hay. Arsenic for long periods; iron and nux vomica in 
anemia and anorexia. If heart at fault, give tine, of digitalis and stro- 
phanthus, 2 drams each, thrice daily. If bronchitis is a cause, see treat- 
ment under that disease. If there is true asthma, give spirit of chloroform, 
5 i ; in 5 ii of whiskey, and remedies advised for asthma in dogs. 

Bronchitis, Acute; and Chronic. 

In acute in horses, to shorten attack give full dose of Dover's powder; 
also apply hot blanket and rubber sheet and dry blanket to chest, fre- 
quently changed; rub mustard paste on legs and bandage. Give bran mash, 
roots or grass and pint of linseed oil or enema; furnish a well-ventilated 
box stall. If there is fever, aconite; spirit of nitrous ether; and potassium 
citrate; mixed in a drench, thrice daily. Employ inhalations of sodium 
bicarbonate (3ss to Oi) to increase secretion; later, inhalations of oil of 
turpentine (3ss to Oi) to lessen secretion. In dogs with dyspnea give 
tablespoonful of syrup of ipecac to produce emesis; also, to increase secre- 
tion, ipecac; with syrup of squill; or ammonium chloride or carbonate; 
in chloroform water. With excessive secretion, prescribe internally oil of 
turpentine; or terpin hydrate or terebin; or belladonna; with tincture of 
nux vomica. If cough is constant and wearing, administer chloral hy- 
drate; or codeine; or heroin; or paregoric. In the horse, instead of ex- 
pectorants, use mustard, or stimulating liniments and Priessnitz poultice, 
to chest and throat, and inhalations; if cough is persistent, potassium 
iodide. 

Chronic Form. 

Treat as regards diet, fresh air, external applications and inhalations as 
in acute form. In dry cough, inhalations of sodium bicarbonate; with 
much secretion, use turpentine by inhalation. To increase secretion, ad- 
minister internally sodium iodide, ammonium chloride; and carbonate. To 
lessen secretion, oil of turpentine; or creosote. When there is heart weak- 
ness, digitalis or strychnine. In young or debilitated, fat in some form, 
as cream, olive oil ; or cod liver oil ; housing must be dry, Avarm, and 
well- ventilated. Other remedies include the following: — Nitrites, strophan- 
tus, quinine, arsenic, linseed tea, tar, benzoin, Eucalyptol, resin, balsam 
of Peru, balsam of tolu, myrrh, asafetida, ammoniacum, buchu, compound 
spirit of juniper, camphor, sulphur, sulphurous anhydride, alum, tannic 
acid, eserine, cantharides. 

Bronchitis, Verminous. See Hoose. 

Bronchocete, Thyroid Enlargement in Dogs. Goitre. 

Paint tumor repeatedly with tincture of iodine; give 1-3 grs. dessicated 
thyroid gland, or potassium iodide internally twice daily. Or inject into 
gland 10 or 15 drops of iodine tincture at intervals of three days for 
10-20 injections, although there is some danger of hemorrhage or embolism. 



692 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

Insert hollow needle, before attaching syringe, to avoid entering a blood 
vessel. Surgery, partial resection or enucleation prove most successful, but 
goitre usually disappears in puppies with drug treatment. 

Bruises. 

At the onset use: — Priessnitz poultice; hot fomentations; or antiphlo- 
gistine or refrigerants; or astringents, as compresses, wet with white lotion, 
and bandaging. Or alcohol; or arnica; or hamamelis, may be used. 
Anodynes, as laudanum, are indicated. To aid resolution, massage with 
stimulating liniments; with camphor liniment; with soap liniment; with 
ichthyol; with olive oil. 

Burns. 

In burns of 1st degree: — Carron oil; or flour, starch, saleratus; dusted 
over burn. In burns of 2nd degree: — Soak sterile gauze in 1 per cent 
solution of picric acid, cover with absorbent cotton and bandage; reapply 
in 3 days and 2nd dressing may remain a week; also boric acid in 10 per 
cent ointment (vaseline) is harmless and efficient. In 3rd degree: — Wet 
dressings of saturated boric acid solution, covered with oil silk, or equal 
parts of Peruvian balsam and castor oil; remove dead tissue and treat as 
ordinary wound. In shock, stimulate with alcohol, strychnine and opium. 
Other agents of service include: — Tine, iodine, orthoform, aristol, boroglyc- 
eride, carbolic acid, iodoform, salicylic acid, chalk, menthol, oil of tur- 
pentine, chlorinated lime, chlorinated soda. 

Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa 1 of the knee, elbow, hock, stifle, 
fetlock, cannon bone, withers and poll. 

In acute cases — Cold compresses and pressure by use of flannel bandages; 
cold irrigations, or ice poultices; compresses wet with white lotion. 

In chronic conditions (Hygroma). — Aspiration and injection of iodine or 
carbolic acid; excision, also blisters, red mercuric iodide or cantharides. 
See Capped Elbow, Hock, Knee. 

Calculi, Biliary. See Gall Stones. 

Calculi, Intestinal, See Colic. 

Removal by high enemata, by hand in rectum or abdominal section. Pain 
relieved by morphine and atropine under the skin. Obstruction by sand 
may be overcome by physic ball. 

Calculi, Renal and Vesical. 

No medical treatment will dissolve or remove stone from the urinary 
tract although such may naturally escape. The medical treatment is there- 
fore wholly prophylactic. 

In Cattle and Sheep — Give sodium bicarbonate on the food, and allow 
an abundance of water; feeding sheep should be compelled to move thrice 
daily 100 yards to cause them to urinate. Ammonium and sodium benzoate, 
in the horse, or hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. 

In Dogs, lithium salts may be placed in the drinking water, or lycetol 
(dose, gr. 15). These agents may prevent calculus formation but no 
drug will dissolve calculi in the body. 



DISEASES OP THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 693 

In Oxen — Work forward urethral stone -by massage or do ischial ure- 
throtomy. 

In Sheep — Stroke the urethra to remove stone or sediment about meatus. 
Success is only secured by amputation of the appendix in many cases; 
lithotomy, lithotrity, or urethrotomy are often required. To relieve pain 
and spasm in urinary calculus, give hot enemata, and morphine, and 
atropine, under the skin. 

Canker, of Ear. See Otorrhea. 

Canker of Feet in Horses. 

Throw the animal and remove by actual cautery or knife all the diseased 
horn of the sole and frog down to the sensitive tissue. Tight bandage 
above fetlock to prevent hemorrhage after animal up. Dress foot with 
one of following: — Salicylic acid; stick silver nitrate; formaldehyde (10 
per cent); equal parts of alum, or tannic acid, and iodoform; creolin 
or iodine ointment (5 per cent.) ; equal parts of zinc, copper and iron 
sulphates, vaseline to make paste, and enough creolin to equal 5 per cent. 
Then cover with tow, false sole of leather or iron, and shoe. Dress daily 
with one of above agents and remove any specks of canker, if present. 
When horn forms, dress with tar or calomel. After first days of treat- 
ment animal may do best at work. 

Capped Elbow, Hock, Knee. 

Treatment as for bursitis (see Bursitis) in acute stage; in bursitis (of 
perforatus) or capped hock, apply high-heeled shoe; in capped elbow, pre- 
vent increase of trouble by use of heel or ring pad; when large amount 
of induration has formed it must be excised. 

Catarrh. See Coryza, Rhinitis, Acute. 

Catarrh, Chronic. 

Symptomatic of chronic rhinitis, disease of accessory sinus, and guttural 
pouches, glanders, carious teeth and new growth. Isolate and test for 
glanders. In general give tonics as iron and arsenic, graze or feed from 
floor, rest from work and fresh air. Inhalations of phenol or co. tine, 
benzoin. Treatment mainly surgical — trephining, drainage and irrigation of 
maxillary sinus; hyovertebrotomy in disease of the guttural pouches. In 
sheep, see Oestrus Larvce. 

Catarrhal Fever. See Malignant Catarrhal Fever of Cattle. 

Cerebral Anemia. 

Shown by fainting (syncope). See Syncope. 

Cerebral Hemorrhage. See Apoplexy, Cerebral. 

Cerebral Hyperemia. 

Raise head, ice bag to poll; venesection, 4-8 quarts in horse; veratrum. 
Mustard paste to legs and bandage. Warm covering; croton oil; dark, 
quiet quarters; if swallowing possible, gruels and mashes. 

Cerebritis. See Encephalitis. 



694 epitome of modern treatment of 

Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis. 

Chiefly enzootic and epizootic in horses and sheep. See also Encephalitis 
for general treatment. Quiet, dark, cool quarters; slings for horses if 
animal cannot stand. Physic ball with calomel for horse, or barium chloride 
■ intravenously if the horse cannot swallow; ice to head, ergot, atropine, 
strychnine, can thar ides; catheterize; avoid moldy food and stagnant water; 
secure food from other regions; dry stable; disinfect quarters after occu- 
pancy. 

Choking. See Oesophagus. 

In Cattle: fasten wooden gag in mouth to cause salivation, swallowing 
and eructation, or give olive oil by the mouth and try to push foreign 
body upward in gullet with one hand externally, while the other is in 
the mouth. This failing, pass probang or do esophagotomy. Severe tym- 
panites demands massage of left flank or passage of stomach tube; if this 
ineffective, puncture most prominent point in left flank between last rib 
and angle of the haunch. 

In Horses, if foreign body may not be removed by the hand in the 
pharynx, pass probang. In dogs and pigs apomorphine subcut., or use 
expanding probang. 

Cholera. See Fowl Cholera and Hog Cholera. 
Chorea. 

Occurs in dogs often after distemper or from indigestion or irritation of 
worms. In distemper, an outdoor life in the country, and diet with much 
fat and proteids — as bread or oatmeal with cream, strong broths, and meat 
once daily — are indicated; iron is also advisable, as Blaud's pills, each 
gr.v. thrice daily; arsenic, as Fowler's solution, may be prescribed in in- 
creasing doses until Flxxx are given daily. If movements severe, give 
dogs chloral, gr. v, and sodium bromide, gr. xx-xxx, thrice daily (with 
laudanum, TT\, v, if necessary). For the horse, chloral and sodium bromide, 
each § ss, with fluidextract belladonna, 3 i, twice daily. If due to worms 
or indigestion, treat these troubles; if arthritis precedes chorea, give sodium 
salicylate. The Priessnitz poultice may afford relief. Other remedies in- 
clude: — Antipyretics, hyoscyamus, cannabis, anaesthetics, eserine, gelsemium, 
conium, valerian, zinc valerianate, camphor, strychnine, quinine, asafetida. 

C'OCCIDIOSIS. 

Affects liver and intestine of cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, rabbits, fowl, 
etc. Due to cyst-like parasites (Coccidia) which invade the mucous mem- 
brane and biliary tubes. Prevent by cleanliness of premises, removal of 
feces, disinfection. One form of white diarrhea of chicks (C. cuniculi), 
and prevented by giving sterile water and food and keeping the brooder 
aseptic. Curative treatment unsatisfactory, give physic of oil, and dis- 
infectants by mouth, glycerin and ferrous sulphate, sodium thiosulphate, 
creolin, sulphur. 

Coeinurosis. Sturdy. Gid. Turn-sick in Sheep. 

Prevention: Brains of sheep and cattle must never be fed to dogs; twice 
annually sheep dogs must be starved and given areca nut, with male 



DISEASES OP THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 695 

fem, followed by a cathartic, and feces burned. Repeat this in two 
days. Sheep's brains ? when infested, must be burned or boiled; young 
sheep must not be pastured in infested regions. Treatment by trephining 
cysts, when they can be localized in the brain by soft spots on skull, and 
only in those which definitely circle about. On the range; open skull of 
dead affected sheep with axe, mash brain and cover it with 2 ounces tur- 
pentine, formalin, or sheep dip to kill embryos and keep dogs from eating 
brain. Meat good for market in early stage or for dogs, pelts may be sold. 

Coed, Exposure to. 

Applications of hot blankets and mustard paste; alcohol. 

Colic in the Horse. 

Place in box stall with plenty of bedding; in mild spasmodic colic, 
walking exercise, but in no other cases; morphine and atropine, under the 
skin. In mild cases of spasmodic colic, ether and aromatic spirit of am- 
monia (each, §ii) with spirit of chloroform, § i, may be given; or chloral, 
3 i in one pint of linseed oil. Hot turpentine stupes, useful in all 
kinds of colic. In flatulent colic, oil of turpentine, § ss ; carbolic acid. 
Ttlx; ether and spirit of chloroform (each §i), may be prescribed together 
in a pint of linseed oil. A purge is indicated at the earliest moment — 
an aloes ball, or linseed oil, and hot enemata, in spasmodic colic; in 
flatulent colic, give barium chloride, 3 i, by mouth, or gr. xv intravenously, 
and enema; also puncture with trocar between last rib and angle of ilium 
on right, or left side (when most distension here), if tympanites is in- 
creasing. In colic from overloading the stomach, use the stomach tube; 
also barium chloride. With impaction of colon, alternate linseed oil and 
Glauber's salts and give strychnine with atropine on tongue thrice daily; 
empty rectum by hand and use enemata as above; if all fails, try arecoline, 
physostigmine, or barium chloride. Colic due to enteroliths and volvulus 
cured by surgery. In twist of colon eserine or arecoline often relieves. 
Colic from invagination may be treated by elevation of hind quarters, 
enemata in enormous quantity, or laparotomy. Physostigmine may re- 
lieve but purgatives generally aggravate intussusception. Colic from new 
growth or stricture of gut can be alleviated by manual removal of feces 
twice daily and by enemata. Worm colic is cured by remedies found under 
Worms. Recurrent colic of influenza is treated with salicylates thrice 
daily and a physic ball (aloes 3 iv with gr. xx of calomel), and pain is 
relieved as in mild spasmodic colic. 

Coma. 

Apply ice to head; use cold douche or alternate hot and cold douches; 
mustard paste and bandaging to legs; venesection, purgatives, aloes, eserine, 
arecoline, or barium, croton oil, stimulants, if collapsed — ether or am- 
monia, or strychnine. In diabetic coma, sodium bicarbonate, see Diabetes 
Mellitus. 

Congestion of Lungs. See Pulmonary Congestion. 



696 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

Con j un c Ti vitis . 

In mild form, drop in eye boric acid (2 per cent.) solution, or zinc sul- 
phate (gr. i-§i); also alum or cupric sulphate, or silver nitrate may be 
used. In mucopurulent and purulent forms, wash frequently in boric acid 
solution (2 per cent.), and drop in the eye argyrol, in 10 per cent, solution 
thrice daily after boric acid irrigation; in addition, shade both eyes and 
make constant applications of ice water in severe eases. In muco-purulent 
cases, silver nitrate (gr. ii-5i) may be painted on everted lid (instead 
of argyrol) once daily, in addition to frequent boric acid irrigations. Other 
remedies include : cocaine, protargol, mercuric oxides, citrine ointment, 
creolin, lysol, corrosive sublimate, scarification. Apply hydrargyri oxidum 
flavum in vaseline (gr. i-3i) at night to lids, to prevent them from ad- 
hering. 

Constipation. 

Diet, exercise. 

Dogs.— Two or three compound cathartic pills or castor oil. Injections 
of B ii sweet oil followed by warm water, combined with massage of belly 
and removal of feces by finger or blunt curette from rectum, in obstinate 
constipation. Until constipation relieved, give nothing but broth and lean 
cooked meat with salt. In chronic constipation give some cooked liver and 
dog biscuit, with mixed diet, and Sharp and Dohme's aromatic fluidextract 
cascara sagrada, 3 ss, once or more daily, pill laxativse comp., or phenolph- 
thalein; calomel occasionally. 

Horses: — Aloes, linseed oil, calomel, Epsom salts, arecoline, eserine, barium 
chloride, enemata. 

Cattle: — Epsom salts, calomel, linseed oil, croton oil, gamboge. 

Foals and Calves: — Carron oil, Gregory's powder. 

Puppies: — Suppositories, soap or glycerine; small doses of castor oil 
(3i-iv) phenolphthalein, or calomel (gr. i). 

Birds: — Fowl, calomel, gr. i on food; castor oil, 3i; cold enemata, tine, 
rhei, rhubarb (gr. iii-vii), or senna (gr. xv-xx), in pill. Small birds, 
empty rectum with bulb-tipped probe and oil. Give artificial Carlsbad salts 
in drinking water (gr. iiss to § i). 

Other agents include the following: Buckthorn, jalap, colocynth, elaterin, 
podophyllin, arecoline, ox gall, pilocarpine, veratrine, strychnine, glycerin, 
' belladonna, hyoscyamus, sulphur, myrrh, asafetida. 

Co NY ALE S C EN C El 

Diet, fresh air, exercise; hydrochloric acid, pepsin, bitters, strychnine, 
gentian, quinine, calumba, quassia, hydrastin, iron, cod liver oil. 

Convulsions, Eclampsia, Epilepsy. 

Remove cause when possible by use of cathartics or emetics in indigestion 
and overloaded stomach; by incising gums in teething; by anthelmintics 
in worms. In attack, owner may immerse puppy in warm bath; the 
veterinarian should give chloroform inhalation, and afterwards administer 
fluidextract ipecac, TT1 30, and enema. To prevent further attacks in dogs 
or horses, administer chloral with sodium bromide, thrice daily in water. 
When fits are recurrent, epilepsy is to be suspected. In this case, give 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMAES 



697 



sodium bromide thrice daily for considerable time; and tine, belladonnse 
or chloral, if bromides ineffectual. Or acetanilid with monobromated cam- 
phor may be prescribed in capsules thrice daily for dogs. In puerperal 
eclampsia of bitches, inject morphine (gr. ss-i) under the skin, or employ 
chloroform inhalation, and an enema of chloral in boiled starch solution. 

Corneal Opacities, 

When recent, apply yellow oxide of mercury ointment to upper lid once 
daily (gr. i-ii to 3 i), or calomel. After a year, opacity becomes permanent; 
do iridectomy under clear area in cornea. 

Corneal Ulcer, 

Yellow oxide of mercury, as for opacities; calomel, as for opacities; or 
touch ulcer with silver nitrate solution (2-4 per cent.) by means of pointed 
camel's hair brush; atropine during treatment. Instil 2 per cent, solution 
of fluorescein to stain and locate ulcer. In suppurating keratitis, touch 
yellow infiltrated area of ulcer with point of knitting needle heated cherry 
red, after using cocaine. 

Corns in Foot of Horse. 

Remove shoe and cut away discolored area to remove pressure or exuda- 
tion under sole; disinfect with pure phenol or tincture of iodine; flaxseed 
poultices if much lameness; bar or wide-web shoe with rubber or leather. 

Cor,yza, in Horses. 

Fresh air, outdoors in suitable weather; moderate covering, legs band- 
aged and mustard paste rubbed on them in stable. Diet: — roots, bran 
mashes with few ounces of linseed oil. Fluidextract belladonna ( 3 ss every 
2 hours, first day or two). Inhalations, co. tine, benzoin. Other remedies 
are: — Spirit of nitrous ether, aconite. Dover's powder, opium, cocaine, adren- 
alin, menthol, quinine, arsenic, bismuth. 

Cough. 

Well-ventilated quarters, warm clothing; inhalations, turpentine stupes, 
mustard to throat and chest, Priessnitz poultice. From catarrh in upper 
air-passages, see Coryza, Pharnygitis, Laryngitis. Bronchial Cough. See 
Bronchitis. 

Dry Cough — Ammonium chloride and carbonate, ipecac, Dover's powder, 
sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate. With excessive secretion — oil of 
turpentine; terpin hydrate or terebin, tar, belladonna, balsam of tolu, 
creosote, internally or by inhalation. 

Constant, Harassing or Reflex Cough— Opium, heroin, chloral, chloroform, 
phenacetin, bromides, belladonna, wild cherry, prussic acid, cannabis indica, 
gelsemium, camphor. 

Verminous Cough. See Hoose. 

Cough, Chronic, of Horses. See Bronchitis,, Chronic and Broken 

Wind. Laryngitis. 

Cracks or Fissures. See Fissures. 

Cramps. 

Atropine, belladonna. 

Crib Biting. See Wind-Sucking. 



698 epitome of modern treatment of 

Croup, or Roup. Pseudo-Membranous Croup. "Diphtheria." 

True diphtheria is rarely seen in cats and dogs ( Klebs-Lceffler bacillus). 

Croup common in fowl. Isolate sick and newly-bought fowl. Infected 
premises disinfected and whitewashed. Dead fowl burned, utensils dis- 
infected. Paint affected parts in throat with mixture of Dobell's solution 
and hydrogen dioxide with feather. Internally, give twice daily to fowl, 
potassium chlorate, gr. v, and tine, of ferric chloride, "n\v, in a little 
glycerine and water. Diarrhea relieved by 10-15171, of 2 per cent, tannin 
solution, for fowl. Open distended sinus's under eye. Wash eyes with 
boric solution (2 per cent.) 

Croup in Calves, Lambs and Pigs. Isolate, disinfect premises. Tine, 
ferric chloride and potassium chlorate, of each one-half dram thrice daily 
in glycerin and water. Cleanse nose with normal salt solution, and throat 
with saturated boric acid solution with syringe and swab. Whiskey and 
milk and eggs; green food and Carlsbad salts. 

Curb. 

Fomentations, cold irrigation, Priessnitz poultices, cantharidal blistering 
and actual cautery. Pest and high-heeled shoe. 

Cow Pox. See Yariola. 

Cystitis, Acute and Chronic. 

Diet: — Large animals, barley water and mashes; small animals, milk. 
Pest important. 

In acute form, ice water or hot enemata. Purge with salts or linseed 
oil, large patients; with castor oil in dogs; morphine and extract of 
belladonna in suppository to dogs (each gr. hi)- Large animals, spirit 
of nitrous ether, laudanum (each §i), may be given together every 4 
hours, sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate or acetate. When acute symp- 
toms pass, prescribe one of the following: hexamethylenamine, sodium 
benzoate with boric acid. If urine is alkaline, use acid; when cystitis is 
persistent employ colon, or mixed vaccine containing the B. coli communis. 

In chronic form, buchu; but bladder irrigation then most valuable — 
silver nitrate (1-1,000), boric acid or borax (1-2 per cent), creolin (1-200). 

Other remedies are: — Hyoscyamus, oil of juniper, acacia, cantharides, 
lysol, balsam of tolu and Peru, salol, turpentine, eucalyptol, thymol, myrrh. 

Debility. 

Nourishing diet — milk, eggs, linseed and cotton seed meal. Small ani- 
mals — bovinine, broths, beef juice, cream; olive oil, cod liver oil, alcohol 
and bitters in convalescence, as quinine, strychnine, gentian, calumba, iron 
and arsenic in anemia. 

To stimulate appetite and digestion, with bitters in large animals: ginger, 
cardamon and coriander, fennel and funugreek. 

In the young and in nervous debility: calcium phosphate, glycerophos- 
phates and phosphorus. 

Decubitus. Bed Sores. 

Change position often or use slings; sufficient bedding and cleanliness. 



DISEASES OP THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 699 

Alcohol with tannic acid (5 per cent.) to harden skin. Aristol, chlorinated 
lime. 

Delirium. 

In acute inflammations and injuries of head, ice to poll, venesection, 
purges, as for Cerebritis. With exhaustive diseases — alcohol, strychnine. 
Sedatives, if severe, as morphine; chloral, bromides. 

Dentition Fever. 

In horses give soft, laxative food of mashes, green fodder with carron 
oil. Lance gums, if swollen, and extract milk teeth where interfere with 
eruption of permanent teeth. 

In dogs, when dentition delayed, give syr. of calcium lactophosphate. 

Depraved Appetite. Pica. Licking Habit. 

Cattle — Remove primary digestive disorder; generous feeding with plenty 
of salt; outdoor existence. Apomorphine, gr. ii hypodermatically, once a 
week for 3 injections. 

Calves and Lambs — Calves segregated; lambs isolated when not sucking; 
apomorphine (gr. f) subcutaneously. 

Foals — Keep in stable, give salt by mouth and apomorphine (gr. £-f) 
subcutaneously once or twice weekly. 

Diabetes Insipidus. Horses. 

Commonly due to musty or moldy fodder, or symptomatic of other dis- 
eases. Change diet, or steam, boil or kiln-dry moldy food; give physic 
ball; place sodium bicarbonate in drinking water to relieve thirst, 4 5 daily. 
Lugol's solution or potassium iodide, most successful remedies. Contract 
renal vessels with ergot. Tonics: iron, nux vomica, arsenic. Restrict water 
to slight degree. 

Diabetes Mellitus. 

In dogs, restrict diet to cooked meat and fat and broths; avoid liver. 
Sodium bicarbonate in enormous doses to prevent coma, codeine, opium, 
Fowler's solution, urotropin. 

Diaphragm, Spasm of. Hiccough. Thumps, 

Horses, compound spirit of ether; chloral, spirit of chloroform. Give 
purge and use lavage; morphine subcutaneously, with atropine; inhalation 
of amyl nitrite or chloroform. Fomentations over diaphragm, traction on 
tongue. Enema-, laudanum (§iv) with sodium bromide (§i), in pint of 
boiled starch solution. 

Dogs : — Emetic : Ipecac. 

Diarrhea. 

Laxatives to remove source of irritation in all cases at the onset. 

Horses: — Linseed oil, castor oil or calomel. 

Cattle: — Magnesium sulphate, calomel, castor oil. 

Foals and calves: — Castor oil, §ss; gray powder or rhubarb. 

Special diet and restriction of water. Rest and warm covering. Opium 
most useful after purge, with one of the following astringents: bismuth, 
chalk, catechu, kino, tannic acid, aluminum hydroxide, lead acetate, mineral 



'700 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

acids. Antiseptics, especially with flatulence and foul discharges; carbolic 
acid, creolin, salol, naphthalene, boric acid. 

In Fowl: — Dry, warm housing. Boiled rice and boiled milk. Laudanum, 
TTLi-v. 

White diarrbea (White Scours) of calves. From absorption of colon 
bacilli from dirty teats or through infected navel. Also occasionally due 
to B. necrophorous which may cause omphalophlebitis and arthritis and 
necrosis of navel. Prevention. Give colostrum and then pasteurized milk 
in sterile pail. Sterilize the mother's perineum and udder before and 
after birth; disinfect navel Math tincture of iodine; isolate sick. Disinfect 
the dead and stable. Give colon vaccine or horse serum from animal im- 
munized to polyvalent colon bacilli, as preventive. White diarrhea of new- 
born cbicks — 1. Due to B. pullorum in ovaries and eggs of infected hens. 
Resemble typhoid bacilli. Disease communicated from hen to egg and 
from infected chicks during first four days of life. Use eggs from un- 
infected farms for 1 year. Keep new-born in dark place so will not pick 
up droppings for first four days. 

Keep absorptive litter on floor of brooder and food and water in un- 
contaminated vessels. Feeding sour milk useful. Only strongest birds at 
8 to 10 weeks selected for breeding. 2. White diarrhea of chicks due to 
Coccidium avium. Oocysts in droppings and live in soil 1 year. Outside 
of egg infected. Sterilize eggs in alcohol and use incubators for hatching. 
Remove newly fledged chicks to new premises. Kill infected birds. Sur- 
face soil removed 3 inches down and burned, disinfect the houses, roosts, 
premises and utensils. 

See also Enteritis and Dysentery. Arsenic in chronic cases. 

Diphtheria. 

Diphtheria, due to Klebs-Loeffler bacillus in man, is occasionally seen in 
cats and dogs. They should be killed to prevent spread of the disease to 
man. 

See Croup, Pseudo-Membranous. 

Disinfection or Sterilization of Skin. See Wounds. 

Of vagina, swab out with green soap and warm water and sterile gauze 
and 2 per cent, lysol solution, or swab with £ strength tincture of iodine 
without washing. 

Of uterus, irrigate with 2 per cent, lysol solution. 

Of horses' feet. Remove shoe, trim horn and paint with tincture of 
iodine. 

Of eye, irrigate with 2 per cent, boric acid solution. Tears act as normal 
salt solution and prevent sepsis. 
Dislocations. Luxations. 

Reduce by aid of anesthetics. After reduction, fix joint by plaster of 
Paris splint for 10 days, and rest (in slings, if necessary). When splint 
not possible, apply fly blister to secure rest of joint. 

Distemper in Dogs and Cats. 

A vaccine prepared from B. bronchisepticus by Parke, Davis & Co. is the 
surest mode of prophylaxis if given a month before exposure. 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



701 



Treatment of the disease is most successful with a vaccine composed of 
the former, combined with staphylococci and streptococci, and is said to 
cure over SO per cent, of cases. 

Keep the patient constantly clean with 2 per cent, lysol baths. The 
kennels must be frequently washed with same and feces constantly removed 
to avoid secondary staphylococcic infection which is generally the cause of 

death. 

Give gr. ii. calomel night and morning at onset, till free catharsis pro- 
duced. °For conjunctivitis, boric acid gr. x; and zinc sulphate, gr. 1; in 
§i. water. If severe, 5 per cent, argyrol solution. If opacity or ulcer 
or cornea, see Corneal Opacities and Ulcers for treatment. 

Cough:— Wet flannel bandage and oil silk about neck; also syrup ipecac- 
(Tllv-xv), in syrup squill (31), with codeine (gr. %-%), if necessary. 

Anorexia overcome by tine, nucis vomica; (uTv-xx), with equal amount 
of H CI in water after eating. 

Vomiting and diarrhea treated with bismuth subnitrate (gr. x-xxx) with 
tannigen (gr. v-x) and laudanum (nlv-x). 

In delirium, use chloral (gr. v-xv) with bromides (gr. xx-xxx), by mouth. 

or rectum. 

With weakness and paralyses, syrup of the phosphates of iron, quinine 
and strychnine ( 3 ss-ii ) ; strychnine. 

In anemia, reduced iron in pills. 

In eruption, use zinc oxide ointment. 

Di e t : — Milk, scraped beef, bovinine, beef juice, strong broths, brandy 
with milk and white of egg. Boiled milk in diarrhea. 

Patients isolated, and when recovered the premises must be cleaned and 
disinfected. Country air favors recovery. 

Dourine. See Maladie du Coit. 

Dropsy, Cardiac, Renal, Hepatic. Ascites. 

Increase function of heart, kidneys and liver by stimulants to these 
organs, and use purges and diaphoretics. Digitalis, and with squill are 
often combined with spirit of nitrous ether and potassium citrate or acetate. 
Restrict fluids; give horse physic ball; cattle: magnesium sulphate in 
concentrated solution; dogs: comp. jalap powder (3ss) in capsules three 
times daily; potassium iodide to absorb exudate. 

In Ascites, aspirate dogs just behind navel and bandage belly; cattle r. 
aspirate belly midway between navel and stifle, right side. 

Diet. 

Other remedies are: Caffeine, strophantus, oil of juniper, pilocarpine,, 
calomel, colocynth, elaterin, sugar of milk. 

Withhold salt from the food when there is nephritis. 

See also HydrotJiorax. 

Dysentery. 

Common in new-born, especially calves, in which it is usually fatal- 
Prevent by antiseptic treatment of aborting and parturient cows; by isola- 
tion of patients and disinfection of their discharges; by segregation of 
cows about to calve. Treatment of little value in calves. In other ani- 



T02 EPITOME OP MODERN TREATMENT OF 

mals, give purge, calomel, or magnesium sulphate, or castor oil. Ipecac 
is a specific, especially Dover's powder. Irrigations of rectum with creolin, 
or lysol, or silver nitrate. Internally, opium with astringents, as: lead 
acetate, white oak, catechu, kino, tannic acid, hematoxylon. Rest; external 
warmth; and diet. Antiseptics: naphtalin, turpentine. Arsenic. 

Dysentery, Chronic Bacterial, of Cattle. Johne's Disease:. 

Treatment is chiefly prophylactic. Isolate and destroy diseased animals. 
Feces burned or buried deeply. Scrub and scrape fecal contamination from 
barns and apply quicklime to floors and 3 per cent, formalin to walls 
and whitewash containing the same. Internally, salol, bismuth subnitrate, 
turpentine, etc., have little but temporary effect, as the disease is fatal. 

Dyspepsia. See Indigestion. 

Dyspnea. See Laryngitis, Broken Wind, Croup, Asthma. 

Pulmonary and Heai*t Diseases: Nitroglycerin, nitrites, chloroform in- 
halation or morphine in asthma or angina pectoris. 

In chest diseases, counter-irritation externally. Tracheotomy in mechanical 
obstruction. Treat causal disease. 

Eclampsia. See Convulsions. 

Ecthyma in Horses, Dogs and Sheep. 

Deep-seated pustules leading to formation of dark crusts, communicated 
by contact with other animals, or by brushes, harness, or objects touching 
the lesions. Isolate patients and secure cleanliness and proper hygienic 
surroundings. Give tonics, bitters and good feeding. Remove crusts with 
soap and water. Apply to lesions, salve containing salicylic acid (gr. xv- 
§ i ) in zinc ointment ; or, when animal can not lick it off, hydrargyrum 
ammoniatum (gr. v-§i) in zinc ointment. Ulcerations are treated with 
Peru balsam covered with zinc ointment. Disinfection of premises and 
utensils. 

Eczema. 

In Dogs — Avoid water except to remove crusts after soaking in sweet 
oil for 24 hours; in chronic cases, shampoo skin with green soap and 
water; clip hair; employ muzzle or bandaging to prevent biting and 
scratching and avoid external preparations which will poison if swallowed. 
In acute eczema, carron oil or calamine lotion. In moist stage, zinc oxide 
ointment after the application of black wash. In weeping patches, silver 
nitrate solution (2-6) per cent, after cleansing with hydrogen dioxide. 
If suppuration, astringent dusting powders: bismuth, starch, dermatol, 
glycerite of tannin. With much itching, zinc ointment with creolin (5 per 
cent.). In Chronic Eczema with scaly, thickened skin, tar ointment, oil of 
cade in olive oil (1-8), or with zinc ointment (1-8). Relieve constipation 
by cascara sagrada; give liver occasionally and dog biscuit. Avoid fleas, 
dirt, friction. In acute cases, bread, soup or milk and avoid oatmeal; 
starving in overfed animals, and 2-3, co. cathartic pills. Fowler's solution 
in chronic form. 

In the Horse — In the scaly form (wrongly styled psoriasis), thorough 
grooming and destruction of parasites. Remove scales by soaking in olive 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 703 

oil and washing. Apply oil of cade, liquid tar or creolin in alcohol (1-10). 
Pustular form on mane and tail, avoid constant wetting and common 
soap; clip hair; and apply hydrogen dioxide and 5 per cent, silver nitrate 
solution and dust with tannic acid and iodoform (1-3), or use tar ointment. 
In eczema of heels (grease), in acute stage apply zinc ointment, or white 
lotion, or pink ointment. In later stages, with moisture and scabs, cleanse 
and apply balsam of Peru, wool dressing and bandage, or tannic acid and 
iodoform (1-3). Exuberant granulations treated with lunar caustic or 
actual cautery. 

In Cattle — -Treatment similar to eczema in horse. With total loss of 
hair use liquid tar in alcohol (1-10). Other remedies include: — Icthyol, 
sulphurated potash, sulphur, yellow wash, iodine, boric acid, chalk, lead 
acetate, zinc sulphate, white precipitate ointment, citrine ointment, carbolic 
acid, salicylic acid, oleate of mercury, blue ointment, thymol, chrysarobin, 
hamamelis, glycerite of starch, pilocarpine, phosphorus, cod liver oil. 

Elephantiasis of Hoeses. 

Chronic swelling or dermatitis with proliferation of dermal tissues and 
deformity of limbs following repeated lymphangitis. 

Bad cases with skin in folds incurable. Laxative diet, iodine ointment, 
fibrolysin, potassium iodine internally, exercise. Tonics, see Grease. 

Emphysema, Subcutaneous. 

Air generally becomes absorbed without treatment. If external wound, 
tiy to prevent sepsis. If absorption delayed, strap with adhesive plaster, 
or make pressure by bandage. Incision and puncture undesirable as aid 
to sepsis. 

Emphysema, Pulmonary. 

Chief lesion in "Broken Wind." See Broken Wind. 

Empyema Thoracis. 

Incision into intercostal space, or better, excision of a portion of a rib 
for drainage, and great care in asepsis, under no (or partial) anesthesia, 
to facilitate expansion of lung through coughing. All adhesions to lung 
must be broken; bleeding is stopped by hot, normal salt solution from 
pitcher; drainage tube, self-retaining, of spool shape. Collargol. Irrigation 
of the chest not usually advisable unless discharge very fetid. In localized 
abscess, aspiration is sufficient sometimes. 

Encephalitis. Cerebritis. Meningo Cerebritis. 

Quiet, dark, cool quarters. Box stalls with slings for horses, if animal 
unable to stand. At onset, horse, aloes ball with calomel. Cattle — Glauber's 
salts with croton oil. With high fever and bounding pulse, venesection 
and aconite, or veratrum. In excitement and mania, morphine, chloral, 
bromides. Collargol. Lumbar puncture behind 5th lumbar vertebra, to re- 
lieve pressure and for bacterial examination of cerebro-spinal fluid. In 
convalescence, overcome paralysis by ergot, given with potassium iodide. 

Endocarditis. 

Acute — Prevent in acute rheumatism by giving sodium bicarbonate, and blis- 
tering over heart; collargol. If pulse strong, give aconite, and fasten ice-bag 



704 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

over heart in acute stage. Morphine, under skin to quiet dyspnea. Digitalis 
in irregular pulse, with nux vomica. Aconite only at onset; later, whiskey, 
quinine and strychnine. Nourishing, concentrated diet, absolute rest. 
Chronic Form. See Heart Disease. 

Enteritis. 

In Horse — No solid food allowed, warm water in moderation. At onset 
only: castor oil, laudanum and belladonna, or calomel with powdered opium 
in ball. To quiet peristalsis: opium or morphine every few hours. With 
high fever and strong pulse: venesection, aconite or veratrum. Turpentine 
stupes. Stimulants: alcohol and strychnine, in case of threatened col- 
lapse. In convalescence: cooked gruels, followed by scalded oats and a little 
green food. 

In Dogs — Avoid food or drink in vomiting. Calomel, followed by opium 
and bismuth subnitrate. In convalescence: meat juice, broths, lime water 
and milk. 

In Cattle — Glauber's salts at onset. Externally, turpentine stupes. Laud- 
anum with chalk to stop diarrhea. With bloody diarrhea: laudanum 
with tannic acid; also ergotin under the skin. Strychnine and alcohol. 
Diet: boiled milk, raw eggs, flour gruel with sodium bicarbonate, cooked 
roots. 

In Calves — In those not suckling, replace milk by whey, made by adding 
rennet to warm milk and straining. Also by broths, rice or barley water 
or thin flour gruel. When milk is again given, it should be scalded and 
diluted with an equal part of water. Give at onset castor oil ( § i ) . Suck- 
lings fed every three hours, so as not to gorge. 

Cows giving milk containing over 4£ per cent, fat may be unfit mothers. 
After castor oil, give bismuth subnitrate (gr. xxx. ) three times daily. 
Brandy for debility, and paregoric (3ii.) if much pain and diarrhea. 

Entropium. 

If only inturned eyelashes, they may be pulled out at intervals. The 
application of a finely pointed stick of caustic potash in a line parallel 
and near to ciliary border of under lid on the skin — once or more — may 
cause lid to regain its normal shape. Otherwise remove elliptical piece 
of skin from eyelid and suture. At same time split margin of lid length- 
wise, leaving all eyelashes on outer flap, and lengthen palpebral fissure at 
outer canthus by cutting with scissors. 

Epilepsy. See Convulsions. 

Epistanis. ]STose Bleed. 

Inject adrenalin with syringe (1-5,000). Pack nostril with gauze soaked 
in same. Vinegar and water (1-2). Insufflation of powdered alum or 
tannic acid. Internally, ergot, hamamelis or turpentine. In purpura inject 
fresh horse serum; ergot, calcium chloride, gelatin. Raise head and place 
ice-bag on forehead. Examine for polypus, or causative general disease of 
brain, heart, lungs. 

Erysipelas. 

In Horses on head, enzootic. In Sheep, attacks head. Swine, as Mai 
Rouge or Swine Erysipelas. See Hog Cholera. 



DISEASES OE THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 705 

Antistreptococcus serum, or vaccine, in horse. Generous diet with alco- 
hol, milk and eggs. Isolate patient and after recovery disinfect premises. 
Well-ventilated quarters. Antiseptic treatment of any wound present. In- 
jections of carbolic acid or painting affected area with pure phenol fol- 
lowed by alcohol. Cold compresses of saturated boric acid solution. Heavy 
coat of collodion about lesion to limit spread, first shaving hair. If pus 
forms, it must be liberated by incisions; otherwise avoid the use of knife. 
Quinine and tine, ferric chloride. 
Erythema. 

In Horses, "Mud Fever," or "Scratches." 

Leave hair long on pasterns; do not wash legs after driving but wait 
until dry and brush off dirt. Pink ointment, white lotion, calamine lotion, 
zinc oxide and starch, lead acetate, boric acid, camphor, vaseline, hamamelis, 
tar. When erythema results in a dermatitis, as in Cracked Heels of horse®, 
stimulate with stick silver nitrate, or Peruvian balsam, and use astringents, 
as pink ointment and white lotion. In general erythema, give purge and 
light diet. 

Exostoses. 

In early stages treat as for Periostitis, which see. For later outgrowth 
of bone, iodine or cantharides. Red mercuric iodide, point firing; rest. 

Fainting. See Syncope. 

False Quarter. 

Blister coronet; cantharis. Treat wound in coronary band which causes 
defect in wall of hoof. Apply bar shoe. Cut dead horn away. Keep dirt 
out of fissure by filling it with gutta percha and ammoniaeum. 

Farcy. See Glanders. 

Favus, in Cats, Dogs, Horses, Cattle, Fowl. 

Remove crusts by soaking in sweet oil and washing in green soap and 
water. Sulphur ointment, or 5-10 per cent, ointments of the following: 
Naphthol, resorcin, thymol, tar, or creolin and salicylic acid. Sulphur 
and salicylic acid least toxic. Or apply tine, of iodine and goose grease 
(1-8). 

Fever, 

Cold air and moderate covering, and bandaging of limbs (horses). Cold 
applications. Cold drinks, cold enemata, Spirit of nitrous ether with 
aconite and potassium citrate, especially in catarrhal conditions. With 
intestinal autointoxication, calomel, magnesium sulphate, castor oil. 

In hyperpyrexia, phenacetin, acetanilid, antipyrin. Diet. In most infec- 
tions, as influenza, septicemia, pneumonia, and in continued low fevers: 
quinine, alcohol, strychnine. 

In convalescence, see Convalescence. 

Fissure. 

Of Anus — Expose with speculum and touch with pure phenol on a small 
swab. Iodoform in carbolized vaseline (1-8), applied daily after enema. 
Keep bowels loose with salts or oil. Orthoform, belladonna. 

Of Teats — Udder and teats thoroughly washed with soap and water and 



706 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

saturated boric acid solution. Milk removed with boiled milking tube. 
Touch fissure with solid silver nitrate, and coat with co. tine, of benzoin 
frequently, and keep covered with boric acid in vaseline (10 per cent.). 
Also Peru balsam or tannin. 

Fistula. 

The following ointment has proved of surprising value. The ointment 
is softened by heat and injected with a sterile syringe of glass or metal, 
through the nozzle alone, or through a sterile rubber tube — until the fistula 
is filled. Every third day enough more is injected to replace that which 
has escaped. IJ. Bismuth subnitrate, 6 parts; white wax and soft paraffin, 
each 1 part; vaseline, 12 parts. Boil and mix and place in a sterile jar. 
Substitute chalk for bismuth to avoid poisoning when several ounces are 
required. 

Or inject daily with hydrogen dioxide (8 oz.) containing. 2 m. of 
formalin, if free opening. To secure healing, inject daily — after above — 
carbolic acid in glycerine, or tine, of iodine; or 3 per cent, silver nitrate 
solution. Curette and open up sinuses. If milder measures fail, use arsenic 
or corrosive sublimate. If fistula refuses to heal, suspect foreign body or 
dead bone or tendon in wound. In fistulous withers and poll evil the use 
of a mixed vaccine has been very successful. 

Flatulence. See Tympanites, Colic, Indigestion. 

Fleas. Pulex irritans var. Canis et Felis. 

In Dog and Cat — Frequent grooming and 2 per cent, creolin or lysol 
baths, followed by clean water and drying. Clean bedding of sawdust or 
shavings, frequently changed. Application of pyrethrum to dampen hair, 
but not in puppies and kittens. Carbolic soap. Oil of anise. 

Fly-Blow in Sheet*. 

Dress wounds with tar, and 2 per cent, solutions of lysol or creolin. 

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DlSEASE. EPIZOOTIC ECZEMA. 

In Cattle, SJieep, Swine and Goats. — The only rational treatment is 
prophylactic. Strict quarantine of infected premises and animals, and kill 
all exposed and diseased animals as soon as possible. After diseased ani- 
mals removed, disinfect premises. Healthy animals not put in disin- 
fected premises for month. Burn or bury dead carcasses and infected 
manure. Older treatment follows: Diet: Gruels, mashes, green fodder, 
pulped roots. Wash mouth often with saturated boric acid, hydrogen 
dioxide, or potassium chlorate solution on swab. Drinking water con- 
stantly at animal's command. Clean, dry bedding. Feet washed with 2 
per cent, lysol or creolin. Compresses wet with white lotion containing 
phenol, 1 per cent., constantly kept about coronets of cattle. Tar also 
applied to feet. Carbolized vaseline is used on the teats. Milk of patients 
unfit for food; boil 20 minutes before feeding it to animals. Two weeks 
after recovery, cleansing and disinfection of premises. During enzootic, 
inoculation of saliva of patient into well animal will cause a milder form 
of disease. 



diseases of the domestic animals 101 

Foot-Rot in Sheep. 

Two forms, 1. Infections, due to B. necrophorous. 2. Traumatic from 
long journeys over rough ground. 

Segregate newly bought animals for three weeks. Isolate patients and 
treat by driving (thrice weekly) through foot baths of creolin 3 per cent, 
or ferrous sulphate, 4 per cent., or milk of lime. Furnish clean litter and 
dry quarters. If severe, treat feet locally by removing dead horn, applying 
ointment of cresol, 5; sulphur, 10; lard, 100; or carbolic acid in glycerin 
(1-10), or iodine or creolin ointment (5 per cent.). Cauterize fungous 
growths with pure phenol and protect parts with tar. In the form orig- 
inating in bruises of sole, and purely traumatic, treatment consists in 
putting sheep on soft, dry pastures, cutting away dead horn and applying 
tar. 

Founder. See Laminitis. 

Foreign Bodies in Alimentary Tract. See Choking. 

Dogs — When swallowing of foreign body is known to occur, give bread 
and porridge as diet. Cathartic 36 hours after ingestion, providing it is 
a blunt body. Remove from within anus if symptoms of straining and 
lodgement there. Abdominal section, if body not passed. 

In ruminants the treatment is purely surgical. 

Fori, in the Foot of Cattle. Canker. 

Often due to B. necrophorous. Isolate the sick. Lameness, swelling, heat 
and tenderness of claws with resulting abscesses, ulcers and sinuses about 
the heels and pasterns. Curette necrotic areas, apply Lugol's solution, and 
dust with calomel. 

Avoid wet, dirty stables and litter. Remove all loose horn and expose 
sensitive diseased parts for treatment. May also apply carbolic acid in 
glycerin (1-10), 2 per cent, creolin or lysol, and protect with oil of cade 
or tar on tow and bandaging. Stimulate by applications of nitric acid, 
and dress with powdered alum and iodoform, or iodoform and tannin, equal 
parts. 

Fowl Cholera. 

Treat with acid, hydrochlor. dil. (m. v.), and ferrous sulphate (gr. v), 
or tannic acid (gr. v), in ounce of peppermint water; dose: §ss. hourly 
for fowl; 1 teaspoonful for pigeons (Friedberger) . Few drops of carbolic 
acid solution (5 per cent.) under skin. Prevent by isolation of well in 
new quarters. Burn dead and discharges. Before reoccupation of premises, 
hen yard must have surface soil removed and replaced by new earth. 
Thorough cleaning, disinfection and whitewashing of hen house. 

Fractures. 

Examine and set under anesthetic. Large animals, slings. Plaster of 
Paris or starch bandages or splints. In non-union, rub ends of bone to- 
gether; or puncture ends of bones with drill; or suture with silver wire or 
chronic cat-gut. Compound fractures treated antiseptically through window 
in plaster of Paris splint. Fracture of jaw, rectal feeding. 



f08 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

Frontal and Maxillary Sinus, Diseases. Sec Catarrh Chronic, 

Oestrus Larvae. 
Frost Bite. 

Rub part with snow or cold water to gradually restore warmth — tem- 
perature of premises low for first twenty-four hours. In mild cases, rub 
on turpentine liniment. With vesiculation and destruction of tissue, treat 
as advised in burns of second and third degree. Ichthyol, glycerite of 
tannin. 

Fungus Haematodes. 

A sarcomatous growth protruding from the orbit in cattle and sheep, less 
often in horses. 

Enucleate the eyeball and fatten for butcher. 

Gall Stones. Also see Colic. 

No medical treatment will remove gall stones when they are once formed 
in the gall bladder. 

Galls, Wine. See Tenosynovitis. 

Gangrene. 

Apply antiseptics to wound, as compress wet with corrosive sublimate 
(1-3,000) while waiting for line of demarcation to form. Remove dead 
tissue by knife or actual cautery. Or apply bromine with glass rod, or 
phenol and glycerine ( 1-8 ) , to slough. In moist gangrene, apply following 
paste : phenol ( 3ss. ) , powd. charcoal ( §ii. ) , glycerine ( §iv. ) . Tonics : tine, 
of ferric chloride and quinine. 

Gapes (In Poultry). See Parasites. 

Garget. See Mammitis or Mastitis. 

Gastritis ant> Gastko-Enteritis. See Indigestion, Acute. 

Gastroduodeinitts. See Jaundice. 

Gid. See Ccenurosis. 

Glanders. 

After isolation of suspicious cases in a cow barn, the premises previously 
occupied must be most carefully cleaned, including harness, utensils, stable 
fittings, mangers, walls, floors, and disinfected. Exposed or suspicious cases 
tested with mallein, or 50 to 100 c.c. of blood withdrawn from the jugular 
by aspirating syringe or trochar and canula. The serum which separates 
should be sent to a laboratory for complement fixation test. All animals 
reacting to this test should be removed and killed and stable cleaned and 
disinfected. 

The remaining animals should be retested by complement fixation test 
every 3 weeks until no more react and stable redisinfected after each test, 
including harness, stable utensils, fittings, mangers, walls and floors. 

Glandular, Swellings. 

Into acute swellings inject phenol; or inject or apply externally iodine, 
to abort or hasten suppuration. Apply a mixture of icthyol and mercury 
and belladonna ointments and lard, equal parts, in acute and subacute 
cases, to aid resolution. May prevent abscess by fly blister. When abscess 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 709 

inevitable, hot poultice. See also mercury and mercuric oxides. Red mer- 
curic iodide. Internally, to avert abscess, calcium sulphide, sodium sul- 
phite or yeast. See Boils. 

Glaucoma. 

In the inflammatory form, give a smart purge and low diet. Drop eserine 
sulphate solution (gr. iv to gi) in the eye thrice daily. After acute at- 
tack subsides, mild eserine solution (gr. l-%\.) . Iridectomy, in most cases. 

In chronic form, weaker eserine solution (as above) and potassium iodide 
internally. 

In traumatic form, treatment depends upon injury and is chiefly surgical. 
Glossitis, Idiopathic oe Traumatic. 

Swab often with saturated solution of boric acid in boiled solution of 
starch or barley flour. Ice water at animal's command constantly. If 
much swelling and edema, scarification of the tongue superficially in many 
places. If difficulty in swallowing, rectal feeding or stomach tube through 
nose in horse. When tongue lacerated, save all of the organ possible, and 
suture. If caused by alkalies, use vinegar and water (1-2) on swab. 

Glycosuria. See Diabetes Mellitus. 
Goitre. See Bronchocele. 
Grapes. See Grease. 

Grease. Dermatitis seborrhoeica of pasterns and fetlocks in horses. 
In the early stage apply white lotion or pink ointment (2 per cent.). 
To either, with fetid discharge, carbolic acid may be added. In the later 
stages, with copious greasy discharge, the hair should be clipped and the 
parts cleansed with soap and water and lysol solution (2 per cent.). Then 
balsam of Peru should be applied and a dry wool dressing and bandage. 
For exuberant granulations, use a powder of tannic acid and iodoform 
(1-3). When these become large and of fungoid character ("Grapes"), 
they must be removed by knife, scissors or white-hot shovel or firing 
iron and parts dressed first with gauze moistened with creolin solution 
(5 per cent.) and later with Peru balsam and dry dressing. In chronic 
swelling of the legs (Elephantiasis) with grease, give a course of tonics: 
iron, arsenic, bitters. 

Grogglness. See Navicular Disease. 

Haematemesis. See Hemorrhage. 

Heart Disease, Chronic. 

1. Valvular Lesions. 2. Enlargement (Hypertrophy, Dilatation). 3. 
Myocarditis, Acute and Chronic. Myocardial Insufficiency. 

In Hypertrophy with violent action of the heart or palpitation, spirit 
of chloroform and tincture of aconite; also in palpitation, belladonna may 
be useful with aconite or bromides. 

In palpitation, with feeble heart-beat and weak sounds, give digitalis, 
or strophantus, or camphor. See Nervous Palpitation of Heart. 

In valvular disease, with dyspnea, weakness, and other signs of failing 
compensation, give fluidextract of digitalis, or this with strychnine. As 



710 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OE 

substitutes for digitalis: strophanthus and caffeine. With high-tension 
pulse, combine nitro-glycerin with digitalis. With urgent dyspnea, give 
morphine. 

In dropsy, give H. and C. aloes and salts; D., co. jalap powder (3ss). 
Also digitalis with squill and potassium acetate; see Dropsy. With dilated 
heart and urgent dyspnea and cyanosis, venesection. Atheroma as a cause 
of heart disease in the old is treated with potassium iodide (H., 3i; D., 
gr. x) thrice daily. 

In chronic heart disease, rest, concentrated, nutritious diet, with water 
between meals and not directly before exercise, are indicated. 

Myocardial weakness demands treatment as for valvular disease — rest, 
diet, stimulants, iodides. In myocardial weakness of over-fat animals, re- 
duce fat. See Obesity. 

In chronic heart disease with infrequent pulse, digitalis is contraindi- 
cated; use camphor, ether, alcohol or aromatic spirit of ammonia. When 
there is anemia, iron is of great value. 

Heat Stroke. See Sun Stroke. 

Hematuria. 

Ice to loins. Aqua hamamelidis. Ergotin under the skin, or extract ergot 
internally. In hematuria of acute nephritis, after first week, give tine, 
cantharis (H., 3ss; D., m.i) with same amount of fluidextract of cannabis 
indica. In bleeding from bladder, irrigate with adrenalin with 1-5,000 solu- 
tion; also inject water at 120 deg. F. Urethral hemorrhage stopped by re- 
tention of catheter in urethra. If adrenalin stops bleeding, when injected 
into bladder, the source of the trouble is proven. Hematuria in young cows: 
This is enzootic in low- lying pastures; change pastures, drain pastures 
and fertilize them with lime and phosphates. 

Hemoglobinuria. Azoturia in Horses, 

Support in slings in box stall. Empty bladder by pressure through the 
rectum or by catheter. Adrenalin solution intravenously or intramuscu- 
larly, 3ii-iv, purge with arecoline hydrobromide barium or eserine. Apply 
hot blankets. Venesection, and replace by saline infusion in strong animals. 
Allow normal salt solution to flow slowly into rectum to stimulate kidneys. 
In restlessness, chloral; with heart weakness, strychnine:. 

Diet — Bran mashes, hay, roots, green food, little hay. Prevent by light 
feeding, when not working, or by exercise every day. 

Hemoglobinuria in Cattle. Texas Fever. Piroplasmosis. 

This is caused by a protozoan parasite conveyed by ticks or their ova 
to cattle. Prevention. — Eemove ticks from cattle by brushing or scraping 
them off; or by spraying cattle with following mixture: Dipping cattle 
(15 to 30 seconds) in this mixture in concrete or wooden vats 5% ft. deep 
and 40 ft. long is most successful in eradicating ticks in large numbers of 
cattle. Boil white arsenic (10 lbs.) and sal soda (25 lbs.) in 25 galls, of 
water for 15 minutes, or till arsenic dissolves. Cool with cold water to 
140° F. and add 1 gall, pine tar gradually, while stirring. Bring the mix- 
ture to 500 galls, by adding sufficient water (U. S. Dept. Agic). 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 711 

Application of dip or spray must be made every 3 weeks till ticks dis- 
appear, or only twice (a week apart) when cattle can be placed in tick- 
free pastures. Cattle must not be dipped when tired or thirsty, or allowed 
to drip on grass or to form pools which they may drink. They must not 
be driven hard or overheated for a week after treatment. By keeping cattle 
in spring in tick-free inclosures, three weeks in each in turn, the ticks 
fall off and the cattle are not reinfested. The inclosures are then disinfected 
by spraying with kerosene and burning. 

Freeing Pastures of Ticks. — Exclude animals from June to November. 
Cultivate or burn over pastures. Pasture rotation. 

Treatment. Quinine and Urea hydrochloride. 

Immunizing. — -Young stock may be immunized by inoculation with 1-3 
c.c. of defibrinated blood from an immune animal. The treatment involves 
a mortality about 7 per cent. 

Hemophilia. 

In "bleeders," inject fresh normal horse serum or antidiphtheric serum 
(H., §iv; D., 3ss) and make local application of adrenalin chloride solution 
or subcutaneous injection of it into bleeding part (1-10,000). Very hot 
or cold water, compression. Pure tannic acid. Internally, calcium chloride 
and gelatin. 

Hemoptysis, See Hemorrhage. 
Hemorrhage from Wounds. See Wounds. 

Hemorrhage;, Internal. 

Quiet and rest of animal and bleeding part, with lowering of blood 
pressure in internal hemorrhage; opium. Infusion of salt solution after ar- 
rest of bleeding. Gelatin and calcium chloride to coagulate blood. Adrena- 
lin chloride best hemostatic when can reach bleeding spot. 

Subcutaneous injections of fresh horse serum (antidiphtheric serum is 
most convenient, but fresh serum is much more effective) has recently 
given most successful results in persistent hemorrhages of all kinds. The 
serum should not be repeated at intervals longer than 10 days. That from 
the same species of animal as the patient is best. 

The dose is about §ss for small animals; §2-4 for large patients. 

Gastric ( hematemesis ) and Intestinal (enterorrhagia) hemorrhage, hot 
blankets externally; ice water internally; and bandaging of the limbs. 

In hematemesis, adrenalin by the mouth or Monsel's salt in pill (H., 3i; 
D., gr. x) every fifteen minutes for an hour, if adrenalin is inefficient; or 
tannic acid; or ergot by mouth or subcutaneously. 

In enterorrhagia, ergot, tannic acid with opium, or Monsel's salt, as 
above. Hamamelis. Diet, oil of turpentine in slight enterorrhagia. 

In bleeding from rectum, enemata (H., Oi; D., §2-4). Enemata to con- 
tain either adrenalin (3ss to Oi), Monsel's salt, or alum, or tannic acid 
(Sss-Oi). 

In Hemoptysis, amyl nitrite by inhalation, morphine under the skin, or 
chloral and bromide by mouth. Inhalation of Monsel's solution (gss-Oii). 
To prevent recurrence, give calcium chloride every 2 hours, and gelatin 



712 EPITOME OF MODERN" TREATMENT OF 

by mouth. Also complete rest to avert pneumonia, and aconite to lower 
circulation. Ice applied to chest during hemorrhage. 

Hemorrhage, Post-Partum. 

Remove fetal membranes. Intrauterine injections of hot sterile water 
(115-120 deg. F. ). Pack uterus with aseptic gauze. Ergotin subcuta- 
neously. Raise hind quarters. Secure quiet by morphine under the skin, 
or laudanum by mouth. Tight binder about abdomen to support uterus. 
In laceration of uterus, tight packing of sterile gauze or suture. If severe 
bleeding, saline infusion. Strychnine under skin and alcohol, to avert col- 
lapse. 

Hernia. 

Umbilical Hernia in New-Born — Give purge, and, after 12 hours' fast, 
cast and return protrusion and draw 2 folds of skin together covering um- 
bilical ring. The folds are held together by wooden or iron clamps, with 
not sufficient pressure to cause the skin to slough; or by skewers intro- 
duced down to fascia, on either side ring, and held together by string 
wrapped around folds of skin, not tight enough to cause sloughing. 

Ventral Hernia — This occurs in any part of belly wall from injury to 
wall, except at natural rings. Treatment is not often required. If small, 
same method as for umbilical hernia may be used, or blister applied over 
protrusion. If strangulated or large, an open operation under strictest 
asepsis with return of contents of sac and suture of wall in layers, and 
overlapping of external oblique aponeurosis, may be done. 

Inguinal Hernia — Rare in gelding; return bowel by taxis under anesthesia 
if possible, and apply clamps to skin as for umbilical hernia. If taxis 
fails, open operation with division of the ring must be done. In the stallion, 
covered castration operation, followed by clamps applied to skin, or suture. 

Herpes, Pemphigus, Bullae. 

A vesicular eruption at the juncture of the skin and mucous membranes, 
especially about mouth and genitals. Laxative in indigestion. In adult 
horses there may be pustulation. Tine, camphor; a mixture of equal parts, 
starch and zinc oxide; bismuth nitrate as dusting powder; zinc ointment. 

Hog Cholera. 

Under this title three distinct diseases are sometimes confounded — 1. 
Hog Cholera or Swine Fever, in U. S. and Great Britain. 2. Swine Plague 
or Contagious Swine Pneumonia. 3. Swine Erysipelas or Mai Rouge. Pro- 
tection and, to some degree, successful treatment in hog cholera is now 
assured by the serum of hyperimmunized hogs. In erysipelatous form 
immunity which lasts a year is secured by vaccination with an at- 
tenuated virus, but is attended with 1-2 per cent mortality. Not common 
in U. S. Compulsory inspection and control; notification; isolation of 
diseased, suspects and new arrivals; examination of live and dead animals 
in markets; burning or deep burying of dead, with thorough disinfection 
of premises and feces, are indicated. Much the same course for all three 
diseases. 



diseases of the domestic animals 713 

Hoose. Husk. Verminous Bronchitis. 

Due to presence in the bronchial tubes of S. filaria in lambs; S. micrurus 
in calves. 

Lambs — Internally, oil of turpentine ( 3i ) , or oil of turpentine and tine, 
camphor; of each 3i once daily in milk; or creosote ( gii ) , benzine (§i), 
and water (2 qts.) in teaspoonful doses for week (Moussu) once daily. 
By inhalation — Calves, 3ii each of oil of turpentine and ether poured in 
each nostril of upturned head for one or more treatments (Read). In- 
halation equal parts tar, sulphur and turpentine from kettle for 25 minutes 
for three treatments. 

Intratracheal Injections — Calves, oil of turpentine (3ii), phenol (m.xx), 
with chloroform (3ss) for one injection. Generous feeding. Iron and 
bitters. Slaughter of severe cases. 

Hydatids in Cattle and Sheep. See G oenurosis. 
Hydrocele (Dropsy) of Scrotum. 

Distinguish from hernia by failure to reduce and translucency. Insert 
hypodermic needle, and then completely empty with aspirator or fine trocar. 
Screw on hypodermic syringe to needle and inject pure phenol (m. x-xxx 
small animals; 3ii or more in large animals). In failure to cure, open 
scrotum, swab tunica vaginalis with pure phenol, and drain. 

Hydrocephalus (Dropsy of Lateral Ventricles). Sleepy 
Staggers. 

In Horses; rare in Cattle, Dogs and Swine. Impossible to effect a cure. 
General care as to excess in exercise, with laxative, restricted, nutritious 
diet. Quiet and cool quarters. Potassium iodide. Tap lateral ventricle. 

Hydrophobia. See Babies. 

Hydrothorax. 

Purge with concentrated solution of salts in large animals; in dogs, give 
-co. jalap powder (3ss) in capsule. 

Internally, digitalis and oil of juniper, and sweet spirit of nitre thrice 
daily to horse. For 'dogs, calomel and digitalis. Also give strychnine as 
heart stimulant. 

Externally, applications of mustard paste. Pilocarpine (Friedberger) sub- 
cutaneously. In severe dyspnea and in large effusions, aspirate pleural 
cavity. 

Impaction of Colon in Horse. See Colic from Impaction. 

Impaction of Omasum, Dry Murrain, Fardel Bound, Stomach 
or Grass Staggers. 

In Cattle; more rarely in Sheep and Goats. Epsom and common salt, 
with croton oil (C, m. xx). In non-febrile cases, two or three pails 
of linseed tea daily. Eserine (gr. i) with pilocarpine (gr. iii), in urgent 
cases given under the skin. Enemata — Fluidextract of nux vomica thrice 
daily. With head symptoms, ice to poll. After free purgation, give sloppy 
food with plenty of salt and continue nux vomica thrice daily. 



714 epitome of modern treatment of 

Impaction of Rumen in Sheep and Cattee. 

To relieve tympany, puncture with trocar in most prominent point in 
left flank. Follow with daily closes of Glauber's salts and linseed oil, and 
fluidextract of mix vomica thrice daily, and light diet of hay and mashes. 
Or give subcutaneously eserine (gr. i), and pilocarpine (gr. ii), in urgent 
cases. In less urgent cases give the salts, nux vomica and mashes as above. 
In acute and chronic cases, gastrotomy is indicated when medical treatment 
is unsuccessful, except in febrile cases and old cows; not more than two- 
thirds of stomach-contents should be removed (Moussu). 

Incontinence of Urine. See Urinary Retention and Incontinence. 
Impotence, Inability to Copulate. 

1. Loss of sexual desire and power (functional). — Regulate exercise 
and work, by decreasing or increasing, if either excessive. Avoid excessive 
or early copulation. Yohimbine hydrochloride. Give tine, cantharis and 
fluidextract nux vomica well diluted, thrice daily. 

2. Organic impotence — Growths, disease and malformations or paralysis 
rarely yield to drugs. 

3. Premature ejaculation in male — Prevent masturbation and excessive 
copulation. Cold enemata and improvement in hygiene by outdoor life. 

Indigestion, Acute, in the Horse. 

Includes Acute Gastro-intestinal Catarrh. 

Use stomach tube with eructations, retching, pain and distension of 
stomach. With flatulence, aloes ball with calomel, (3ss). With violent 
pain, see Colic. Lysol (3iv) in ball of use in flatulence. Follow later with 
powdered sodium bicarb., ginger and nux vomica thrice daily. After an 
acute attack give HC1 and fluidextract of nux vomica to stimulate gastric 
functions. When diarrhea is chief feature, give calomel (3ss) in a quart 
of linseed oil; then prescribe opium and tannic acid (each 3ii) twice daily 
in ball. If dysentery with straining and mucus, enema of 1 per cent, 
tannic acid. Diet — Fasting first 24 hours; then gruels, green food, chopped 
hay. 

Indigestion, Acutel, in Cattle. Acute Gastritis, Rumenitis, 
Recticulitis., Omasitis, Abomasitis. 

Apply fly blister over affected stomach. In abomasitis, venesection (2-4 
qts. ) in severe cases. Eserine with pilocarpine under the skin. Daily doses 
of Glauber's salts. Nux vomica in convalescence. Diet — Gruels, milk, bran 
mashes and little hay. 

Indigestion, Chronic. Chronic Gastro-Enteritis (Horse). 

Diet. Attend to condition of teeth. Powder (sodium bicarb., ginger and 
nux vomica) thrice daily on feed. HC1 in some cases. Carlsbad salts (§i) 
on feed for constipation. Also daily, soapsuds enema. With diarrhea, cop- 
per sulphate or lysol (§ss) daily with putrid feces. 
Indigestion, Chronic, in Cattle. Chronic Tympanites. 

Without diarrhea or constipation, give fluidextract nux vomica with Carls- 
bad salts (2 tablespoonfuls ) on feed thrice daily. In constipation with 
mucus, add to Carlsbad salts sodium bicarb. With diarrhea, give HC1 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 715 

(3i-iii) in drinking water twice daily, and nux vomica, and salt on feed. 
When blood in feces, give fluid diet (milk and gruels) and sodium bicarb. 
on food. 

Indigestion' in Calves. Milk Indigestion. Abomasal Indiges- 
tion. 

To stop vomiting and diarrhea, use only sterile, feeding utensils and 
clean warm milk in hand-fed patients. In sucklings, see that mother's 
milk is not over rich and feed at short intervals. Skim milk from cream- 
eries must be scalded. In hand-fed, give scalded milk and pure water 
(half and half) mixture, warmed, till digestion good. At onset, castor 
oil (§ii). Pepsin, scald utensils after feeding. Do not give meal at too 
early age. 

See also Enteritis in Calves. 

See that udder and perineum of mother are clean in sucklings. 

Indigestion, Acute, in Swine. Acute Gastritis. 

Calomel and tartar emetic (each gr. v) or calomel (gr. v) and ipecac 
(gr. xxx) in pill with meat. To check severe diarrhea, chalk (3ii) or 
bismuth subnitrate (3ss) on food thrice daily. Avoid improper food, sour 
swill, hotel washings, etc. Give boiled milk and gruels. Clean utensils, 
trough and pen. 

Indigestion, Acute. Acute Gastroenteritis in Dogs. 

Restrict water and starve patient. Encourage vomiting by fluidextract 
ipecac (3i). If emesis prolonged, bismuth subnitrate and cerium oxalate 
in capsules. Also potassium bromide (3i), with chloral (gr. xx-xxx) in 
enema in boiled starch solution. Diarrhea is checked by castor oil J§i-ii), 
followed by bismuth (gr. xx), and salol (gr. v) with food thrice daily; 
or pills of lead acetate (gr. i), and camphor and powd. opium (each gr. 
ss), three times a day. Enemata (1 per cent, tannin) if much straining. 
Diet — Milk and lime water; raw scraped beef. In diarrhea, boiled milk 
and rice. In convalescence, tine, nux vomica, thrice daily. 

Induration. 

Apply Priessnitz poultice. Rub into parts frequently, equal parts, ich- 
thyol, ung. hydrargyri and ung. belladonna., or employ a fly blister. Fibroly- 
sin. 

Inflammation. 

Acute — General treatment with aconite, veratrum, or, in robust patients 
and with very urgent symptoms, venesection. Cool, airy, box stall, mod- 
erate body covering and bandage for limbs, in case of horses. Internally, 
laxatives. Calomel is an intestinal disinfectant as well. Externally, coun- 
ter-irritation in some form. When trouble localized, hot poultices or ice. 
To relieve pain and quiet animal, opium, bromides, chloral. Stimulate renal 
secretion: spirit of nitrous ether, potassium citrate, or nitrate. Diet. 
Stimulants to support the heart, strychnine. In convalescence, bitters and 
alcohol, HC1. 

In Chronic inflammation, supportive treatment. Internally, iodides to 
aid resolution. Externally, in local troubles, counter-irritants. 



716 epitome of modern treatment of 

Influenza in Horses. Distemper. Pink Eye. 

Cool, airy box stall. Moderate covering of body and bandaging of limbs. 
Clean and disinfect floors, walls and feed boxes daily. Provide separate 
attendants for sick. Move bowels by enemata or mild laxatives. Diet 
— Bran mashes, boiled oats, milk, beef tea, eggs, green food. Strychnine 
solution dropped on tongue thrice daily and turpentine liniment rubbed 
daily onto limbs and belly to prevent edema. Steaming with co. tine, 
benzoin and application of turpentine liniment and bandage to throat, to 
relieve catarrh of upper air passages. With laryngitis, apply fly blister to 
larynx. With weak, feeble pulse, give strychnine as above and alcohol, 
as gin and digitalis; or strophanthus, or camphor, or caffeine, or coffee. 
Antipyretics rarely desirable, except in hyperpyrexia, then a few doses of 
phenacetin (3ii) at 3 hours' interval. Spirit of nitrous ether, aconite, and 
solution of ammonium acetate may be given. Alcohol as food and nerve 
sedative. With icterus, give 1 pint of linseed oil and sodium bicarbonate 
on food. When conjunctivitis, keratitis and iritis complicate, see these 
disorders. Influenza antitoxin is of great value as a prophylactic, and of 
less worth as a curative agent. Also diphtheria antitoxin (Immunizing 
Serum for Influenza, Mulford) in 20 c.c. acts as prophylactic and curative 
agent in first stage when temperature begins to rise. Polyvalent Antistrep- 
tococcic serum as a prophylactic (10 c. c.) and curative agent (dose, 30 
c. c. ) has yielded good results and is said to prevent purpura. Suspects 
showing rise of temperature and all cases of influenza should be isolated. 
Communication of influenza by utensils and attendants should be avoided. 
Disinfect premises when cases no longer exist. For special complications, 
as Pneumonia, Purpura, Enteritis, Cerebral Hyperemia, Paraplegia, Syno- 
vitis, Laminitis, etc., see titles of these disorders. 

Interfering. 

Improve the general condition and shoeing. Set shoes a little away from 
inner margin of feet or employ three-quarter shoe, or a shoe thin on inside 
web, Avithout heel on outside. Apply an interfering strap on fetlock which 
is struck. 

Intertrigo. See Erythema. 

Intestinal Hemorrhage. See Hemorrhage, Enterorrhagia. 

Intestinal Indigestion and Catarrh.. See Indigestion and En- 
teritis. 

Intussusception or Invagination. See Colic. 

Iritis. 

Darkened quarters. Brisk purge. Hot fomentations to eye for one-half 
hour thrice daily. Two or three leeches on temples, after shaving hair. 
1 per cent, atropine solution four to six times daily in large animals; 
m. i three times daily in smaller animals; dropped in the eye. Internally, 
sodium salicylates and potassium iodide in acute rheumatism. Enucleation 
of an injured and useless eye when it threatens sympathetic iritis in the 
other. Iridectomy for sequels of iritis, as occluded pupil or posterior 
synechiae. 



diseases of the domestic animals 7lt 

Jaundice. Gastro-Duodenitis. Cholangitis. In Dogs and 
Horses. 

Priessnitz poultices over liver. 

In dogs, calomel at outset, and bismuth subnitrate, and sodium bicarb., 
thrice daily in capsules. Diet, skim milk and lime water, lean meat, broths- 
and bread. Massage over gall bladder and cold enemata. 

In the horse, artificial Carlsbad salts on feed thrice daily. Diet — Green 
fodder, pulped roots, boiled potatoes, steamed and cracked oats. An abun- 
dance of water. 

Johne's Disease. See Dysentery. 

Keratitis. Abscess and Ulcer of Cornea. 

Brisk Purges. Quinine in good doses. Extr. opii (gr. x), boric acid 
(gr. Iv) in water (Siv), on gauze and oil silk, bandaged over eye- 
Atropine (gr. i-iv to §i) dropped in eye thrice daily (stronger solution 
with much photophobia and lachrimation ) with application to lids of 
yellow oxide of mercury ointment (gr. iv-^ss). Or holocain hydrochlorate 
(gr. ii-§i) in place of atropine. In spreading ulcer, apply very carefully 
pure phenol to cocainized eye on a toothpick. Then flush eye with normal 
salt solution (3i i-Oi). Fine galvano-eautery may be used instead. In 
abscess of cornea and pus in anterior chamber, rarely advisable to incise. 

Keratoma and Keraphyllocele. 

Horny tumor from sole or horny laminae of horse's foot. Excision and 
antiseptic dressings. Recurrence is frequent. 

Laminitis, Horses and Cattle. 

Horses — Remove shoes, thin horn on soles and place in well-bedded box 
stall. Let animal stand several hours at a time in hot water (frequently 
changed) and apply poultice in intervals. Or use cold water foot baths- 
and ice poultices with bran. Diet. Give aconite, or bleed from jugular 
or toe in severe cases. Inject adrenalin, employ enemata and linseed oil,, 
and encourage animal to lie down, or cast or sling in very acute cases. 
After subsidence of acute inflammation, keep heels low and toe short, apply 
thick, wide, rocker, bar shoes; exercise in soft, wet ground and apply blister 
to coronet. Neurectomy for prolonged lameness. 

In Cattle, same general treatment. Full dose of salts and mustard to> 
chest at the beginning. 

Laryngitis, Acute. 

Chiefly in Horses and Dogs. 

Locally, cold wet compress applied to throat and covered with oiled silk; 
or thick coat of antiphlogistine ; or ice bag; or turpentine and sweet oil 
(equal parts) ; or, in severe cases, mustard paste or fly blister. Steam 
inhalations with 2 per cent, carbolic acid solution. Internally, tine, aconite 
with spirit of nitrous ether every few hours for fever. Laryngeal cough 
and spasm relieved by morphine or Dover's powder (horse), and by codeine- 
( dogs ) . 

Laryngitis, Chronic. 

Chiefly in Horses and Dogs. 



718 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

Locally to throat, wet compresses, antiphlogistiiie or stimulating tur- 
pentine liniment, as above. 

Dogs — Application to larynx of 2 per cent, silver nitrate solution on 
human applicator, or inhalations of benzoin and ipecac. Also insufflation 
of larynx with bismuth and orthoform equal parts with powder-blower. 

In the horse, injections into the larynx, through the crico-tracheal liga- 
ment, with a hollow needle (1-2 per cent, solutions of alum or lead 
acetate) are most effective. Also give ammonium chloride and Carlsbad 
salts on the feed thrice daily. 

Laryngitis, Membranous. 

Chiefly in Cattle, occasionally in calves, lambs 3 pigs, dogs and cats, see 
Croup. 

Bleed from jugular (1-6 qts.), or give tartar emetic (3ii-iii) in strong 
animals at onset. To throat, hot poultices frequently changed, or sinapisms. 
Potassium iodide thrice daily. Salts on feed, Diet — Mashes, green food 
and milk. Tracheotomy in threatened suffocation. In dogs and cats, give 
dram doses of syrup of ipecac in threatened asphyxia. Edema of the 
glottis occurs as result of acute laryngitis and proves rapidly fatal unless 
tracheotomy is done. 

Leucorrhea. See Vaginitis, Septic Metritis, Metritis, Puerperal 
Fever. 

Symptomatic treatment with injections of 1 per cent. liq. cresolis co., 1 
per cent. sol. of alum, or zinc sulphate. Iron and gentian in young and 
under-nourished. Generally secondary to endometritis, metritis, contagious 
abortion, tuberculosis, granular and B. necrophorous vaginitis, etc. 

Leukemia. 

Rare in Horses, Cattle, Swine, Dogs and Cats. Generally fatal. Fowler's 
solution of arsenic pushed to fullest extent — H. and C, from §ss to §ii; 
D., from m.v to m.xxx, twice daily. Otherwise the treatment is as for 
Anemia, Pernicious. 

Lice, Pediculosis, Piithiriasis. 

Horse: Rwrnatopinus macrocephalus, Trichodectes pilosus, and T. pube- 
scens. 

Cattle: H. eurysternus, large ox-louse; H. vituli, calf -louse; and T. 
scalaris, small ox-louse. 

Sheep: T. sphaerocephalus. The pupiparous dipteran, Melophagus ovinus, 
ked or fag, also infests the skin of the sheep. 

Dog: H. piliferus, and T. latus. Cat: T. subrostratus. 

Pig: H. urius. 

Goat: H. sienopsis and T. climax. 

Fowls. Goniodes dissimilis, Gomcoctes hologaster, G. gigas, Lipeurus 
variabilis, L. helerographus, Menopon pallidum, M. biseriatum. 

In large animals, apply pure kerosene night and morning for two- days, 
then wash off with soap and water. Hair washed with vinegar for a few 
day's to remove nits or eggs. In dogs,, use tine, staphisagria., or oil of 
anise in sweet oil (1-10); also creolin in 5 per cent, solution; and cor- 
rosive sublimate in 1 per cent, solution, applied in spots and carefully 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 719 

dried, may be used. Blue ointment often applied in cattle, but not if 
there is dermatitis. When the animal is greatly infested and the hair 
is long, the hair may be clipped, but this is usually not necessary. In 
sheep, use dip as for scab. Fowl. Sulphur may be used in nests or 
dust that or pyrethrum in feathers. Apply kerosene to roosts and nests. 
Wash floors and sprinkle with sulphur. Whitewash walls. Keep hens out 
of stable to prevent hen lice from infesting horses. Isolate infested animal 
till cured and disinfect its former quarters. Employ general cleanliness 
and generous feeding. 

Lichen. See Eczema. 

Licking Habit. See Depraved Appetite. 

Lip-and-Leg Ulcekation in Sheep. 

Enzootic, communicable, due to B. necrophorus. Cuts, bruises and abra- 
sions about mouth and limbs exciting cause. 1. Lips swell and covered 
with papules, pustules and scabs, nasal discharge and conjunctivitis. Nose 
and lip sloughs. May be similar lesions about coronets and pastern joints 
and fold of fetlock. Lameness ensues. Chin, cheeks, gums, roof of mouth, 
feet, penis, vulva, udder, may be attacked by necrotic process. 

2. In lambs. Sudden swelling of lips, warty patches or fissured crusts 
on lip and muzzle with suppurating ulcers underneath. Necrotic areas at 
corner of mouth. Usually heal in time. 

3. Venereal. Angry ulcerating sheath, and penis sometimes swollen and 
ulcerated. In ewes ulceration about perineum, vulva., and anus. 

4. Foot rot. Ulceration about cleft and claw with foul, purulent dis- 
charge. 

Prevention. Isolate newly-bought animals for 2 weeks and frequent ex- 
amination of exposed with segregation of sick. Disinfect infected premises, 
remove manure and surface soil from corrals and disinfect with saturated 
chlorinated lime solution. Transfer healthy sheep to new pastures and bed 
grounds. Frost kills bacteria in pastures. 

Scrape off crusts and scabs with sharp stick and apply cresol, 5 parts; 
sulphur, 10; and lard, 100. Apply thrice weekly to ulcerations nitric acid 
(1 to 70), after removing scabs, and follow with ointment as above. In 
foot cases same treatment or drive sheep through 5% cresol solution thrice 
weekly. Venereal lesions clip wool and apply lysol solution (2%) daily 
and stimulate occasionally with nitric acid solution. On warty lips in 
lambs, use 5% cresol ointment and swab sore mouths with 2% potassium 
chlorate. Resistant cases killed. Dip sheep in 5 per cent, cresol solution 
before returning to flock. 

Lithiasis. See Calculi. 

Lives Rot in Sheep. (Occasionally in Cattle.) 

Due to Distomum hepaticum and other species of Distomata or Fluke 
Worms, Order, Trematoda. Aspidium is of some value, treatment chiefly 
preventive. Give concentrated, dry food with plenty of salt. Avoid over- 
stocking pastures or give up pastures, if seriously infested. Sprinkle lime 
and salt or copperas (250 to 400 lbs. to the acre) on pastures from May 
to August. Drain pastures to destroy snails, the intermediary host of 



720 EPITOME! OF MODERN TREA.TME.NT OF 

the Distomata. Diseased animals should be slaughtered and their livers 
burned. Keep sound sheep away from infested pastures. Disinfect manure 
of infested animals with quick lime. 

Louping III in Sheep. 

Due to bacteria conveyed by ticks living in tall grass and damp spots. 
No cure; treatment wholly preventive. Isolate and kill diseased sheep. 
Dip the rest of fiocK as for Scab. Wet pastures avoided or drained. Long 
grass and rushes must be avoided. 

Li) nat ions. See Dislocations. 

Lymphangitis. Cellulitis. Inflammatory Edema. 

idiopathic in Horse in hind legs. Apply from the beginning hot com- 
presses of 2 per cent, lysol or creolin solution, covered with waterproof 
protective and bandage, to whole limb; change frequently. Give aloes, 3iv, 
calomel, 3i, in ball, and light diet — mashes, green food and hay. Enforce 
absolute rest. Tine, of aconite and spirit of nitrous ether may be used 
for fever every two hours, but local treatment most useful. Alcohol and 
milk in debilitated subjects. When acute symptoms subside, use dry band- 
aging, friction with oil of turpentine and sweet oil (equal parts), and 
gentle exercise to reduce swelling of limb. Internally, potassium iodide 
may be given to hasten resolution, together with laxatives to remove water 
from the system, as artificial Carlsbad salts on the food. 

Lymphangitis, Mycotic or Epizootic, of Horses. 

Excise or remove limited area of diseased lymphatics with actual cautery 
and knife. Incise, curette and cauterize abscess cavities with Paquelin 
cautery. Isolate diseased animals and disinfect harness, contaminated ob- 
jects and premises contaminated by affected animals. 

Lymphatics, Inflamed. See Glandular Enlargements. 

Maggots From Flyblow. 

Apply kerosene, or turpentine and oil. Other antiseptics. 
Maladie du Coit. Dourinb in Stallions and Mares Caused by 

Trypanosoma Equiperdum. 

Prevention. Kill the diseased mares, and kill or castrate the diseased 

stallions. 

Kill, or quarantine for three months the exposed stallions. Quarantine 
and inspect frequently the exposed mares. Medical treatment is rarely 
advisable in the United States. Avoid sexual excitement or copulation of 
patients. 

Seen in stallions and mares. 1. Vesicles, ulcers and swelling of penis, 
urethral discharge and swelling of inguinal glands, edema of belly and legs, 
and often orchitis. Mares, vesicles, papules and ulcers about vulva, con- 
gestion and vaginal discharge. Animal acts as if in heat. White, puckered 
scars left on vulva. 2. After 2 months to year weakness, emaciation and 
paraplegia occur. Gait is swaying, there are large urticarial swellings, 
pruritus, and discharge from nose and eyes. Does not occur in geldings. 

Treatment. Kill diseased mares, castrate infected stallions, castrate or 
isolate exposed stallions and frequent inspection of exposed mares. Cas- 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 721 

tration cures if done before nervous symptoms appear. Copulation starts 
up disease in mares when apparently well. The U. S. Gov't enforces above 
treatment. Where medical treatment allowable may use antiseptic irriga- 
tions of penis and vagina. Stallion, 2 per cent, lysol or creolin, or 1-2,000 
solution of corrosive. In mares, injections of 2 per cent, lysol. Also apply 
local application of 5 per cent, argyrol solution after cleansing as above. 
Great swelling is reduced by constant hot fomentation (saturated boric 
acid solution), or by incisions. After acute conditions subside, may inject 
sheath and vagina with 1 per cent, lead acetate or zinc sulphate solution, 
and use black wash externally. Treat ulcerations with 10 per cent, silver 
nitrate solution. In the beginning, sloppy food, mashes, green food and 
milk may be given. Iron and arsenic are indicated. With the appearance 
of emaciation, urticaria or paresis, give twice daily under the skin for 
5 days sodium cacodylate (gr. x), followed by an intermission of a week. 
Also give strychnine thrice daily. The treatment must be persisted in 
for months; three years should elapse before a stallion is safe for service. 
Vesicular Exanthema may be treated locally, as advised for Dourine, but 
often disappears spontaneously. 

Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Cattle. 

Prophylaxis: clean, dry, well ventilated stables and removal of infected 
soil under barns. Isolate sick and disinfect discharges. Give creolin (3ii) 
twice daily in a pint of milk. Irrigate nose with 2 per cent, lysol solution; 
eyes with saturated boric acid solution. Soft diet with milk and gruels. 
Enemata or laxatives. 

Mallenders and Sallenders in the Horse. Squamous Eczema. 
See Eczema. 

Attacks flexures of hock and knee. Soak over night in sweet oil. Wash 
next morning with green soap and wana water, to remove scales. Apply 
oil of cade, liquid tar, or creolin, in alcohol (1-10). Carlsbad salts on the 
food. Regular exercise. Arsenic and iron. 

Malnutrition. See Debility. 

Malta Fever. 

In goats and sheep, occasionally solipeds, ruminants, dogs, cats, rabbits, 
rats, fowl and duck. Has occurred in this country in Mississippi valley 
region. Infection through milk and urine and by copulation with infected 
animal. Infection also by food and bedding contaminated with urine. 
Possible that dust and mosquitoes convey the infection. In man infection 
is gained by ingestion of infected goat's milk, and vegetables contaminated 
by animals. Also by direct exposure to infected animals. Abortion in 
fourth month in goats and sheep and failure of lactation with lameness, 
vaginal discharge and conjunctivitis. Orchitis and lameness in rams and 
goats. Absence of symptoms in other animals. Causes severe and pro- 
longed febrile illness in man. Diagnosis by agglutination test of serum of 
infected animal. 

Prophylaxis only of importance. A vaccine is still in the experimental 
stage. Animals showing symptoms should be killed and premises thor- 



722 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

oughly disinfected. All suspected animals must be tested by the agglutina- 
tion test. 

Those reacting should be quarantined until test negative. Flesh of killed 
animals may be used for food under supervision. Milk from infected ani- 
mals must be pasteurised before use. Herd restocked with immune progeny 
of infected animals, or from uninfected regions. 

Entire males in infected regions should be tested before copulation is 
permitted, if they react they should be castrated and quarantined until 
the test is negative. 

The removal of animals from infected districts must not be permitted. 

Infected solipeds should be isolated from other animals, although they 
may be worked. 

Mammitis, Mastitis. Garget. 

At onset, milk every hour and give frequent massage of udder with full 
dose of Glauber's salts and common salts. In no case of mastitis is the 
milk fit for human consumption, it may be boiled for animals, in mild 
cases, or else boiled and thrown away. Restrict food and water. Attend 
to abrasions of teats. (See Teats, Fissured, etc.) Also, to abort, either 
use constant hot fomentations or ice bag, and support udder by band- 
age and Avide band about body. The surgeon should cleanse udder thor- 
oughly and irrigate each quarter of the udder with warm 3 per cent, 
borax solution through sterile milking tube, in parenchymatous form. 
After gentle manipulation, draw off fluid in 15 minutes. If suppuration 
threatens, apply mercury binodide ointment (10 per cent.). With inter- 
stitial form and surrounding edema, puncture swelling in points by actual 
cautery, avoiding the veins. Then apply boric acid ointment ( 10 per 
cent. ) . For suppuration of udder, incise and drain, and, if severe, amputate 
in part or altogether. In chronic suppuration, the pus poisons the milk; 
remove teats with scissors for drainage; fatten and kill. Separate milkers 
in mammitis to avoid infection of sound cows. To prevent mammitis, 
cleanliness of animal and premises; use of proper stalls, so that teats are 
not stepped upon; immediate treatment of abrasions of the teats. 

Mammitis, Contagious Streptococcus, 

Curdling of milk on standing, later hard nodule above teat and milk 
thin and blue. Segregate diseased cows and provide separate milker for 
them. Cleanliness of udder and compelling milkers to wash hands after 
each cow is milked will prevent spread of the disease. After isolation of 
sick, disinfect premises and keep newly-bought cows away from exposed 
cows and infected stable for a month. 

Treat mild cases with warm injection of 3 per cent, boric acid solution 
in teats. In more severe cases use one per cent, sodium fluoride. Chronic 
mastitis due to tuberculosis, actinomycosis, botryomycosis. Also mastitis 
caused by colon bacilli, B. necrophorous and staphylococci. 

Mawgb. Acariasis, Scabies, Itch. Scab. 

In the Horse — Sarcoptes scabei, beginning on head, neck and shoulders. 
Also Dermatodectes communis infesting inner thighs, root of mane and 
tail, sheath; and Symbiotes equi, seen on feet and pasterns. Clip hair, 
apply cottonseed oil with 5 per cent, creolin over night. Remove scabs 



DISEASES OE THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 723 

with green soap and water next morning. Rub in one of the following 
remedies with brush and, when rubbed off by animal, reapply daily for a 
week. Then wash off and after a few days, repeat the treatment two or 
three times. Use liquid tar and sulphur, each Si; soft soap and alcohol, 
each 3ii; or creolin and soft soap each 3i; alcohol Sviii (Frohner). Also 
balsam of Peru and sulphur ointment, (1-7), 3 per cent, lysol or creolin 
solutions. Ointments in localized mange. In demiodectic and symbiotic 
mange, milder remedies — Peruvian balsam, carbolic soap, or creolin and 
glycerin (1-10). 

In Dogs — Follicular mange, caused by Dermodex foliculorum, var. canis, 
attacks head, neck and limbs, invading hair follicles and sebaceous glands; 
very difficult of cure. Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes squamiferus, 
attacks head, chest, belly, elbows, root of tail and claws, and spreads to 
whole body. Readily cured. Isolate to prevent spread to man or dogs. 
Apply muzzle and clip hair over lesions. In sarcoptic mange, Peru balsam 
and sulphur ointment (3i-§i), or 1 part each, liquid tar and soft soap, and 
8 parts of alcohol. For follicular mange, weeks or months are required 
and result is doubtful. Shave hair from affected area. Give bath of potassa 
sulphurata (J of 1 per cent.) for 15 minutes; follow by friction with 
pure Peru balsam. Creolin in 2 per cent, bath, followed by friction with 
equal parts creolin and alcohol, once or twice daily. Squeeze pus from all 
pustules. Try staphylococcus vaccine for suppuration. 

Masturbation. Onanism. 

Dogs and Rams; Bulls and Stallions. 

Regular exercise or work, and light diet. Punishment; moderate amount 
of copulation. Castration, if habit incurable. 

Megrims. See Vertigo, Blind Staggers. 

Melanosis. Melanotic Sarcoma. 

Seen chiefly in grey horses. Remove by knife; recurrence rather the rule. 

Meningitis. See Encephalitis and Cerebrospinal Meningitis. 

Metritis, Acute and Chronic. See also Puerperal Fever or 

Septic Metritis. 

Examine uterus with speculum. Treatment purely local and takes time 
and money. Animal may recover spontaneously at pasture. Otherwise, 
irrigate with 2 per cent, lysol solution daily. Apply Churchill's tine, iodine 
to lacerations of cervix and eroded os; or light application of actual cautery. 
Also dilate cervix and curette uterus, followed by loose packing with iodo- 
form gauze for a few days. Afterwards daily lysol irrigations. 

Muscular Rheumatism. 

Warm covering. Give a purge: H., physic ball, C, Glauber's salts, D., 
two compound cathartic pills. Rest of affected parts. Give sodium salicy- 
late and potassium iodide in combination, to dogs in capsules, large animals 
in solution, thrice daily. Or the iodide may be reserved for subacute and 
chronic cases. Externally, rub into affected part methyl salicylate or 
chloroform liniment. Heat is also veiy efficacious; hot wet blankets cov- 
ered with rubber sheet and dry blanket, or apply dry blanket and iron 
over it with hot flat iron. Puncture of affected muscles with sterile 



724 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

needles, or injection of sterile water, sometimes effective. Shoulder lame- 
ness — Inject veratrine into muscle (H., gr. f to 1A in alcohol, m.xxx), 
followed by walking exercise. Chronic cases — Tonic treatment; cod liver 
oil; massage with liniment, moderate exercise and attention to hygiene. 

Myalgia, Myositis. See Muscular Rheumatism. 

Myocarditis. See Heart Disease. 

Nag an a or Tsetse. — Fly Disease. 

Horses, Cattle and Dogs. Caused by Trypanosoma Brucei conveyed by 
Glossina morsitans or tsetse fly. 

Arsenical preparations as atoxyl, sodium eacodylate most useful. 

Nasal Catarrh or Rhinitis, Chronic. Gleet (In the Horse). 

Use cleansing, antiseptic, astringent solutions by atomizer, or fountain 
syringe and rubber tube in nostrils, by trephining chambers above, or by 
stomach tube introduced through posterior nasal openings. Cleansing and 
antiseptic solution, sodium bicarbonate and biborate (of each, 3iiss to Oi), 
with 3i tine, iodine. Dobell's solution. Astringents, cupric sulphate or 
alum (i per cent); tannic acid or zinc sulphate (J per cent, solution). 
Solutions changed each two weeks. Outdoor life, feeding off ground; good 
food; bitters and iron. Isolation, unless glanders can be surely excluded. 
Gleet very often secondary and due to ulceration of pituitary membrane, 
carious teeth, facial sinusitis, glanders, catarrh of guttural pouches, tumors, 
parasites, abscess, etc. Employ a rhinoscope and inject mallein or use 
complement fixation or agglutination test. Discharge from one nostril is 
not usually simple gleet. 

Navel Disease. See Umbilical Infection. 

Navicular Disease (in Horse). 

In acute cases remove shoes and use foot bath of hot or cold water, 
for hours at a time, with flaxseed poultice each night. Give green food,, 
mashes and hay. Prescribe a physic ball. When heat and tenderness in 
foot subsides, apply fly blister about coronet after clipping hair. Shoe 
with rubber pad (shoe thick at heels and thin at toe), after a few weeks 
of rest. If lameness persists, plantar neurectomy may be done in animals 
with good feet and limbs. 

Necrobacillosis. See Lip~and-Leg Ulceration in Sheep. 

Nephritis, Acute. (In Horses, Cattle and Dogs.) 

Prophylaxis — In acute infections, avoid draughts, and use warm covering- 
for patients; enforce rest, secure activity of bowels and skin and give 
abstemious diet. In acute nephritis, withhold all food and drink for the 
first few days. Diet — D., milk; large animals, mashes, green food and 
milk, after starving period. Give aloes ball (horse), Glauber's salts to' 
cattle; co. jalap powder to dogs (3i) at onset. Hot blankets over whole 
body and mustard paste over loins. Pilocarpine under skin in a single 
dose, with ptrychnine. With marked hematuria, fluidextract ergot thrice 
daily. In later stages, as a diuretic, tine, digitalis with potassium citrate. 
In convalescence, tine, ferric chloride. Uremia is combated by cathartica 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 725 

and venesection; and convulsions by chloral hydrate, chloroform inhalation 
. and morphine under the skin. 

Nephritis, Chronic. (All Animals.) 

Tine, chloride of iron and sweet spirit of nitre thrice daily. In dropsy, 
see Dropsy. Withhold common salt from the food. Protect animal from 
exposure to cold. In dogs, chiefly milk diet. In Uremia, treat as recom- 
mended for Acute Nephritis. 

Nephritis, Suppurative. Pyelo-Nephritis. Pyelitis. 

Seen in all animals; often in Cows and Mares following septic parturient 
states. In Cattle it is often best to fatten and slaughter. Secure drinking 
of large amounts of water by placing an abundance of salt upon food. 
In early stage, spirit of nitrous ether and potassium acetate thrice daily. 
Hexamethylenamine, best remedy in all stages of disease. When urine 
alkaline, give sodium benzoate to large animals; to small animals, give 
urotropin with salol and boric acid, as urinary antiseptics. In chronic 
conditions in dogs, give sandalwood oil in capsules (m.x). In large animals 
in chronic pyelitis, give rluidextract buchu. Accompanying anemia is treated 
with strychnine and tine, of ferric chloride on the tongue. Isolation of 
patients is desirable to prevent infection of parturient animals. 

Nervous Palpitation of the Heart. 

Seen in Horses and Dogs from over-exertion, indigestion, "nervousness." 
In severe cases, morphine under the skin. Also spirit of chloroform in 
less urgent cases. Or chloral and potassium bromide may be given. In 
asthenia and over-exertion, especially with irregular pulse, prescribe tine, 
digitalis with tine, aconite thrice daily. In anemia, give ferrous sulphate 
and nux vomica to horses. Indigestion, as a cause, demands a physic and 
restriction of food. 

Nettlerash. Surfeit. Hives. See Urticaria. 

Neuralgia. Neuritis. 

Give laxatives, especially castor oil. In debility and anemia, give strych- 
nine in increasing doses ; also iron, arsenic and phosphorus in combination 
(in pill or otherwise). Locally, freeze nerve with ethyl chloride spray, 
or apply Priessnitz poultice, or menthol, or blister over root of, or along 
course of, nerve, or nerve-stretching or cutting. Potassium iodide in rheu- 
matic cases. To simply relieve pain, morphine injected locally under the 
skin, antipyrin, internally. Aconitine locally, gelsemium internally. In 
wound or injury, apply antiseptic poultice. In asthenia, see Debility. 

Nymphomania. See Sexual Excitement. 

Obesity. 

Diet the chief remedy. In dogs, tablets of dessicated thyroid gland, (gr. 
v. each) thrice daily. Restlessness and palpitation show overdosag-e; other- 
wise increase above dose. Potassium iodide, after meals thrice daily. Daily 
laxative and exercise. 



726 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

Oesophagus. (Dilation and Obstruction. Inflammation and Pa- 
ralysis.) 

In dilatation, feed frequently with small amounts of concentrated and 
soft food. Resect oesophageal pouch. 

In obstruction — If foreign body, give soft food. In dogs, pass a bristle 
probang or coin catcher; in horses, use stomach tube and stilet and inject 
water. Or expose gullet and ligate (temporarily) gullet about stomach 
tube, above obstruction, and forcibly inject water. Oesophagotomy. Apo- 
morphine subcutaneously in dogs, but dangerous. 

Inflammation of oesophagus due to irritants — Give linseed gruel with 1 
per cent, boric acid, cold milk. Externally, Priessnitz poultice. Later, 
rub externally with equal parts oil of turpentine and sweet oil. 

In paralysis, apply fly blister, give strychnine internally, pass sound. 

Oestrus Equi. See Bots. 

Oestrus Larvae in Accessory Sinus's of Sheep. False; Gid ok 
Sturdy. Gadfly Vertigo. 

Treatment is unsatisfactory. Tar on nose of sheep to prevent entrance 
of gadflies. Impossible to insufflate or inject agents to expel larvae. Early 
slaughter often most satisfactory. Trephine either side of medium line 
between eyes and remove with forceps and irrigation (2 per cent, lysol), 
or by injection of a little benzine and water (Moussu). 

Omphalophlebitis. See Umbilical Infection. 

Opacity of Cornea. See Corneal Opacities. 

Open Joint. 

In recent wound, shave adjacent parts, wash them carefully with soap 
and water and 70 per cent, alcohol. Douche wound with force for 15 to 
30 minutes, using corrosive sublimate (1-2,000), or lysol (2 per cent.), 
or other antiseptic solution. Often best to simply cover puncture with 
sterile gauze, shave hair away without wetting skin, wash skin with gasoline, 
and then swab wound and surrounding skin with tincture iodine. Then 
suture and close wound with iodoform collodium (1-10), sterile gauze and 
bandage, if latter possible. If suturing impossible, apply fly blisters about 
joint. If bandaging is not feasible, apply constant cold antiseptic irrigation 
to the joint for next few days. Try Bier's hyperemia. Remove shoes 
from horses and place in slings. Prescribe purge. Whenever possible, place 
over bandage a firm plaster of paris, wood or tin splint. 

Open Joint, Infected. 

Open so as to irrigate and drain thoroughly. Bandage and dress with 
sterile gauze daily, after thorough irrigation with antiseptic fluid, as above. 
Fixation by splint, if possible. (Bier's hyperemia.) Repeated blisters in 
large animals may aid. Recovery only occurs with stiffness, or anchylosis, 
in most cases. Treatment in large animals of open, infected joints having 
much motion is not usually profitable. Laxative diet — H. and C, mashes, 
gruels, roots and green food. Dogs, gruels and milk, during acute stage. 



diseases of the domestic animals 727 

Ophthalmia. (Periodic in Horses.) 

Confine in dark quarters. Foment eye with hot boric acid (2 per cent.) 
solution for one-half hour at time, thrice daily. Drop 1 per cent, solution 
of atropine sulphate in eye four to six times daily. Internally, give physic 
ball, and sweet spirit of nitre and Sodium salicylate (3ii), thrice daily, 
and sloppy or green food. Iron and gentian during convalescence. 
Ophthalmia, Simple. See Conjunctivitis. 

Orchitis or Epididymo-Orchitis. 

Seen in males owing to infections, trauma and tuberculosis. 

Support and compress testicle by thick pad and bandage. In acute stage, 
apply ice-bag to testicle, or hot flaxseed poultices, or lead and opium lotion, 
or antiphlogistine in a thick coating. Give smart purge and restrict 
diet to soft food. After acute symptoms subside, touch scrotum lightly 
in 10 or 12 points with Paquelin cautery every few days and cover with 
compress of cotton and bandage. Also, to aid resolution, ointments of 
guaiacol (10 per cent.), or ichthyol (20 per cent.), or mercury may 
be rubbed in daily. Aspiration of fluid in tunica vaginalis advisable if 
done aseptically. In hematoma resulting in abscess, incise tunica vaginalis 
and stitch it to edge of skin incision; wipe out with pure phenol and drain 
sac. Tuberculous form associated with tuberculosis of kidneys, bladder and 
prostate (examine per rectum) ; if only testicle affected, castrate. 

Osteomalacia. 

In enzootic cases treatment is unavailing. Treatment must be under- 
taken early. Food from other localities best. Beef meal, peas, beans, oats, 
bran, linseed or cotton seed meal, green clover or alfalfa are among the 
best foods. Change water and pasture. Apply phosphatic fertilizers on 
pastures or meadows. Mix equally bone meal and precipitated lime phos- 
phate, give C. 3i; Sh. and Sw., 3i-ii. To this add equal parts ferrous 
sulphate and nux vomica; and give cattle, of the latter mixture, 3ii; Sh. 
and Sw. gr.xx on feed twice daily (Moussu). Adrenalin. 

Ostitis. See Spavin, Ring Bone. 

Sometimes tuberculous. In acute stage, rest of part and cold application, 
as cold swab or continuous irrigation, or ice bag. Physic, soft and re- 
stricted diet. In subacute and chronic stages, firing, blistering and rest. 

Otorrhea (In Dogs). Canker of the Ear. Otitis Externa. 
In the acute stage, with much pain, give frequent and long-continued 
injections of hot solution of saturated boric acid, or 3 per cent, carbolic, 
or 1-8,000 corrosive sublimate. Use fountain syringe and avoid any forcible 
injection, allowing water to flow in slowly. Carbolic solution most anes- 
thetic. Dry out canal after syringing and blow in dry pure boric acid. It 
is well to keep loose absorbent cotton plug in ear during treatment. If 
there is much swelling of the canal, scarify it. In the acute stage, give 
two to three co. cathartic pills. Diet of milk, broths and bread. When 
the acute stage subsides, use astringent injections, as 2 to 4 per cent, 
solutions of lead acetate, zinc or copper sulphate, or silver nitrate. To 
avoid pain of injection one may blow in a little powdered cocaine first. 
Diachylon ointment is also useful in chronic form, and boric acid in alco- 



728 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

hoi (1-20). The occurrence of granulations in the canal calls for use of 
stick nitrate after cocainization. 

Over-Reach. Wound of Coronet From, (In Horse). 

Treat wound with continuous wet compress of 2 per cent, lysol for a 
few days, then with Peru balsam and bandage. To avoid: protect coronet 
with pad, and rasp off toes of hind feet, setting shoes back and rounding 
off toes of hind shoes. 

Oxyurides. See Parasites. 

Palpitation. See Nervous Palpitation of Heart. 

Paralysis. 

1. Hemiplegia, one-sided paralysis. Rare, due to apoplexy, cerebral 
thrombosis or embolism, tumor, fracture of skull, abscess, parasites, etc. 
Attend to bladder and rectum, change position of patient and supply good 
bedding. Later use electricity, and administer potassium iodide and strych- 
nine. Treatment generally inadvisable, as recovery is protracted and par- 
tial. 

2. Paraplegia or paralysis of the posterior extremities. Treatment de- 
pends upon the cause. Thus spinal inflammation ( meningitis ) , fracture, 
hemorrhage, tumor, may induce it. 

In Dogs, obstinate constipation, worms, indigestion, abnormal dentition, 
nephritis, cystitis, lumbago and heart disease (disturbed spinal circula- 
tion or thrombosis of the femoral arteries), occasion paraplegia. Make a 
thorough physical examination to eliminate heart disease, lumbago, nephritis 
and cystitis. In teething, lance the gums if inflamed. Usually, thorough 
evacuation of the bowels by castor oil and. enema or manual removal of 
feces, and light diet of broth, will lead to a cure, when constipation is a 
cause. If there is vomiting, give 2-3 co. cathartic pills or calomel, cerium 
and bismuth by the mouth, and use enemata and manual removal of feces. 

In the Horse, paraplegia occurs sometimes transiently during colic, and 
in mares in heat. There is also an infectious enzootic form. Paraplegia 
in the horse is often mistaken for hemoglobinuria. Treat causative disease. 

In Cattle, paraplegia is seen in impaction of the rumen and parturient 
apoplexy. (See Indigestion and Apoplexy, Parturient.) In general, evac- 
uate the rectum and bladder and apply hot fomentations and sinapisms 
to loins, and later give strychnine and blister loins (unless there is a 
nephritis), and potassium iodide. 

3. Local Paralysis due to a neuritis, from blows, pressure, injuries, cold, 
or central lesion. Commonest form of paralysis in the horse. Paralysis 
of the facial, trigeminus, radial, crural, tibial, obturator, etc., not infre- 
quent, and recovery commonly occurs. Treatment — Remove sources of 
pressure or irritation, as halter in facial paralysis. Use preferably gal- 
vanic current from the onset of paralysis over the nerve root and paralyzed 
area, or faradic current, if it causes contraction of muscles and is not too 
painful. Also apply sinapisms or capsicum, or light applications of ther- 
mocautery over the course of the affected nerve. In chronic stage, employ 
massage with a liniment, hot and cold douches, alternately; electricity, as 
above, and strychnine under the skin in large doses. 



diseases of the domestic animals 729 

Parasites, Intestinal. 

Order, Cestoda. Family, Taeniae or Tape Worms. 

Of the Dog — Genus Taenia; species: T. cucumerina, T. marginata, serrata, 
coenurus, echinocoecus and serialis. 

Sheep — T. expansa, alba, and fimbriata in West. U. S. 

Cattle — T. expansa, alba, and denticulata. 

Horses — T. perfoliata, plicata and mamillana. 

Poultry — T. infundibuliformis and 19 other species. 

Treatment — Withhold all food for 24 hours, give anthelmintic, purge fol- 
lowing it, and repeat dose within a few days if ineffective. Isolate the 
infected, burn feces and taeniae, avoid infected pastures, or disinfect same, 
and prevent animals from eating raw entrails of other animals. 

Special Treatment. — Dogs — Oleoresin of male fern or areca nut in cap- 
sules, and follow by compound cathartic pills. Enemata to remove the 
worm. If the head of the worm is not removed, repeat the treatment in 
three days. Also oil of turpentine, pelletierine, pomegranate, kousso, naph- 
thol and ether are used as taeniacides. 

Sheep — Give areca nut (3i-ii) on food to lambs and repeat in three days 
if not effective. For T. fimbriata, give sheep thymol (3ss-iiss) suspended 
in milk and repeat on succeeding days if ineffective. 

Cattle — Tartar emetic (3iss-iiss), or arsenous acid (gr. xv), once daily for 
two or three days and follow with 1 lb. of Glauber's salts. 

Horses — Treat same as for round worms. 

Poultry — Areca nut in pills with butter (gr. xxx) and repeat in three 
days. 

Class — Nemathelmintb.es, Round Worms. Order — Nematoda. Family — 
Ascaridae. Genus — Ascaris. 

In the Horse and Ass — A. megalocephala. Give tartar emetic (3ii-iv) 
in a physic ball of aloes. Oil of turpentine (§iv) with oleoresin of as- 
pidium (§i) in pint of linseed oil; or, santonin (3iv) in oil, or calomel (3i) 
with santonin in ball. Follow this treatment with course of iron and 
mix vomica on feed thrice daily for weeks. 

Dog — A. marginata; Cat — A. mystax. Santonin in castor oil or in pill 
with calomel; or areca nut in capsules or fluidextraet. 

Poultry — Hens, areca nut (gr. 45); pigeons (gr. xv) ; in pills with but- 
ter every third day. Other remedies include: Arsenic, creolin, naphthol, 
ether, copper sulphate, tannic acid, kamala, tobacco. 

Genus — Oxyuris, Whip, Thread or Pin Worm. 

Horse; — 0. curvula, mastigodes, vivipara. Enemata of strong solutions 
of common salt, of quassia, or of lime water after flushing bowel with 
soap and water. Also give internal treatment as for round worms (see 
above). Tobacco, ether and kamala are also remedies. 

Dog — 0. vermicularis. Treat as for thread worms in the horse. 

Family — S. Strongylidae. Genus — Strongylus. 

Horse — S. armatus and tetracanthus. Oil of turpentine, as recommended 
for round worms, or thymol (H. 3ii; Foals, 3i), in ball coated with 
keratin, for five mornings, followed at end of treatment by aloes ball. 

Dog — S. (or Uncinaria) trigonocephalus. Hookworm disease, Uncinaria- 



730 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

sis. Thymol given hourly for three doses (gr. v-xx), preceded by 24 
hours of starvation and followed by 3 compound cathartic pills. Or oleoresin 
of aspidium ( TTLxv-3i ) , after 24 hours, fast, and repeated in one hour and 
followed in 12 hours by dose of castor oil. 

Strongylidae in Cattle, Sheep, Lambs and Goats. Several different species. 
Isolate sick, destroy feces and litter by fire; isolate sick and disinfect 
infested pastures, as below, for preventive measures. Internally, oil of 
turpentine (giv) , to cattle. To sheep; thymol (lambs), 3ss; Sheep, (3i-iiss). 

Strongylosis in Sheep — Several species occur in abomasum, and, with 
tape worm, in bowels and feces. Prophylaxis: isolate sick, disinfect pas- 
tures with copperas (SO lbs. to acre in 10 per cent, solution); generous- 
diet with plenty of salt. Give internally, on bran, areca nut (gr. 100), 
with arsenous acid (gr. ii), once daily for five or six doses. 

S. micrurus and filaria. See Verminous Bronchitis, Hoose or Husk. 

Gapes in Poultry and Birds, due to Strongulus (or Syngamus) trachealis. 
Oil of turpentine on feather in trachea; or tracheotomy. Inject a few 
drops of turpentine or ether into trachea. Inject a 5 per cent, solution 
of sodium salicylate intratracheally. Clean thoroughly and disinfect 
premises and utensils, and isolate. 

Parotitis. 

Secondary to various infections as strangles, pharyngitis; idiopathic; 
traumatic; and actinomycosic. Also due to salivary calculus. In acute 
inflammations, treat as recommended under Glandular Enlargements. In 
chronic, idiopathic, massage with turpentine liniment and give pilocarpine 
internally. 

Parturient Apoplexy, Paralysis, or Mammary Toxemia. See 
Apoplexy. 

Parturient Fe,ve;r. See Puerperal Fever. 

Patella, Dislocation of. (In Horses and Cattle; Foals and 
Calves.) 

Reduce by pulling the leg forward and tipward toward the elbow of the 
same side, with side line about neck and attached to fetlock of dislocated 
limb, while the operator pushes the patella into position. To prevent re- 
currence, the limb is kept in a less degree of this position for several hours 
and a smart fly blister is at once applied to the patella region. Prevent 
the animal from lying down by tying up head. In the horse, apply shoe 
with high and projecting toe for three weeks to avoid recurrence. 

Pericarditis, Acute. 

In Horses and Dogs, from acute infections and trauma. In Cattle and 
Goats, from swallowing sharp bodies which penetrate the pericardium. 
The treatment of the latter form is unsuccessful. At the onset, bind an 
ice bag over the heart and give morphine and atropine under the skin 
to quiet the heart. For same purpose, with fever, also prescribe aconite 
every two hours till frequency of pulse is decreased. As the pulse begins 
to weaken with progress of the disease, administer strychnine with whiskey 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 731 

and aromatic spirits of ammonia and digitalis. With large effusion and 
much dyspnea and cyanosis, puncture pericardial sac. Incision over anr 
terior border of 5th or 6th rib, four inches above lowest point on the 
breast, and wall punctured with trocar and canula. Apply fly blister over 
the cardiac area, and give potassium iodide internally to aid absorption 
of exudate. Absolute rest and digestible, laxative diet. 

Peritonitis, Acute and Chronic. 

Acute form — In all animals; generally secondary to some local inflam- 
mation, injury, as operation for hernia and castration, or lesion in the 
belly, as perforation of stomach or intestines, or pelvis. Parturient sepsis 
is a frequent cause. Treatment must be chiefly directed to primary cause. 
In dogs, the treatment should be laparotomy, to remove the cause, and 
drain, if need be. Medically, use opium heroically to quiet pain and peris- 
talsis and enable nature to wall off infection with protective barrier of 
lymph. Withhold all food by mouth for week or more. Move bowels by 
enemata and give normal saline and food per rectum. Apply externally 
hot turpentine stupes, frequently renewed. Tympanites relieved by turpen- 
tine or asafetida, per rectum. 

Chronic form — Treatment depends on cause, as inflammation of abdominal 
and pelvic viscera, tuberculosis, new growths. Ascites is often present (see 
Dropsy ) . Repeated blistering in small areas, and the use of tine, ferric 
chloride with oil of juniper and sweet spirit of nitre — in combination 1 — 
are of service in ascites. If unsuccessful, potassium iodide may be tried. 
In dry peritonitis, with formation of adhesions, medical treatment is un- 
availing. 

Pharyngitis, Acute. 

Occurs in Horses, Dogs, Pigs; less often in Cattle and Cats; rare in 
Sheep and Birds, except pseudo-membranous form. In enzootic type, isolate 
patient. Good ventilation and housing; liquid or soft diet. Gruels, cooked 
roots, mashes, milk and green food for larger animals. Milk, gruels and 
soups for smaller patients. Drenches are dangerous in leading to foreign 
body pneumonia. Tincture of aconite hourly is useful till fever is re- 
duced. In large animals, an electuary of kermes mineral and potassium 
chlorate (each 3ii in dose) is beneficial. Externally, applications of ice, 
hot poultices, stimulating liniments and blisters are of advantage. A wet 
compress covered with oil silk and bandage; or equal parts of camphor 
liniment and oil of turpentine rubbed in and applied on cloth, wet with 
same, are useful in less urgent cases. Antiphlogistine spread on hot and 
thick, after shaving skin, and renewed each 12 hours, is also beneficial. 
When abscess of glands threatens, frequent hot poulticing or application 
of a fly blister are in order. Relieve constipation by carron oil or artificial 
Carlsbad salts in doses of a few ounces on the food, and by enemata. 
Inhalations of 2 per cent, carbolic acid are efficacious, with cleansing and 
greasing of nostrils with vaseline. Abscess about the pharynx calls for 
incision of skin and exploration with director or fingers. Severe dyspnea 
demands immediate tracheotomy. In dogs, silver nitrate solution ( 10 per 
cent.) may be painted on throat, or m.v of tine, ferri chloride may be 
given in one-half dram of glycerine every 2 hours for effect on throat. In 



■732 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

swine, apply a good fly blister from ear to ear and give veratrum or 
ipecac (of either, gr. xxx) on food to cause emesis and avert suffocation. 

Phlebitis. 

Due to infection following injury and operation. If diffuse it is in- 
curable. Excise thrombotic portion of infected vein. Open abscess. Give a 
purge. Apply warm covering, secure rest of part. Apply Credes ointment. 

Phrenitis. See Encephalitis. 

Phtheiriasis. See Lice. 

Pica. See Depraved Appetite. 

Piles. Hemorrhoids (In Dogs). 

Keep bowels loose with equal parts of sulphur and compound licorice 
powder (3ss-i in capsules), or with two parts of sulphur and one of 
potassium bitartrate (3ss in capsules). Apply externally fluidextract of 
hamamelis, and inject some into the rectum. With much itching and 
pain: acidi gallici, gr.x; orthoformi, gr.x; extr. opii, gr.iv; extr. bella- 
donnae, gr.iv; unguent, ad. 3iv; apply externally. If aggravated and 
persistent, give an anesthetic; stretch sphincter ani until it is paralyzed; 
clamp base of piles and bum off pile down to clamp with dull red thermo- 
cautery. Lock bowels for three days with opium. Then give injection of 
sweet oil and castor oil, or two or three compound cathartic pills. 

Piroplasmosis. See Texas Fever. 

Pleuro-Pneumonia of Cattle. 

Destroy patients and those exposed. Slightly diseased are fit for beef. 
Premises cleaned and disinfected. 

Pleuritis and Empyema. Pleurisy. 

Venesection with much pain and dyspnea. Fever and pain are relieved by 
phenacetin. Also by the application of mustard paste and hot blankets 
with rubber covering to the chest. Instead of phenacetin, we may give 
— to relieve pain and dyspnea — laudanum, §ii, in a pint of linseed oil to 
the horse; or morphine subcutaneously. With effusion, administer calomel, 
and also a combination of fluidextract of digitalis (3i), oil of juniper 
(3i), and potassium acetate (§i) in water thrice daily to horses; to dogs, 
powd. squills and digitalis (aa gr. i), in pill with calomel (gr. ss), 
three times daily. Use wet compress about chest continuously, and ap- 
plications of mustard occasionally. Give dry diet with water reduced to 
minimum. With large or persistent effusion, puncture the chest. In the 
horse, in the 8th and 9th intercostal spaces at the anterior margin of the 
rib and near the lower border of the lung, shave hair and use strict asepsis. 
After puncture, or in the later stages, employ potassium iodide, and give 
tine, ferric chloride with gentian or nux vomica on the feed. Also give 
to larger animals nourishing diet with milk, eggs, and whiskey; to dogs 
— milk, bovinine and meat juice. In Empyema or Purulent Pleurisy, the 
chest wall must be incised and often a portion of two or more ribs resected; 
all adhesions to pleurae broken under partial anesthesia; and wound 
closed, save for drainage. Irrigation of the chest is not desirable except 
in case of fetid discharge. 



diseases of the domestic animals 733 

Pneumonia, Ceoupous, and Bboncho-Pneumonia. 

At the onset in rare cases with great dyspnea and full, bounding pulse., 
venesection. Tincture of aconite in repeated doses every two hours, is 
more often useful in the beginning, to reduce the frequency of the pulse, 
except in influenza and asthenic conditions. An abundance of fresh cold 
air to stimulate the respiratory centers is of great import. In the horse, 
bandage the legs after rubbing mustard paste on them. For large animals, 
the diet should include hay, grain, roots, mashes, and, if animals do not 
eat well, eggs and milk; for dogs — milk, bovinine, broths, meat juice and 
a little meat. In the stage of hepatization, high fever (104.5 deg. F.) 
phenacetin (3iii) with caffeine (3i) may be given to horses in a single dose. 
Usually, however, cold enemata, cold air, and cold compresses on the chest, 
changed frequently, will be safer and more efficient. Weakness of the pulse 
calls for digitalis, strychnine, camphor, ammonium carbonate, singly, in 
alternation or combination, and repeated every few hours. The action of 
the kidneys is favored by spirit of nitrous ether. Keep the bowels active 
by enemata or with oil by the mouth. With the approach of crisis, stim- 
ulants are especially indicated, but should not be used until weakening of 
the pulse demands them. With overloading of the right heart and jugular 
pulse, employ venesection. During resolution administer expectorants, as 
ammonium chloride and carbonate in combination, particularly in broncho- 
pneumonia, and in this disease nutritious feeding is urgently demanded. 
In delayed resolution, give potassium iodide twice daily. In convalescence, 
appetite and digestion are stimulated by whiskey with tine, of gentian 
and nux vomica. 

Poisoning. 

See Table of Antidotes. Use of stomach tube most effective. Emetics 
in dogs, cats and swine — mustard, zinc sulphate, apomorphine. Stimulants, 
as strychnine, camphor. 

Pole Evie. See Abscess and Fistula. 

Polyuria. See Diabetes Insipidus. 

Post-Paetum Hemorrhage. See Hemorrhage. 

Post-Paetum Paralysis. See Apoplexy, Parturient. 

Peolapse of Rectum (Ik Cattle and Swine). 

If slight, of mucous membrane alone, apply ice cold water, and astringents 
— as fluidextract of hamamelis — and replace bowel, after washing and 
greasing it, and raising the hind quarters, or, if impossible to reduce, 
apply actual cautery to prolapse in lines radiating from its circumference 
to the center, and burn through the sphincter in two places to aid its 
contraction after return of bowel. Introduce morphine suppository, or 
give it subeutaneously to prevent straining. If all coats of bowel are 
prolapsed, as happens in large prolapses, return bowel if possible, and then 
apply cautery in lines parallel to long axis of the bowel — just within the 
anus — to cause contraction there and prevent prolapse. Then apply pad 
over anus, and give opium. In severe (old or gangrenous) prolapse of great 
size, one must empty lower bowel by enema, push back any loop of small 



734 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

intestine in the prolapsed portion and amputate the prolapsed portion, 
performing an end to end anastomosis between the two ends of the bowels. 
To prevent escape of the upper segment of bowel back into the belly, the 
two layers of bowel should be fixed by two or three silk sutures placed 
just outside the anus, before amputating. 

Prolapse of Uterus or Vagina. 

After cleansing and replacing parts, prevent recurrence of prolapse by 
the use of opium, as above; elevation of hind quarters; and by truss; 
West's vulval clamp; or closure of the vulva by wire sutures of the quilled 
type. 

Prostatitis (Occasional in All Entire: Males). 

Occurs from extension from urethritis and cystitis, and from frequent 
copulation or masturbation. Rarely diagnosed. The symptoms suggest 
cystitis with frequent, intermittent and painful micturition; and also rectal 
trouble with rubbing of the anus against objects. Examination shows en- 
larged and painful swelling about the neck of the bladder. Treatment — 
Frequent hot rectal injections through double tube to allow of return flow; 
smart cathartic and diet of gruels, mashes or milk; entire rest. Internally, 
give a mixture of spirit of nitrous ether, potassium acetate and tine, of 
belladonna in full dose thrice daily. Administer morphine in suppository, 
or subcutaneously with much pain and straining. If swelling of prostrate 
blocks urethra, pass a catheter. Abscess opened, not through rectum, but 
via perineum by careful dissection with catheter in bladder and finger in 
rectum, as guides. 

Pruritis. Itching. 

Attacks Horses and Dogs and other animals independent of any skin 
eruption. First endeavor to remove or treat the cause. Hepatic or diges- 
tive trouble, constipation, piles, fissure and worms cause pruritus ani; 
pregnancy leads to pruritus vulvae, diabetes, exposure to cold and heat, 
nervous debility. In general itching — baths — sodium bicarb, (lb. 1-2 to 
30 galls.), or sponging with vinegar. Local itching: Acid, carbol., 5i; 
liq. potass., 3i; ol. lini, §i. M. Sig. Use externally. Where there is dan- 
ger of poisoning from licking or absorption, use liq. picis alkalinus (1-32), 
or hydrogen dioxide pure. All antiseptics appear to be antipruritics. In 
pruritis of anus o>r vulva, apply hot fomentations, dry by sopping gently 
with soft cloth, and dust on powdered starch. Also, saturated boric acid 
solution or silver nitrate in spirit of nitrous ether ( 3 per cent. ) , are 
efficient in these troubles. In debility, give iron, arsenic, and nux vomica. 
Other agents relieving itching are: Carbolic acid, hamanielis, chloral, alco- 
hol, prussic acid, corrosive sublimate, tobacco, cocaine, salicylic acid, po- 
tassium bicarbonate, tar, oil of tar, oil of cade, menthol, lime water, alum, 
yellow wash, black wash, thymol. 

Psoas Muscle Strain in Horses and Dogs. 

Complete rest and the application of hot blankets about the loins and 
body with waterproof covering and dry blanket outside, frequently renewed. 
Give morphine suppository to dogs; laudanum, §iv in boiled starch solution; 



DISEASES OF TJIE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 735 

to horses, per rectum.. Use slings in case of strain of both muscles in 
horses. 

Psoriasis. See Eczema, Scaly or Sqamous Mallenders. 

True psoriasis is unknown in veterinary practice. 

Ptyalism. Salivation. 

To combat the symptoms, give belladonna or atropine, or alum. 

Puerperal Fever, Parturient Fever, Parturient Septicemia, 
Septic Metritis. 

Infection following labor is treated by removing local sources, as re- 
tained membranes and blood clots; by repairing lacerations; and by irri- 
gating the vagina and uterus twice daily with 2 per cent, lysol solution, 
after washing the external genitals with the same and lowering the land 
quarters. Abrasions should be dusted with dry boric acid. Keep the 
bowels loose with salts in cows; castor oil in bitches; linseed oil in mares. 
Give ergot thrice daily to contract the womb. Administer large doses 
of alcohol (Bvi large patients), with nourishing diet of grains, milk, eggs 
and (for small patients) beef juice and bovinine. Strychnine in full doses 
is also indicated. Enemata of normal saline solution (sodium chloride, 
3i-0i), in large amounts, so as to be retained, are of much value. Raise 
the receptacle holding the enema but a short distance above the patient 
so as to allow it to flow slowly. Try injection of a mixed vaccine. Prophy- 
laxis : Isolation of animals about to calve or threatened with abortion. 
Treat as contagious disease. Avoidance of same utensils, sponges, attend- 
ants, food and water for sick and well. Disinfection of premises. Quar- 
antine of patient till all discharge stops. 

Pulmonary Congestion and Edema. 

With severe dyspnea, venesection is the most effective measure. Ex- 
ternally, apply turpentine stupes or mustard paste and hot blankets to 
chest, frequently reneAved. Also give a powerful hydragogue cathartic. 
In passive congestion due to heart disease or weakness, give digitalis, strych- 
nine and other heart stimulants. 

Pumiced Foot in Horses. 

Weakness and convexity of the sole as sequel to laminitis. Apply blister 
to coronet and wide bar shoe, leather and oakum packing with tar. 

Punctured Foot in Horses. 

Remove shoes and pare away horn till the bottom of the puncture is 
exposed. If this treatment has not been applied at time of puncture and 
inflammation and pus has formed, expose suppurating area and then employ 
bran and flaxseed poultice mixed with 3 per cent, lysol or creolin solution 
for few days. Later, dress with Peru balsam and aseptic gauze, pad of 
oakum and bandage. 

Purpura Hemorrhagica in the Horse, 

Employ remedies increasing the coagulability of the blood — give fresh 
horse serum (§ii) subcutaneously, calcium chloride and gelatine by the 
mouth or rectum. Also turpentine thrice daily, to avert hemorrhages. 
If turpentine unsuccessful, try adrenalin chloride solution given intra- 



736 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OE 

muscular ly. When purpura follows infections, one may use collargol, 1-180,. 
intravenously or per rectum. Many favorable reports of it have been 
made. Also, with streptococcus infection, antistreptococcic serum has. 
given good results (10-50 c. c. ), and the dose of this or of collargol may 
be repeated in 12 hours if improvement is slow. Good hygiene and food 
are of chief importance. Supply an airy, light, dry, warm box stall; a 
ration of oats, bran, roots, green fodder; and milk and eggs, if there is 
anorexia. Only mild laxatives, as linseed oil, are indicated. During con- 
valescence, a powder of arsenous acid (gr. iii), ferrous sulphate (3i), with 
nux vomica (3i), may be given thrice daily on the food. Swelling about 
the nostrils may be reduced by constant bathing in cold water. Sores and 
ulcers demand treatment (see Decubitus). Tracheotomy is demanded for 
severe dyspnea. No harness of any sort should be permitted. Skin swell- 
ings are best overcome by the remedies preventing hemorrhage and in- 
creasing the coagulability of the blood. Incisions and local applications 
are generally harmful or unavailing. 

Pyemia. See Septicemia. 

Quarter Evil. See Black Quarter. 

Quittor. (In the Horse.) 

Fistula of the coronet. Remove shoes. A bar shoe may be needed if 
the foot is broken down. If there is pus in the sole, make counter-opening' 
here. Open up sinus to the bottom with knife or actual cautery. The 
latter is best in destroying pyogenic membrane of the fistula. Remove 
necrotic tissue. Give mixed vaccine. Irrigate wound with 1-1,000 corro- 
sive sublimate and apply aseptic gauze and jute, wet with corrosive solution,, 
and bandage. Keep this wet antiseptic poultice on for several days, or a 
week, till acute inflammation subsides. Inject fistula occasionally with 
carbolic acid in glycerine (1-16). Apply dry aseptic dressing after the 
wet antiseptic poulticing. Repair of the horn hastened by fly blister to 
coronet. 

Rabies in Animals. Hydrophobia in Man. (See Bites.) 

When persons or animals are bitten by a dog, supposedly rabid, a diag- 
nosis is imperative. An animal suspected of rabies should be kept caged 
for inspection. Death occurs invariably within 4 to 30 days in rabies. 
If suspected dog runs away, dies, or is killed inside of 10 days Pasteur 
treatment advisable. If suspected rabid animal alive and in good health, 
after 10 days, rabies is improbable. If there is any doubt about the 
diagnosis, microscopical examination of the brain — for Negri's bodies in 
Amnion's horn (Hippocampus Major) and changes in the plexiform ganglion 
of the vagus— by a trained pathologist will determine the diagnosis. Speci- 
men for pathologist should be head and neck above 3rd cervical vertebra 
on ice, or brain with upper part of cord in glycerin. 

Otherwise, grind small amount of fresh cerebellum with twice weight of 
normal salt solution. Drill hole through frontal bone of guinea pig asep- 
tically, little to one side of middle line, to dura. Use cocaine. Inject 10 
drops of brain emulsion through dura with subcut. syringe. 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 737 

Average incubation, 14 days, but animal must be kept 100 days to prove 
test negative. 

All persons bitten by rabid dogs should at once be sent to a Pasteur 
Institute for Pasteur treatment, or virus may now be procured from Pas- 
teur institutes, and makers of biological products for home treatment, if 
the history of case, duration and location of bite are given. For immediate 
treatment of bites of rabid animals, See Bites. Pasteur treatment is suc- 
cessful in preventing hydrophobia in 99 per cent, of persons having recent 
rabid infection. If clinical history and autopsy are suggestive of rabies, it 
is unwise for bitten persons to await results of inoculation experiments be- 
fore undertaking Pasteur treatment. Prophylaxis: When a case of rabies 
develops all dogs within a radius of twenty miles should be muzzled for 
six months. Animals bitten by rabid dogs should at once be killed. 
Rheumatism, Acute Articular. (In Cattle, Dogs, Horses, Pigs 
and Goats.) See also Arthritis, Infectious. 

Give sodium salicylate with an equal amount of sodium bicarbonate in 
solution. If the salicylates cause vomiting in dogs, administer salol and 
phenacetin in capsules thrice daily. To the affected joints, apply cloths 
wet in pure methyl salicylate, or cloths soaked in a hot, saturated solution 
of Epsom salts, baking soda, and covered with waterproof and bandage. 
Inject joints with formalin and glycerin. In the later, or subacute stages, 
prescribe equal parts of sodium salicylate and iodide three times daily. 
Iodine ointment rubbed on the joints, or firing and blistering, are most 
effective in chronically enlarged and stiff joints. Rest, and liquid diet are 
indicated at the onset. In the later period, cod liver oil, quinine, iron, 
arsenic and strychnine with generous feeding, are required. For complica- 
tions, as pleuritis, endocarditis, see these titles. 

Rheumatism, Muscular. See Muscular Rheumatism. 

Rickets. Rachitis. 

In the case of sucklings improve the mother's food in nitrogen, fat and 
salts. Give the mother cottonseed or linseed meal, or beef-meal, with rich 
ration of grain. Or the suckling may be weaned and receive — if herbivorous 
— oatmeal gruel of milk and a tablespoonful of linseed meal daily; cod 
liver oil; raw eggs and beef meal. Carnivora may be given milk, strong 
broths, gruels with milk, juice squeezed from rare beef, bovinine, cod 
liver oil. With anemia, syrup of ferrous iodide (foals and calves, m.xv; 
puppies, m.ii-3v). Phosphorus and phosphates are bone foods. Prescribe 
syr. of calcium lactophosphate, or glycerophosphates, or phosphorated oil 
(foals and calves, 3i; puppies, m.ss to m. i). General care and hygiene 
are of chief importance. These include grooming, cleanliness, warm, dry 
quarters, and fresh, country air. Pigs must be removed from dark, un- 
healthy styes. 

Ringbone in the Horse. 

Either a periarthritis or osteoarthritis of the pastern bones or os pedis, 
and in the first involving the external, and in the second case, the articular 
surfaces of the bone. When in fore limb, apply a thin-heeled bar-shoe; 
when in hind limb, a high-heeled shoe, to favor the natural shifting of 



738 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

weight attempted by the patient. When the animal is in the stable, place 
a wet swab about the pastern, only work on soft ground, if possible. In 
acute cases, with lameness and heat in the part, apply cold swabs and 
enforce rest; follow by firing and blistering to secure anchylosis, if lameness 
persists. If this is unsuccessful, perform neurectomy. 

Ringworm. (Trichophytosis. Tinea or Herpes Tonsurans.) 

Attacks Cattle, Dogs, Horses, Pigs, Sheep, Goats, Cats and Poultry. 

Horse. Trichophytic ringworm, caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 
T. flavum, T. equinum, T. verrucosum; and Microsporous ringworm, by 
Microsporum Audouini. 

Cattle. Ringworm always a Trichophytosis and due to T. mentagrophytes. 

Dog. Four varieties of ringworm occur: (1) Trichophytic (T. cani- 
num) ; (2) Microsporous {31. Audouini var. caninum) ; (3) Eidamellian 
(Eidamella spinosa) ; and favus {Oospora canina) . See Favus. 

The disease is transmitted from animal to man and from individual to 
individual of same species; rarely from one species to another among ani- 
mals. 

Isolate patients, and disinfect premises, harness, clothing, bedding, clean- 
ing utensils and objects in contact with the patient. Burn hair and crusts 
from the skin. The disease may be spread over the body by grooming. 
First soak crusts in oil and remove them with green soap and water. Paint 
diseased area daily with tincture of iodine, or rub in ointment ( 1-8 ) of 
iodine crystals and goose grease once daily. Moussu recommends on cat- 
tle with localized spots, equal parts of chloral, phenol and tincture of 
iodine. When generalized, wash the body with green or tar soap and apply 
boric acid (3ii) in alcohol (3x) and ether (§iiss). Salicylic acid in alcohol 
(1-10) may also be used over large areas without fear of poisoning from 
absorption or licking of the drag. Many other drugs are curative, as 10 
per cent, ointment of either creolin, lysol, or tar. In small areas, ung. 
hydrargyri ammoniati. It is best to clip the hair about diseased patches 
and pull out that on the patches, if feasible. 

Roaring. 

In Horses; rarely in Cattle and Dogs. 

Due to left-sided paralysis of the larynx, from toxemia of acute infec- 
tions; also to thickening of the mucous membrane, obstructions, stenoses, 
and new growths in the upper air passages. Paralysis of the larynx is 
only relieved by denudation of mucous membrane from left ventricle or 
rarely from both. Temporary or false roaring is common after influenza 
and laryngitis and is curable by the application of a fly blister over the 
larynx, or better, red mercuric iodide. Give internally potassium iodide, 
thrice daily for some time. The local injection of strychnine into the 
region of the larynx once daily is said to delay the onset of paralysis. 
Arsenic internally may aid the action of the iodide in promoting resolution 
of thickened mucous membrane. 

Rot in Sheep, Distomiasis. See Liver Bot. 
Roup. See Laryngitis, Diphtheria, Croup. 



diseases of the domestic animals 739 

Saddle Galls. 

Avoid friction and undue pressure of badly fitting harness, and heavy 
cloth or felt linings. Use only harness linings of light leather. Treat at 
first with wet dressing of two parts of saturated boric acid solution and 
one part alcohol on aseptic gauze, covered with oil silk blanket and sur- 
cingle. Treat inflamed sebaceous follicles as advised for Acne (see Acne). 
Islands of necrotic tissue, or sitfasts, must be removed by the knife. To 
the remaining wound apply balsam of Peru and aseptic dressings, or an 
astringent, stimulant and antiseptic powder. 

Sand Crack. Quarter-Crack. 

Prophylaxis: — Avoid weakening the foot by paring away sole and frog, 
and thus putting all the horse's weight on wall of foot. Occurs in inner 
quarter of fore foot; in 'toe of hind foot. Remove the shoes, and pare 
thin the edges of the fissure. Apply flaxseed and bran poultice mixed with 
2 per cent, creolin, and rest, to relieve the inflammation. After the in- 
flammation has passed, treat the crack by either removing a V-shaped piece 
of horn; by paring away the upper portion of crack to sensitive laminae 
and coronary band above, and clamping the crack below; or by grooving 
the wall above at right angles with the crack. All these measures tend to 
immobilize the edges of the crack and allow of formation of new horn. 
To stimulate growth of horn, also blister the coronet. Apply bar shoe, 
with thin heels and side clasps in fissure of tee; a three-quartered bar 
shoe in quarter-crack. Employ covering of wood tar on hoof continuously. 

Sarcoma. 

Use knife freely and try Coley's mixture of toxins of erysipelas and B. 
prodigiosus. At times very successful in human practice. 

Satyriasis. See Sexual Excitement. 

Scab in Sheep. 

Due to Dennodectes communis, var. ovis. Lambs and yearlings most 
susceptible. 

Segregate and dip newly-bought sheep. Isolate sick and disinfect premises 
and contaminated objects. Shear sick and remove crusts with soft soap 
solution (1-50), aided by brush. Treatment is done with baths or dips. 
They are given only four hours after feeding and at body heat. Repeat 
dip in ten days and keep animal in bath two minutes. Dip head under 
once, in sulphur dip; keep mouth, nose and eyes out in poisonous (tobacco, 
arsenical) dips. For shorn sheep, use U. S. Bureau of Animal Industry 
Dip, which is cheap, safe and efficient. Flowers of sulphur, 24 lbs.; un- 
slaked lime, 8 lbs.; water, 100 galls. Mix lime in box with water to make 
paste; sift on sulphur; stir all well together. Boil with 25 galls, of water 
for two hours or longer, till solution of chocolate-liver color and sulphur 
mostly disappears from surface. Settle mixture in a barrel with bunghole 
four inches from bottom; allow four hours for settling. Draw off only 
clear liquid into dipping vat and add water to make 100 galls. For ani- 
mals in full fleece, use manufactured tobacco, 1 lb.; flowers of sulphur, 1 
lb.; water, 5 galls. Soak tobacco 24 hours or more, on night before dipping, 
boil tobacco solution for a minute and allow tobacco to remain in it over 



740 EPITOME OF MODERN TEEATMENT OF 

night. Mix sulphur to paste with water in a pail. Strain liquid from 
tobacco by pressure, and add liquid to sulphur paste and enough water 
to make 5 gallons. After dipping, turn sheep into clean yard. Dip healthy 
sheep first; then scabby ones, when a flock is attacked. There are many 
excellent commercial dips on the market; follow specific directions with 
each. Other agents include: creolin, 2 gallons; arsenic, 1.5 lbs.; iron 
sulphate, 10 lbs.: water, 100 gallons, etc. Good pasturing and generous 
feeding aid resistance against scab. 

Scabies. See Mange. 

Scratches. See Erythema. 

Seedy Toe; in Hoeses. 

Sequel to laminitis. 

Remove all diseased horn and apply Peru balsam to the exposed tissues. 
If there is lameness, use bran and flaxseed poultice mixed with 2 per cent, 
lysol solution. Otherwise, blister the coronet. Apply a bar-shoe with sole 
pressure and keep the cavity dressed with the balsam. Frequent changing 
of the shoe and trimming of the foot is required to restore and keep it in 
normal shape. 
Septicemia. Pyemia. Sapremia. 

In blood poisoning, with germs or their products, the treatment is chiefly 
surgical: the use of antiseptic poultices or other antiseptic applications to 
wounds; the removal of septic and dead tissue by the knife; the drainage 
of purulent foci, etc. Nourishing diet — reinforced by milk and eggs, beef 
juice, bovinine, alcohol and quinine, etc. The fresh horse serum (D. 3ii-iv. H. 
§ii-iv) given subeutaneously has great germicidal effect. Oil of turpentine 
may be used as a stimulant and antiseptic (H., 3i) in emulsion with milk 
and eggs. Calomel is useful as an antiseptic cathartic. Saline infusions 
are often most valuable. Collargol has also given very good results. Anti- 
streptococcic serum is remedial in streptococcus infection. The tine, of ferric 
chloride is indicated during and succeeding an attack. 

Sexual Excitement. Nymphomania. Satyriasis. 

In female (nymphomania), sexual excitement depends upon various in- 
flammatory diseases, as vaginitis, metritis and other disorders of the vagina, 
womb, ovary. Retained testis is a common cause in males. Over feedings 
lack of exercise, and constant companionship with females favor sexual 
excitement in the male. Treatment consists in removing the cause, as 
surgery in organic lesions yielding to the knife. Secure only proper amount 
of coition and avoid proximity of male to opposite sex. Give hard work, 
low diet, and full doses of potassium bromide. If trouble due to spinal 
or cerebral lesions, little can he done. As a last resource, castration of 
either sex or slaughter. 

Shoe Ball. See Capped Elbow. 

Shoulder Lameness ( In the Horse) . 

Sprain of the spinati and, to a less extent of the tei-es muscles, with 
swelling, followed by atrophy of these parts. In the acute stage, apply 
constant, hot fomentations to the shoulder muscles, and secure absolute 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 741 

rest. When local tenderness and swelling abate, apply cantharides blister 
to muscle, and later exercise at pasture may lead to> recovery. Local in- 
tramuscular injections of veratrine may be of service in atrophy of the 
muscles. Occasional blistering is of most service. Avoid ploughing to 
prevent return of trouble. 

Sick, Destruction of. 

Strychnine, chloroform, prussic acid. 

Side Bone in the Horse. Ossification on the Lateral Car- 
tilages. 

Kest and cold swab about foot with heat and lameness. In other cases, 
firing and blistering are indicated, and the application of a bar-shoe. The 
effects of concussion may be somewhat averted by making a groove below 
the cartilage in the wall of the foot with a knife or firing iron. Neurectomy 
in otherwise sound limbs. 

Sitfast. See Saddle Galls. 

Sleepy Staggers. See Encephalitis. 

Snake Bite. See Bites. 

Sore Throat. See Pharyngitis. 

Sores. See Wounds. 

Sore Shins. See Periostitis and Ostitis. 

Spasm of the Diaphragm (In the Horse). Thumps. 

Give spirit of chloroform or compound spirit of ether. If persistent try 
morphine under the skin; also inhalations of amyl nitrate. Apply hot 
applications over the diaphragm; pull out the tongue. If breathing be- 
comes difficult, use venesection to avert pulmonary apoplexy. 

Spasms. See Convulsions, Eclampsia, Epilepsy, Chorea, Tetanus, 

Colic, Asthma, Thumps, Etc. 
Spavin, Bog. See Bog Spavin. 

Spavin, Bone (In the Horse). 

In acute cases, rest and the application of a compress kept constantly 
wet with cold water. This may be followed by firing and blistering — to 
secure anchylosis — in young animals. The use of a high-heeled shoe may 
benefit many cases. Other operations which may relieve the lameness are 
cunean tenotomy and anterior and posterior tibial neurectomy. 

Splint. 

Apply cold compresses, when the animal is in the stable, and later the 
ointment of red mercuric iodide, every other day till blistering occurs. 
When this is not curative, fire in points and blister with cantharides, fol- 
lowed by rest. In very acute cases, incise the periosteum at the onset. 

Speedy Cut (In the Horse). 

Apply antiseptic gauze, wet with 2 per cent, lysol and covered with 
rubber or oil silk, and bandage, to injury on knee. Otherwise treat as 
for Wounds. Employ a boot to save knee from being struck. To prevent, 



742 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

pare away inner wall of striking foot and use accurately fitting three- 
quarter shoes. Shoe once in three weeks. Avoid too rapid work. 

Spinal Inflammation. Spinal Pachy- and Lepto-Meningitis, 
Myelitis. 

Traumatism, tuberculosis, septicemia, pyemia, distemper, strangles and 
growths are etiological factors. Treatment depends on etiology to some 
extent. In acute spinal meningitis, treat as for cerebrospinal meningitis, 
except cold should be applied to spine rather than to the head. In the 
later stages, blisters applied over the lumbar region — or over centers cor- 
responding to the peripheral lesions — are indicated. Potassium iodide may 
be useful in aiding resolution. Tonics, as strychnine and iron, are val- 
uable. When there is marked paraplegia, keep horses in slings and empty 
bowels and bladder regularly. Employ faradism and massage of paralyzed 
muscles. Recovery is uncertain and treatment is often economically in- 
advisable. 

Sprains or Strains of Muscles, Tendons or. Ligaments. 

Usually involve actual rupture of the fibres of these structures. At the 
onset, secure rest and immobilization of the part as far as possible. Take 
off weight by slings; apply high-heeled shoe in strain of flexor tendons of 
feet in horses. Apply compresses wet with hot saturated solution of 
Epsom salts and covered with waterproof cloth, or cold irrigations and 
Priessnitz poultice at night, with rubber bandaging to prevent exudation 
and swelling of the part. After the acute symptoms abate, alternate hot 
and cold applications of water — to stimulate circulation — and begin soon 
with massage and movement of the part and gradually increasing exercise. 
Keep the part bandaged if possible when not applying treatment. Various 
liniments may be used to aid massage, as chloroform or turpentine lini- 
ment. Firing and blistering, or simply blistering, and turning out animal 
to pasture, may secure recovery. Subsequent cicatrization with contrac- 
tion of tendons and ligaments can not be prevented except in part by early 
movement of the injured limb. Tenotomy may be used for contraction. 
Fibrolysin, may be injected for induration. Neurectomy is occasionally 
advisable for lameness. 

Sterility (Sexual). See Barrenness and Impotence. 

Stomach Staggers. See Indigestion. 

Stomatitis. 

In simple stomatitis, use mel boracis (B. P.) on a swab in the mouth. 
The food should be liquid or soft. Give potassium chlorate internally. 
With ulceration, swab out mouth with 1 per cent, lysol or creolin solu- 
tion several times daily and touch the ulcers with 10 per cent, silver solu- 
tion, or with tine, of iodine. To the large animals, give a few drams 
of Glauber's salts and saleratus on the food thrice daily. There is also 
an infectious pustular form of stomatitis affecting horses. The local treat- 
ment is the same as above but isolation of patients followed by disin- 
fection are indicated. To sheep, sodium chloride and salicylate in their 
drinking water (in the proportion of 15 gr. each to the pint). Hydrogen 
dioxide is perhaps the most effective antiseptic mouth-wash, but more ex- 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 743 

pensive than boric acid. Stomatitis is very prevalent in the young. Fresh 
air, cleanly premises and exercise must be given. Nourishing food is a 
requisite to recovery. Isolate the sick and avoid common use of utensils 
for eating or drinking. Stomatitis is a complication of infected umbilicus 
in calves; gangrenous tissue must be cut away and the navel swabbed with 
tincture of iodine and packed with iodoform and boric acid. 

Strains. See Sprains. 

Strangles in Horses. 

Give "antistrangle vaccine or serum" as a preventive and polyvalent 
antistreptococcic serum as a curative agent. 

Isolate the sick in roomy, airy box-stall and disinfect the vacated prem- 
ises. Diet — Gruels, mashes, steamed oats, grass, roots; and milk, eggs and 
alcohol, if there is anorexia. A vaccine made of S. equi is a good prophy- 
lactic agent given to horses in doses of 1 to 2 c. c. Apply, and fre- 
quently renew, hot flaxseed poultices to the inflamed submaxillary gland, 
and open when "ripe." Syringe abscess cavity with hydrogen dioxide and 
dress with Peru balsam. Remove induration by a fly blister to the sur- 
rounding area. Treat complications as they arise. Tracheotomy is re- 
quired for obstruction about the larynx. 

Stringhalt in Horses. 
Several forms. 

1. In some cases it is purely a functional nervous disease like chorea; 
treatment on this basis includes the use of bromides, improvement in 
general hygiene, and rest. 

2. A form dependent on retraction of peroneo-phalangeus, which may be 
cured by peroneal tenotomy and aponeurotomy. 

3. A form produced by tarsal deformative arthritis, or spavin. Treat as 
recommended for Spavin. 

4. Patellar form. Sometimes cured by section of the tibio-patellar liga- 
ment. 

Sturdy. See Coenurus Cerebralis. 

Sunstroke. Insolation. Heat Stroke, 

1. Apoplectic form, with coma and very high rectal temperature. Turn 
hose of cold water on the head and body and make vigorous friction of 
the body with ice. With injected mucosa and labored breathing, venesec- 
tion. With failing pulse, inject under the skin of the horse camphor 
(gr.xv), with ether (3ss), and sweet oil (3ii). Also cocaine, strychnine. 

2. In the form with weak pulse and prostration (without hyperpyrexia), 
give stimulants as above, and externally hot pack. 

Prophylaxis: Head coverings; give cold water frequently and apply it 
to head; moderate work; avoid work in heat of day. 

Surgical Shock. 

Give morphine under the skin, and adrenalin intramuscularly, and apply 
heat externally with mustard. Inject normal salt solution into the rectum, 
into a vein, or under the skin. Also camphor, atropine, strychnine and 
tincture of digitalis given hypodermatically. 



744 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

Surfeit. See Urticaria. 
Surra. 

Surra occurs in solipeds, dogs, rats, camels and elephants and is trans- 
mitted by inoculation by Jlies (Tabanida?) into cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, 
guinea pigs and rabbits. Due to Trypanosoma evansi. Appeared in im- 
ported cattle in U. S. in 1906 but was immediately eradicated. Character- 
ized by irregular, intermittent feA'er, urticaria and edematous swellings 
on various parts of the body, catarrh of nose, eyes and vagina, with 
progressive emaciation, weakness and anemia. Diagnosis is made by in- 
oculation of rabbits with blood from infected animals. The trypanosomes 
appear in rabbit's blood in 4 to 9 days accompanied by fever. 

Prevention. Isolate suspected animals in individual fly-proof stalls and 
inoculate rabbits with their blood. Kill those affected. In India, where 
disease is indigenous, increasing doses of arsenic, or of sodium cacodylate, 
atoxyl, or arsenophenylglycin. 

Usually fatal in horses, not in cattle which act as "carriers." 

Swine Fewer. See Hog Cholera. 

Syncope. Heart Failure. Fainting. See Cerebral Anemia. 

Keep the head low and inject under the skin pure ether. Give sub- 
cutaneously strychnine with digitalone every few hours. Also the injection 
of camphor is useful. 

Synovitis. 

Eest and fixation of joint most important. Slings or the use of splints 
secure rest and fixation. The application of an ice and sawdust poultice, 
or ice bag bandaged on to the joint or constant cold irrigation, or 
sometimes more useful, is hot saturated solution of Epsom salts on com- 
presses covered by waterproof protective and bandage. Compression of 
the joint by rubber or flannel bandage is serviceable after the more acute 
symptoms abate. In subacute stage, firing and blistering are to be recom- 
mended. When effusion and most of the thickening about the joint dis- 
appear, allow gentle exercise, which may be gradually increased. 
See also Open Joint, and Arthritis. 

Tapeworms. See Parasites, Intestinal. 

Teats, Fissured, Cracked. 

Wash udder thoroughly with soap and water and saturated boric acid 
solution. Withdraw milk through sterile milking tube. Coat fissures with 
co. tine, benzoin, or with solid lunar caustic. Keep teats anointed with 
10 per cent, boric acid vaseline. 

Teats, Obstructed. 

Concretions removed by manipulation of teat or by passing bougie, or 
teat siphon. 

Inflammatory thickening relieved by poulticing and fomentations. It may 
be necessary to cut the teat with teat bistoury to relieve a stricture. Growths 
within the teat and warts without are removed by scissors or ligature. 

Tendons, Rupture of. 

Splints, slings, and treatment as for fracture. If open wound, suture the 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 745 

tendon and sheath. Subcutaneous rupture unites more surely with aseptic 
suturing in human practice, but there is great danger of sepsis in veterinary 
practice. 

Tenosynovitis. 

General treatment as for synovitis. Bier's hyperemia. Rest, fixation, ap- 
plications of heat and cold, counterirritants, and finally exercise. See 
Thorough-Pin. 

'Tetanus. 

Common to all animals; especially to Horses, Cattle and Sheep. 

Therapeutic treatment with antitoxin is generally unsuccessful, but 
prophylaxis (before symptoms arise) is usually very effective in preventing 
tetanus when antitoxin is injected. In wounds of the feet, in regions where 
tetanus is prevalent; also in the new-born, in cows just calved and for all 
animals after surgical operations in regions infected by tetanus, the antitoxin 
preventive treatment should be employed. Immunity thus conferred lasts 
about a month and is without danger. Repeat these injections of antitoxin 
at the end of the first and third week, to prevent the intoxication caused 
by belated crops of tetanus bacilli. Locally, any wound likely to contain 
tetanus germs must be opened freely to the bottom and tincture of iodine 
used. In new-born lambs and calves sterilize the stump of cord after ligation 
with iodine. In slowly developing and chronic cases tetanus antitoxin is suc- 
cessful as a therapeutic agent. Bacelli's carbolic acid treatment internally 
is the most successful for fully developed tetanus (90 per cent, cured). 
Inject into muscles of the neck of horse oi of pure phenol in 3 per cent, 
watery solution every two hours, for first 36 hours, and less often there- 
after. To relieve spasm of jaw and elsewhere, give morphine (gr. vii-x), 
subcutaneously, with chloral (|ii-iii) in boiled starch solution by rectum. 
Chloroform by inhalation may give temporary freedom from spasm. The 
use of slings, a quiet, darkened box-stall, and gentle management are de- 
sirable. The diet should be of a sloppy character — milk, gruels, and per- 
haps some green fodder, with water within reach at all times. Empty the 
bowels manually or by enema; the bladder by catheter or pressure within 
the rectum. Thorough disinfection of the premises after a case of tetanus 
is imperative. 
Texas Fever. See Hemoglobinuria in Cattle. 

Thick Wind in Horses. 

Treat as for Broken Wind. 

Thorough-Pin of the Hock and Knee. 

Tenosynovitis of the perforatus tendon just at the summit of the os 
calcis. Usually chronic, as hydrops of the tendon sheath. In acute cases, 
apply a high-heeled shoe and secure rest, and apply wet compresses and 
flannel bandage about the lower limb and hock. In chronic cases, apply 
spring truss, or operate by aseptic excision or curetting of wall of the 
sac and free drainage, to secure obliteration of the sac and adhesion of 
the tendon to the tendon sheath. There is considerable danger of sepsis, 
however, in the operation. Aseptic aspiration of the sac and injection of 
tincture of iodine or of carbolic acid (m.x-xx) may produce the same 



746 EPITOME OP MODERN TREATMENT OF 

result with less danger of infection. Unless the animal is valuable, operation 
is inadvisable. Firing and blisters have little curative value. Hydrops or 
hygroma of the common tendon sheath of the perforatus and perforans at 
the back of the carpus. This is treated exactly as recommended for hy- 
drops or dropsy of the perforatus tendon (thorough-pin) at the hock. 

Thrombosis. 

Of the Cerebral Arteries. See Apoplexy. 

Of the Anterior Mesenteric Artery. See Colic. 

Of Femoral and Axillary Arteries. 

Shown by intermittent lameness and complete paresis, with loss of pulse,, 
in affected limb. Treatment by rest for many weeks and potassium iodide 
thrice daily. The clot in femoral artery may be felt per rectum, and 
massage over it has been recommended, but is liable to cause sudden death 
by embolus. Swelling of the limb may be combated by bandaging. 

Thrush (In the Mouth). See Stomatitis. 
Thrush in Frog op Horse. 

Keep the feet out of manure and urine by constant cleanliness of stable 
or by movable leather sole and calks, to prevent moisture from reaching 
the foot. Remove from wet yard or pasture. Dust calomel and iodoform 
(equal parts) on the frog and work the powder into cleft of the frog T 
by means of a probe, and pack with tow on top of it. Application of wood 
tar and tow and leather soles may be placed over this. If seen in fore 
feet, without apparent cause, or if there is swelling of the limbs and evi- 
dence of poor circulation, give a purge, tonics, and regular exercise. 

Ticks. Wood Ticks. Ixo'des. 

Ticks are the means of transmitting Texas fever to cattle (Boophilus 
annulatus or Rhipicephalus annulatus ) , and the allied disorders — Australian 
tick fever and ixodic anemia of cattle — by inoculating the organisms of 
these diseases through their bites. In sheep, louping ill is likewise com- 
municated by ticks ( Ixodes ricinus or reduvius ) , which inoculate a special 
organism by means of their bites. The Ixodes americanus — common in 
dogs, cattle and man — is the most frequent in the U. S. I. reduvius at- 
tacks dogs and cattle, as well as sheep. Ticks should not be torn away 
from the skin, as their bodies will be severed from their heads and the 
latter be left in the skin. Unless buried deep in the skin, the application 
of butter, kerosene, oil of turpentine or benzine will cause the ticks to 
loose their hold. The whole tick may be removed by cutting them out 
with scissors, skin and all. Ked or Keb refers to Melophagus ovinus, which 
is not a tick, but a wingless fly attacking sheep and usually confused with 
ixodidae. This insect may be removed by baths, as for Scab in Sheep, and 
their inroads prevented by applications of kerosene. Baths or dips are 
also prophylactic in louping ill. 

Tinea Tonsurans. See Ringworm. 

Toothache. 

In the Horse — Extraction by forceps, or by trephining and punching out 
the offending molar. 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 747 

In the Dog — -Counter-irritation of gum by tincture of iodine; filling the 
tooth with dental amalgam after proper removal of carious matter; lancing 
the gum for alveolar abscess; or extraction. 

Tracheitis, or Tracheo-Bronchitis. See Bronchitis. 

Tread. 

Bruise of coronet by opposite foot or by foot of another horse. Apply wet 
compress (3 per cent, creolin) and treat as for Wounds. 

Trematoda, Flxjke Worms. See Liver Bot. 

Trichinosis. 

The Trichina spiralis attacks all animals, but more often swine. Treat- 
ment is wholly preventive in destroying rats and mice, where pigs are kept, 
and in not feeding flesh to swine. Trichinous meat should be burned. 

Tuberculosis. 

In order of frequency affects Cattle, Birds, Swine, Cats, Goats, Horses, 
Sheep and Dogs. 

Most animals are infected by the bovine type of B. tuberculosis. Dogs 
and cats are susceptible to the human type of bacillus. Infections occur 
through the digestive and respiratory tracts, and extend by the lymphatics 
— sometimes by the blood stream (leucocytes) or by continuity — and bacteria 
often penetrate a part without producing lesions at the point of entry. 
Tuberculosis is acquired by the bacilli in the nasal and uterine discharge 
and feces of patients, infecting the water, fodder and dust of a barn; also- 
through the young feeding on milk from tuberculous animals. Crowding, 
poor ventilation and poor nutrition favor the disease. Tuberculosis is not 
usually inherited, but the tendency to it is; the young are most susceptible; 
some six months' habitation in infected surroundings may be required for 
the disease to be acquired by the previously healthy. 

Treatment — This is rarely advisable in animals, since it is so often un- 
successful and because the existence of the disease threatens the life of 
other animals, and man through diseased meat, milk, and — in the case of 
cats and dogs — through their sputum. An outdoor life, day and night, 
together with highly nutritious diet, may lead to recovery and is the most 
hopeful and successful form of treatment for animals, as for man. Prophy- 
laxis is secured by an outdoor life, or one in clean, well-ventilated and 
uninfected stables. Milk from tuberculous animals should be boiled before 
it is fed to hogs or other animals. The sick should be isolated and killed, 
or Bang's segregation method may be used. Cows showing marked physical 
signs of tuberculosis should be killed — particularly of the lungs, uterus and 
udder. Animals reacting to tuberculin test should be isolated; their calves 
removed to separate farm, barn, or partitioned portion of same barn. 
Calves fed from mother on day of birth, thereafter on boiled milk from 
same, or milk from healthy cows. Two sets of employees if possible. If 
not, then the healthy animals should be first tended, and the overalls and 
shoes should be changed before tending the tuberculous. Also there must 
be separate utensils for the healthy and tuberculous. The healthy and 
sick should be separated in pasture. The healthy animals must be tuber- 
culin tested as usual. The infected barn should be washed and cleaned 
and sprayed with 3% formalin, or 1-500 corrosive sublimate solution, on 



748 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

the walls, floors, and feed boxes; the floors should be covered with quick- 
lime; and the premises then disinfected with formalin or sulphur vapor. 
The tuberculin test must be applied to all newly-bought animals, before 
they are included in the herd, and the whole herd should be tuberculin- 
tested every 3 months until no animals react. Raw milk from tuberculous 
cows is unfit for food and is a means of transmitting the disease to man, 
especially to infants. Von Behring's Bovovaccine — of dry, living, tubercle 
bacilli of the human type — appears to confer immunity, for a more or less 
indefinite period, in cattle. It is indicated for injection into young ani- 
mals, as a preventive agent, when tuberculosis is prevalent in a herd. 
Its value is still a matter for the future to determine. 

Tympanites, Acute (in Cattle and Sheep). 

Gaseous distension of the rumen is common in sudden changes of diet 
from dry fodder to clover or lush grass. Perforin active massage of the 
left flank. Pass a stomach tube. To stimulate peristalsis, throw a stream 
of cold water against the left flank, and give compound spirit of ether, 
internally. With increasing distension, plunge a knife, or. better, a trocar 
and canula, into the most prominent part of the left flank, midway be- 
tween the angle of the hip and last rib. Compress the tissues about the 
canula., to prevent gas and food from entering the tissues. The canula 
may be left in place 24 to 48 hours and the animal should receive but 
little food — hay and bran mash. If the rumen is impacted, see Indigestion. 

Udder, Inflammation of. See Mastitis. 

Ulcers. 

Wounds with general tendency to break down (necrosis) and suppurate 
rather than to heal. These include ulcers at point of ear (dogs) and point 
of ta,il ( cattle and dogs ) . 

Ulcers in hind legs of horses, associated with swelling and general de- 
bility. 

Gangrenous ulcers, carbuncle of coronet or foot rot in horses — from injury, 
special infection and frost bite about the coronary region. 

Indolent ulcer about the coronet of old horses. 

Corneal ulcers and stomatitis ulcers in dogs and other animals. 

Ulcers due to carcinoma of the skin (horses and dogs) ; to tuberculosis, 
actinomycosis and glanders in horses. 

Decubitus, or ulcers due to pressure in lying down. 

Ulcers due to treads on coronet and to pressure of collar and saddle on 
the neck and withers. 

Treatment — In general, the treatment consists in destroying and removing 
the unhealthy necrotic tissue and substituting in its place a healthy wound. 
For this purpose we use the actual cautery, curette, scissors, knife or 
caustics, as in the case of gangrenous ulcers. For less urgent cases we 
may apply the stick lunar caustic, tine, iodine, phenol, or strong solutions 
of mercuric bichloride, formalin (10 per cent.), or zinc chloride. If there 
is much surrounding inflammation and tissue to be gotten rid of by slough- 
ing, we should apply aseptic gauze soaked in 2 per cent, lysol and covered 
with waterproof and bandage till sloughing has proceeded and inflammation 
subdued. Then we may dress with Peru balsam, or stimulating and anti- 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 740 

septic powder, as calomel and iodoform. For ulcers due to specific diseases 
see names of those diseases. Removal of cause of irritation is essential, 
as of foreign body or dead tissue. Rest of the part is also requisite, as- 
bandaging or ear-cap in case of ulcer of the ear in dogs. 

Umbilical Infection. 

Foals, calves and lambs. Due to streptococci, staphylococci, colon bacilli, 
B. necrophorouS; etc. Prevention. Segregate cows about to calve. Excise 
cord aseptically and ligate. Swab stump with tincture of iodine and cover 
with salicylic acid and starch (1 to 4 ) . Clean surroundings and bedding. 
If navel necrotic do not ligate cord but cut away dead tissue and syringe 
navel sinus daily with 2 per cent, lysol solution, being careful not to force 
it through urachus into bladder. With persistent urachus inject saturated 
solution of alum and boric acid containing 2 per cent, phenol. Udder 
and perineum of mother kept clean so that suckling will not swallow 
necrophorous or colon bacilli. 

A vaccine made from navel exudate will prevent if given to a new-born, 
and sometimes 10 c.c. of antistreptococcus serum given within 24 hours 
of birth will prevent when disease enzootic. Septic arthritis often follows. 
Disinfect premises used for parturition before a new animal is admitted. 

Urethritis- in Doos. 

Associated with Balanitis very often. 

At first give cathartic and light diet of milk and bread, and enforce rest. 
Foment frequently with hot saturated boric acid solution and inject hot 2 
per cent, solution of the same into the urethra. Internally, give tine, 
hyoscyamus (m.x-xx) and sweet spirit of nitre (m.xxx) with potassium 
citrate (gr.xv) in solution thrice daily. After subsidence of more acute 
symptoms, inject 1 per cent, solution of zinc sulphate and lead acetate in 
combination or use 5 per cent, argyrol solution; or silver nitrate solution 
(1-16,000 to 1-4,000). Use boiled, soft-rubber* catheter, if there is urethral 
obstruction. Obstruction from swelling of urethra, or urethral stone, may 
require perineal section. 

ITeinary Retention and Incontinence. 

If retention is due to spasm of the sphincter, as in colic, then the ap- 
plication of hot fomentations to the loins, morphine and atropine under 
the skin, or warni baths in small animals, will relieve. Pressure on the 
bladder through the rectum, or the use of the catheter, are most rapidly 
effective in horses. If retention of urine is due to stone in the ischial 
region or S curve of the urethra in oxen, then massage it out; do ure- 
throtomy; or slaughter before the bladder ruptures and absorption of urine 
spoils the meat. In sheep with urethral stone, massage the urethra and 
excise the spiral filament at the end of the penis ; or slaughter. In retention 
from phimosis, paraphimosis, and stone in the bladder, circumcision, incision 
of the sheath, and cystotomy are respectively indicated. Stone in the bladder 
in sheep and cattle may be prevented by giving sodium bicarbonate with the 
food and allowing water at the animal's constant disposal; and this gen- 
erally is necessary in fattening. ( See Calculus. ) Retention of urine from 
paralysis of the detrusor muscles, in nervous disease, may be overcome by 
the use of strychnine and remedies combating the primary disorder. 



750 EPITOME OF MODERN" TREATMENT OF 

Urinary incontinence may be caused by paralysis of the sphincter muscle 
of the bladder from prolonged retention of urine; or from obstruction by 
stones and new growths in the bladder. In paretic conditions, the admin- 
istration of strychnine, alternate injections into the bladder of cold and 
hot water, and treatment indicated for general debility are in order. 

Urticaria, Nettlerasi-i, Surfeit, Hives. 

In Horses, Cattle, Pigs and Dogs. 

Due to external irritation by nettles; bites of insects, fleas and lice; 
chemicals, and sudden cooling of the skin. Also to irritants within the 
body — as products of indigestion and toxins from infections, pregnancy, 
rheumatism, and hemoglobinemia ; and to specific foods and medicines. 

Treatment — Give a purge — H., aloes; C, Epsom salts and calomel; swine, 
calomel; dogs, the same, or two to three compound cathartic pills. Ex- 
ternally, bathe with saleratus and water (§i-Oii), or vinegar, pure or 
diluted. Sanitas ( 1 to 2 ) and terebene ( 1 to 8 ) in water, are also beneficial. 

Ute:rine Inertia and Subinvolution. 

Give fluidextract of ergot in full dose thrice daily for two or three weeks, 
and it may well be combined with a moderate dose of quinine sulphate. 
In subinvolution or hypertrophy of the womb following labor, the use of 
hot vaginal injections also aids the action of ergot in restoring a normal 
condition. 

Vaginitis and Yulvo- Vaginitis. 

Due to infection of injured parts after labor; to the action of strong 
injections or foreign bodies; and a third form to infection from the bull. 
Croupous vaginitis is sometimes seen as a variety of puerperal infection. 
In the acute stage, with swelling of the vulva and inflammation and dis- 
charge from the vagina,, anoint the vulva with carbolized vaseline and 
inject sodium bicarbonate solution (§ss-Oi) through a sterile, perforated, 
soft-rubber tube. If there are lacerations in the vagina, it should be irri- 
gated with 1 per cent, lysol solution and the vagina filled with dry boric 
acid and packed with sterile gauze. Renew the dressings frequently. After 
the subsidence of the acute stage, inject zinc or copper sulphate solution 
(of either, 3i-Oi) twice daily. An occasional swabbing of the vagina with 
freshly made 5 per cent, argyrol is also beneficial. Examine the vagina 
with a speculum, as a vaginal discharge may arise from the uterus. 

Vaginitis, Infectious Granular of Cattlei. 

Cows, urinary frequency and straining, thin vaginal discharge; swelling, 
congestion of vulva and vagina. Gray coat on vagina through which 
minute, red, and later translucent, follicles seen. In bulls some balanitis. 
Sterility abortion, nymphomania, loss of milk in cows; often sterility in 
bulls. May last for months. 

Prevention. 1. Segregate the sick and kill cows with uterine infection. 
2. Examine cattle for disease before purchase. 3. Infected bulls not per- 
mitted to serve cows. Service not allowed before 10 weeks in cows, or 
8 weeks in bulls, after onset of disease. Wash penis of bulls with 1 qt. 
1 per cent, lysol after service where disease prevails. 4. Daily cleanliness 
and use of chlorinated lime on floors, with destruction of infected utensils. 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 751 

5. Wash hind quarters with soap and antiseptic solution daily. Give daily 
injection 2% per cent, solution of liq. cresolis co., followed by insertion 
of 10 per cent, lysol ointment (3iiss) by syringe or capsule in cows, and 
apply 6 per cent, ointment of same to penis in bulls. Use the ointment 
daily for 5 days, every other day for 10 days, then every third day for a 
month. Clip hair of sheath in bull and syringe daily with lysol solution 
before using ointment. Over-strong solutions aggravate condition. Vaginitis 
and Anovulvitis in Cows and Heifers, with yellow, cheesy necrotic patches 
due to B. necrophorous and enzootic — Segregate sick, give 2 per cent, lysol 
vaginal injections, clean and disinfect premises with 5% phenol solution. 

Varicose Veins. 

Permanent dilatations of veins. 

Very rare in the domestic animals. Treatment — Support by bandage. 
Radical cure can only be obtained by excision of the vein or double ligation, 
at either end of dilatation. 

Variola. Pox of Sheep, Cattle, Swine:, Dogs, Birds and Mon- 
keys. 

Caused by a protozoan Cytoryctes variolae (?), found in the skin of man 
(smallpox), sheep and cattle. Sheep pox is the most common and im- 
portant disease — Variola Ovina. It is not readily communicable to man 
but occasionally to dogs, swine and goats. Variola in sheep is highly in- 
fectious and very fatal (90 per cent.). In sheep pox, slaughter of the sick 
and exposed animals and thorough disinfection of the infected premises 
are essential. Infection may last for six months in the infected premises, 
and for six weeks about sheep after their recovery from variola. The sheep 
— on recovery — should therefore be dipped in 2 per cent, creolin or lysol 
solution. Ovination, or inoculation of sheep with the virus of sheep pox, 
has been done with greatly varying mortality (from 2 to 20 per cent.). 
Inoculation from an already inoculated sheep, by means of the virus 
taken from a pustule at the tenth day, and introduced into the tail of a 
healthy sheep, will produce immunity without eruption. No inoculations 
must be made until variola breaks out in a flock, or the disease may be 
spread by the process. Medical treatment includes cleanliness of surround- 
ings and bedding; warm shelter; fresh air; soft and nourishing food. The 
nostrils and eyes should be cleaned with saturated boric acid solution; and 
chalk may be put in the drinking water, if diarrhea is present. 

Cow pox and horse pox appear to arise from contact of healthy animals 
with variolous or vaccinated persons. Cow pox therefore usually occurs in 
cows; occasionally in bulls, oxen and young stock. Cow pox is very rare 
and valuable in providing a source of vaccine lymph. The use of a milking 
tube; frequent hot fomentations; and measures advised for mastitis are 
indicated, when the udder is inflamed. 

In horse pox, clip the hair and cleanse and bathe the parts with 2 per 
cent, lysol solution, and apply wet compresses of the same. In later stages, 
the use of carbolized vaseline is to be recommended. 

Verminous Bronchitis. See Bronchitis. 



752 epitome of modern treatment oe 

Vertigo. Megrims. Blind Staggers in the Horse. 

Occasionally seen in Dogs, Pigs, Cattle and Sheep. 

Cover the eyes with a blanket; remove harness about the neck; and walk 
the animal about. Also throw cold water forcibly over the head. Cerebral 
congestion from pressure on the neck, or from short over-draw check, from 
overheating, and from chronic lung or heart disease, may cause it. Cerebral 
anemia or general anemia may induce the disorder. A strong glare of light 
affecting the eyes, foreign bodies in the ears, and perhaps indigestion, may 
induce megrims. Often it is an inexplicable neurosis. If cause can be 
discovered, it should be remedied, if possible. Animals may often be ridden 
without danger of an attack (which would appear if they were driven). 
Certain blinders favor the disorder. Regular and hard exercise is often 
beneficial. Following a seizure, give an aloes ball. 

Vesicular Exanthema. See Maladie du Colt. 

VlLLITIS. CoRONITIS (In HORSES). 

Inflammation of the coronet with heat, bulging and tenderness of the 
coronet; and brittle, striated appearance of hoof. If severe, separation of 
the hoof may occur. Remove shoes and enforce rest, with bran and flaxseed 
poultice to the forefeet. With the subsidence of acute symptoms, apply 
fly blister to the coronet. May work with bar shoes, or the animal may 
be sent to pasture if recovery is not rapid, but wet pastures or standing 
in water and snow are often responsible for the disease. 

Volvulus or Twist of the Bowel. See Colic. 

Twist of the pelvic flexure of the colon in the horse is often mistaken 
for enteritis. Death from colic is more often death from twist. Pelvic 
flexure absent from proper position in left flank by rectal examination. 
Eserine subcutaneously is the most successful treatment. 

May reduce by rectal manipulation. If this is unsuccessful, one may do 
a laparotomy. 

Warbles. Hypodermosis (In Cattle., Rarely in Horses, at 
Pasture). Caused by Hypoderma lineata. 

Prophylaxis — Prevent gadflies from lighting on cattle by the use of 
covers, by the application of Stockholm tar, and by spraying 3 per cent, 
creolin solution on the skin; also by thorough brushing to remove the eggs 
laid on the skin. Injection of kerosene into the openings of the swellings 
on the skin, by means of a machinist's oil can (when done at the earliest 
moment) lea,ds to killing the larvae and subsidence of the swellings. Other- 
wise there is nothing to do but gently express the larvae when they are 
ready to escape. Incision of the swellings is undesirable. 

Warts. Verrucae:. Papillomata. 

In young animals on the belly, prepuce, mammae, lips, eyelids, ears, 
mouth and vagina (bitches) ; and about the fetlocks (grapes) in horses. 
They should be removed by excision with scissors, or the knife. Torsion 
and ligature are also employed. Strong acetic or nitric acid may be ap- 
plied to small growths, but are not so certain as scissors and should never 
be used about the mouth or eyes. Warty growths of the lids are apt to 
become malignant and should be removed with a free elliptical incision; 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



753 



also warts on the penis should be freely removed with seizors and their 
base cauterized with strong nitric acid. The actual cautery may be em- 
ployed, as in grapes. , 

Weed. See Lymphangitis. 
Whistling. See Roaring. 
Wind Galls. 

This condition is a tenosynovitis and hygroma of the sheath of the 
perforatus behind the metacarpus. See Tenosynovitis. 

Wind-Sucking. Crib-Biting in Horses. 

Cover stable fixtures with metal and give so much work that vicious 
habits will not be acquired. The use of a muzzle or spiked strap about 
the larynx may sometimes prevent wind-sucking. Avoid any articles which 
can be bitten; feed off the ground, or remove manger after feeding. Cut 
hay and grain with an ounce of carron oil are indicated in tympany. Iso- 
lation of wind suckers is advisable, to avoid acquisition of the trick by 
other animals. 

Withers. Fistulous. See Fistula. 

Worms. See Parasites, Intestinal. 

Wounds. 

Simple Operative Wounds — The hair should be shaven from the surround- 
ing area. The simplest, and as effective as any method of skin sterilization 
is the application of tincture of iodine to the dry skin, or the following 
may be used. The skin should be washed with green soap and water, with 
50 per cent, alcohol and finally with pure ether or, better, Harrington's 
solution. The operator's hands should be cleansed likewise and covered 
with rubber gloves. The wound should be handled as little as may be. 
All hemorrhage must be arrested. If the wound is deep, it should be 
closed by layers of buried catgut sutures, the skin by silk-worm gut sutures 
(interrupted). Drainage should be avoided unless the conditions are very 
unfavorable. Cover the wound with drp aseptic gauze and bandage. Se- 
cure rest by splints if possible. Leave dressings in place for a week or 
two, unless they become soiled and displaced. 

Accidental Wounds — If the wound is fresh, arrest hemorrhage by suture; 
hot (or even boiling) water; ice water; actual cautery, in very vascular 
or deep seated parts, using a dull- red, heat; rubber tourniquet; acupressure; 
pressure by fingers or hemostatic forceps; torsion; or chemicals — as adren- 
alin solution. If hemorrhage not severe or after bleeding arrested, cover 
wound with sterile gauze and shave or clip hair from surrounding area 
without the use of water. Cleanse skin with gasoline or ether. Then re- 
move dirt from wound with sterile gauze or scissors and forceps, and also 
loose tissue. Swab wound and then surrounding skin with pure tincture 
of iodine and apply dry sterile gauze. Divided structures, as tendons, 
nerves and muscles, should be sutured with sterile, iodized catgut. If the 
surroundings are favorable and the wound can be bandaged, it should be 
closed as an operative wound without drainage. If the wound is deep, 
and the conditions unfavorable, drainage by a sterile rubber tube placed 



754 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT OF 

into the deeper parts of the wound, and the rest of the wound sutured — ■ 
should be the rule. It is always easy to reopen a wound and remove 
sutures, if infection occurs, but to secure a first intention is impossible 
when the wound has become generally infected. The first dressing should 
always be retained as long as possible to avert infection. If the wound 
becomes infected employ vaccines. 

Bier's Hyperemia Treatment. — In human surgery no new method of treat- 
ment has proved so valuable as this within the last decade in which it has 
been used. Bier's treatment depends upon hyperemia produced artificially. 
Active hyperemia is brought about by heat, as hot air, etc. Passive hy- 
peremia is secured by suction, as cupping and „the use of other suction 
apparatus, and also by placing an elastic ligature about a part sufficiently 
tight to prevent the return of venous blood, but not so tight as to obstruct 
the arterial inflow. This latter method is the one which has recently been 
employed in veterinary surgery and is the method we will describe. 

Bier finds that passive hyperemia is useful in infections and inflammations 
— particularly of limbs and joints — because of the following actions: 1. 
Bactericidal effect. 2. Relief of pain. 3. Resolution of inflammatory de- 
posits and relief of stiffness in joints. 4. Arrest of absorption of toxins 
into circulation. 5. Shortening or aborting infections. 

Methods of application. — A rubber Esmarch bandage, about 3 inches wide 
and 5 feet long, is wound about the limb of a horse tight enough to pro- 
duce a warm edema below the bandage. The bandage is kept in place 20 
hours out of the 24, in severe cases; or 10 hours in the 24, in milder in- 
fections. Just how tight to apply the bandage is not possible to describe. 
In the human, relief of pain and a red edema is the desideratum. In the 
horse the chief point is to avoid producing a cold limb because of too 
great constriction. Some animals will bite or paw and so displace the 
bandage. The rubber bandage should have tapes sewn on each end, and is 
wrapped about the limb and kept sufficiently tight by tying the two tapes 
together. The bandage is placed in the fore limb on the forearm above the 
chestnut one day, and the next below the knee (on the metacarpus), and 
so shifted from day to day. In the hind limb the bandage is placed one 
day about the middle of the tibia, and the next day below the hock. It 
should always be placed as far distally from the lesion as possible, but in 
the horse it can not be affixed at groin and axilla., as in man. The position 
of the bandage is shifted from day to day to avoid necrosis of the 
skin. It is well to protect the rubber by a cloth bandage over it. If the 
infection is of the knee or hock, the constriction must be above these points. 

The bandage should be applied at the earliest stage of infection to se- 
cure the best results. Then edema may be expected from the bandage, but, 
in later stages, edema may not occur, and if this is the case the treatment 
is of little service. If the treatment is successful either pus will not form 
and resolution occur, or else it will be necessary to make but small in- 
cisions to liberate pus, and the course of the condition should be much 
shortened. The treatment is only applicable to cases which can be under 
frequent observation in order that the obstruction produced by the bandage 
may be regulated. Placing the finger under the bandage after its applica- 
tion mil give one an idea of the amount of pressure, and observation of 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 755 

the limb will show one if the result is obtained — edema, but warmth in 
the distal parts, with apparent relief of pain. The turns of the elastic 
bandage should spread over some area, of skin and not be applied one over 
the other. 

The appropriate conditions in veterinary practice for Bier's hyperemia 
include the following: Infections of the sheaths of tendons and about tlie 
feet from injuries, punctures, etc.; joint infections and stiff joints, in- 
cluding rheumatic joints. These embrace purulent tenosynovitis and ar- 
thritis, and phlegmons about the hoof in horses. A wet antiseptic dressing 
may be applied loosely over the point of infection. It is yet to be proved 
of how much value this method is in veterinary practice, although many 
favorable reports have been made. In human surgery its value is beyond 
cavil. 

Infected and contused wounds should be treated by the application of 
aseptic gauze soaked in 2 per cent, creolin, covered with oil silk and 
bandage and renewed each day, until the septic condition has been some- 
what overcome. The use of a mixed vaccine, at the outset may greatly 
shorten the period of healing. Unhealthy granulations are treated by ap- 
plications of lunar caustic and stimulant, antiseptic remedies, as Peruvian 
balsam or carbolic acid in glycerin (1-10 — 16). A bandage should always 
be employed when possible. Otherwise, healing may be had under a scab 
by the application of tannin, silver nitrate stick, or 10 per cent, formalin; 
or the wound may be kept covered with an ointment of 10 per cent, boric 
acid in vaseline. Sometimes, if one trims off all septic tissue and disinfects 
the wound with tincture of iodine, or pure carbolic acid, followed by alcohol 
and free irrigation with 2 per cent, lysol solution, it may be possible to 
secure first intention by suture of an old wound. In veterinary practice, 
asepsis is difficult to obtain, as the application and retention of bandages, 
the attainment of rest of a part by position and splint, and a pure atmos- 
phere and premises, are often unattainable. But when possible, particularly 
in canine practice, the methods of human surgery should be closely fol- 
lowed. If a fresh wo and is much soiled, it may be treated with pure 
tincture of iodine, as above. 

Perforating Wounds of the Abdomen — The surrounding region should be 
prepared by shaving and disinfection of the skin, as described for operative 
wounds. If there is protrusion of the viscera, it should be protected mean- 
while by a covering of sterile gauze wrung out in hot water. If omentum 
prolapse, it should be ligated and excised. If there is a protrusion of 
bowel, it must be cleansed by the most painstaking and prolonged irrigation 
with warm (110 deg. F. ) sterile normal salt solution (1 teaspoonful of 
sodium chloride to the pint of boiled water), and then returned into the 
belly. The abdominal wall should be closed in layers with buried sterile, 
chromic or tannated catgut; the skin may be approximated by interrupted 
silkworm gut sutures, while sutures of silkworm gut should be placed 
through all layers — except the peritoneum — at several points, to reinforce 
the catgut and prevent hernia. The wound may be sealed with iodoform 
and collodion (1 to 8) and covered with dry aseptic gauze held in place 
flrv adhesive plaster and bandage. 



756 DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 

Punctured Wounds — Hemorrhage may be arrested by pressure of an 
aseptic tampon of gauze, after the external wound has been shaved and 
thoroughly disinfected with tincture of iodine. If signs of local inflam- 
mation and infection occur, then one must incise the wound down to its 
lowest point and drain. 

, Gunshot Wounds — The chief indication is to disinfect thoroughly the 
wound of entrance with tincture of iodine and cover with a dry, sterile, 
gauze dressing and bandage, and enforce rest so far as possible. Do not 
probe or try to remove the bullet unless it is subcutaneous. If local and 
general infection ensue, then incision becomes necessary to afford drainage, 
but not for the purpose of discovering the missile. 

Joint Wounds — Here application of tincture of iodine to the wound and 
surrounding skin with immediate sealing of the wound with iodoform and 
collodion (1-8), actual cautery, or suture, and the application of splints, 
antiseptic dressing, and bandaging, are indicated. 

See also Ulcers, Open Joints, Bites and Babies. 

The following agents are used in the treatment of wounds, and their 
indications may be found by consulting the index for their names. Hydrogen 
dioxide, lime and charcoal, alum, silver nitrate, potassium permanganate, 
mercuric oxides, corrosive sublimate, resin, naphthalin, chloral, chlorinated 
soda, chlorinated lime, iodoform, iodol, aristol, acetanilid, bismuth, salol, 
boric acid, sulphurous acid, nitric acid, charcoal, carbolic acid, creosote, 
creolin, lysol, formalin, glutol, vaseline, salicylic acid, tar, balsam of Peru, 
benzoin, myrrh, eucalyptol, zinc sulphate, conium, laudanum, oil of tur- 
pentine, camphor, thymol, hydrastis, tincture of aloes and myrrh, collodion,, 
glycerite of tannin, cantharides, antiseptic poultices. 



GENERAL INDEX* 



PAGE 

Abbreviations 78 

Abiet'ic acid 459 

Ablution 634 

Absorbent cotton 566 

Absorption of drugs 3 

Absorption through skin 9 

Aca'cia 545 

Accelerating apparatus, drugs act- 
ing on 29 

Ace'ta 70 

Acetan'ilid 293 

Acetanili'dum 29^. 

Ace'tic acid 245 

diluted 246 

glacial 246 

Acetphenet'idin 293 

Acetphenetidi'num 293 

Ac'etyl salicyl'icum 449 

Acid, ace'tic 245 

diluted 246 

glacial 246 

arse'nous 206 

solution of 207 

benzo'ic 463-466 

borac'ic 252 

bo'ric 252 

carbol'ic 297 

crude 297 

cit'ric 247 

syrup of 247 

gal'lic 526, 530 

hydriod'ic 230 

syrup of 230 

hydrocyan'ic, diluted 313 

hydrochlo'ric 242 

diluted 242 

lae'tic 247 

muriat'ic 242 

ni'tric 244 

diluted 244 

nitrohvdrochlo'ric 244 

diluted 245 

nitromuriat'ic 244 

phosphor'ic 245 

diluted 245 

salicyl'ic 444 

sulphu'ric 243 



PAGE 

Acid, sulphu'ric, diluted 243 

aromatic 243 

sulphu'rous or sul'phurous . . . 240 

tann'ic 521 

tann'ic 527 

Acids 17, 242 

Ac'idum acet'icum 245 

dilu'tum 246 

glacia'le 246 

arseno'sum 206 

benzo'icuni 462-465 

bo'ricum 252 

carbol'icum 297 

cru'dum 297 

liquefact'um 298 

chrysophan'icum 10, 11, 514 

cit'ricum 247 

gall'icum 526-530 

hydriod'icum 230 

hydrochlo'ricum 242 

dilu'tum 242 

hydrocyan'icum dilu'tum .... 313 

lac'ticum 247 

mecon'icum 322 

ni'tricum 244 

dilu'tum . .c 244 

nitrohydrochlo'ricum 244 

dilu'tum 245 

pic'ricum 251 

phosphor'icum 245 

phosphor'icum dilu'tum 245 

salicyl'icum 444 

sulphur'icum 243 

dilu'tum 243 

aromat'icum 243 

sulphuro'sum 240 

tan'nicum 521 

tartar'icum 246 

Ac'onine 418 

Ac'onite 418 

Aconiti'na 418 

ni'tras 418 

Acon'itine 418 

nitrate 418 

Aconi'tum 418 

Ac'orin 504 

Ac'rinyl sulphocy'anide 467 



The accented syllable is indicated by the sign '. 

T57 



758 



GENERAL INDEX 



PAGE 
Action of drugs — 

cumulative 4, 410 

influenced by — 

time given 12 

habit 13 

disease 13 

idiosyncrasy 13 

mode of 2 

on animals compared with 

man 11 

on horses compared with other 

animals 11 

on pigs and dogs 12 

on ruminants 12 

Action of heat contrasted with 

cold 642 

Actual cautery 630 

Ad'eps 577-578 

benzoina'tus 464, 578 

la'nse 579 

Ad'juvant 80 

Administration of drugs 6, 12 

Adre'nalin chlo'ride 569 

^Ether 268 

^thylis chloridum 320 

African pepper 475 

Albaspid'in 549 

Al'cohol 257 

absolute 258 

absolu'tum 258 

amyl'ic 259 

amyrieum 259 

deod'oratum 259 

diluted 258 

dilu'tum 258 

ethyl 257 

ethyl'icum 257 

phe'nyl 297 

Ale 261 

Alkaline earths 145 

metals 117 

Alkaloi'dea 64 

Alkaloids 64 

Al'lyl sulphide 485 

Al'lyl sulphocy'anide 468 

Al'ce or al'oe 504 

barbaden'sis 505 

capen'sis 505 

socotri'na 505 

Al'oin 506 

Alterative 54 

Althse'a 546 

Al'um 157 

ammonio ferric 58 

burnt 158 

exsicca'ted 158 

potas'sium 157 



PAGE 

Alu'men 157 

exsicca'tum 158 

us'tum 158 

Alu'mina hydra'ted 158 

Alu'mini hy'dras 158 

hydrox'idum 158 

sul'phas 159 

Alu'minum 157 

hydrate 158 

hydroxide 158 

sulphate 159 

and potassium sulphate 157 

APypine 397 

American hellebore 422 

Ammo'nia, aromatic spirit of 141 

liniment 138 

spirit of 138 

aromatic 141 

water 137 

stronger 138 

Ammoniated mercury 198 

Ammoniated mercury ointment... 198 

Ammo'nii ben'zoas 465 

bromid'um 223 

carbo'nas 140 

chlo'ridum 142 

val'eras 483 

Ammonio ferric alum 58 

Ammo'nium 137 

acetate, solution of 143 

benzoate 465 

car'bonate 140 

chlo'ride 142 

ich'thyol sul'phonate 587 

val'eras 4HH 

Amyg'dalin 544 

Am'ylis ni'tris 283 

Am'yl ni'trite 283 

Amyl'ic al'cohol 259 

Amylop'sin 583 

Am'ylum 566 

Ansesthe'sia 276 

dangers of 277 

practical 280 

primary 275, 278 

uses of 282 

general 35 

local 38 

Analge'sics 35, 292 

Anaphrodis'iacs 52 

Anatomy influencing the action of 

drugs 11 

Anhydrot'ics 60 

An'ise 479 

oil 480 

spirit of 480 

water 480 



GENERAL INDEX 



759 



PAGE 

Ani'si fru'ctus 480 

Ani'sum 479 

An'odyne, Hoffman's 269 

An'odynes 35 

local 38 

Antac'ids 16 

Anthrax vac'cine 680 

Anthelmin'tics 61 

Antidote, arsenic 186 

Antidotes 606 

Anti-emetics 20 

Antifeb'rin 293 

Antigalact'agogues 54 

Antimo'nii et potas'sii tar'tras... 212 
Antimony and potassium tartrate. 212 

Antimony, tartrated 212 

wine of 213 

Antiparsit'ics 62 

Antiphlogistine 639 

Antipyret'ics 54, 292 

Antipyri'na 293 

Antisep'sis, surgical 649 

Antiseptics 18, 60, 643 

Antisial'agogues 14 

Antispasmodics 482 

Antistreptococ'cic serum 667 

Antitox'in 664 

antistrangles 667 

influenza 667 

tetanus 662 

Aphrodis'iacs 51 

Apomorphin'se hydrochlo'ridum . . . 337 

Apomorphine hydroclo'ride 337 

Apore'tin 514 

Aq'ua 69, 113 

ammo'nise . . . 137 

for'tior 138 

ani'si 480 

cam'phorse 491 

chloroform'i 272 

destilla'ta 113 

hamamel'idis 537 

hydroge'nii diox'idum 115 

men'thse piperi'tse 478 

men'thse vir'idis 479 

Aq'uas 69 

Ar'abin 473, 545, 546 

Ar'abic acid 545 

Aracaid'ine 550 

Ar'achin 538 

Araro'ba powder 516 

Are'ca 550 

nut <. . 550 

Are'caine 550 

Arec'oline 550 

hydrobro'mide 550 



PAGE 

Argen'ti cyan'idum 167, 318 

io'didum 167 

ni'tras 166 

ni'tras dilutus 167 

ni'tras fu'sus 167 

ox'idum 167, 168 

Argen'tum 166 

Ar'gyrol 170 

Ar'istol 234 

Aristo'lum 239 

Aromatic bitters 15 

oils_ 65, 451 

spirit of ammonia 141 

Aromatics 15 

Ar'seni triox'idum 206 

Ar'senic 206 

administration of 212 

antidote 183, 210 

Fowler's solution of 207 

triox'ide 206 

white 206 

Ar'senous or arse'nous acid 206 

solution of 207 

Ar'senum or arse'num 206 

Artificial feeding 624 

Asafet'ida 585 

Asafcet'ida 585 

Asepsis, means of procuring 644 

surgical 649 

Aspar'agine 500, 543, 547 

Aspi'din 548 

Aspi'dinin 548 

Aspi'dium 548 

As'pidol 549 

As'pirin 449 

Astringents 57 

Atox'yl 207 

Atropi'na 341 

Atropi'nse sulphas 342 

At'ropine 341 

At'ropine sul'phate 342 

Bacelli's treatment 302 

Bacterial filtrates 669 

Baking soda 128 

Balsam of Peru 462 

of tolu 463 

of fir 458 

Bal'sama 65 

Balsams 6,5 

Bal'samum Peruvia'num 462 

Toluta'num . 463 

Balls 72 

Barba'does al'oes 505 

Barbal'oin 505 

Ba'rii chlo'ridum 152 



760 



GENERAE INDEX 



PAGE 

Ba'rium 152 

Ba'rium chlo'ride 152 

Baros'min 486 

Basil'icon ointment 459 

Basis ." 80 

Bas'sorin 485, 546 

Baths, cold 636 

hot 642 

local 636 

sheet 630 

Beer 261 

Belladon'na 339 

Belladon'nse fo'lia 339 

ra'dix 340 

Benzo'ic acid 462-465 

Ben'zoinated lard 464 

Benzoi'num 464 

Benzyl'ic alcohol 463 

Benzyllc ben'zoate 463 

cin'namate 463 

Ber'berine 499, 501 

Be'ta napthol 308 

Be'tal nut or be'tel nut 550 

Bhang 355 

Bichlo'ride of mer'cury 196 

Bile, drugs acting on 23 

Bis'muth 178 

salicylate or salicylate 179 

subcarb'onate 178 

subgal'late 179 

subni'trate 179 

subsalicylate 179 

Bismu'thi subcarbo'nas 178 

subgal'las 179 

subni'tras 179 

subsalic'ylas 179 

Bismu'thum 178 

Bitters 15 

Black mustard 467 

wash 204 

Black-leg vac'cine 677 

Bleaching powder 220 

Bleeding 650 

local 653 

Blister beetles 574 

Blistering collo'dion 568 

Blood, drugs acting on 28 

vessels, drugs acting on 32 

Blue mass 194 

pill 194 

stone 176 

ointment 194 

vitriol 176 

Bodily heat, drugs influencing... 54 

Bo'li 72 

Bo'luses 72 



PAGE 

Bone Black 255 

Borac'ic acid 252 

Bo'rax 253 

Bo'ric acid 252 

Boroglyc'eride, solution of 253 

Boroglyc'erin, gly'cerite of 253 

Brain, drugs acting on 34 

Brandy 259 

Braye'ra 551 

Bro'mides 223 

Bro'mine 222 

Bro'mum 222 

Bronchial tubes, drugs influencing 

the 41 

Bronchial spasm 46 

Bru'cine 363 

Buc'co . 486 

Bu'chu 4186 

Bu'chu camphor 486 

Buckthorn 511, 512 

Burgundy pitch 457 

plaster 458 

Burnt alum 158 

Butter of caca'o 567 

Caca'o butter 567 

Cade, oil of 460 

Caffei'na 358 

citra'ta 359 

Caffeine, cit'rated 359 

Cal'abar bean 372 

Calab'arine 372 

Cal'amine 173, 503 

Cal'amus 503 

Cal'cii carbo'nas prsecipita'tus . . . . 146 

chlo'ridum 151 

hy'dras 147, 148 

phos'phas prsecipita'tus 149 

sulphas exsicca'tus 152 

Cal'cined magne'sia 156 

Cal'cium 145 

bro'mide 223 

carbonate, precipitate 146 

chlo'ride 151 

glycerophosphate 158 

hy'drate, solution of 147 

lactophos'phate, syrup of 150 

phos'phate, precipitate 149 

Calf septicemia vaccine 678 

Calisa'va bark 432 

Cal'omel 196 

Calum'ba 499 

Calum'bic acid 499 

Calum'bin 499 

Calx 147 

chlorina'ta 220 



GENERAL INDEX 



761 



C99 

'Cambo'gia °"- J 

Cam'phor 490 

Cam'phora 490 

Cam'phorated oil 491 

Cam'phor gum 490 

laurel 490 

monobro'mated 491 

Cannabin'don 35t> 

Can'nabene 355 

Can'nabin 355 

Can'nabine 355 

Cannab'inone 355 

■Can'nabis In'dian 355 

in'dica 35o 

saliva 355 

Cannabitet'anine 355 

■Canthar'ides 574 

Oanthar'idin 5 7 4 

Can'tharis 5 ' 4 

Cape al'oes 505 

•Cap'saicin 475 

Cap'sici fructus 475 

Cap'siciu 475 

•Cap'sicum • • • • 475 

Car'bo 255 

anima'lis 255 

purifica'tus 255 

lig'ni 256 

Carbol'ic ac'id 297 

Car'bon 25 5 

disul'phide 257 

Carbo'nei bisul'phidum 257 

disul'phiduni 25 1 

Car'damon 480 

Cardamo'mum 480 

Carlsbad salts 131 

Carmin'atives^ • 17 

Car'ron oil 148 

Cascar'a or cas'cara sagra'da 511 

Cas'tile soap 539 

•Cas'tor oil 510 

seeds 510 

Cataplas'ma kaoli'ni 639 

Cat'aplasms 638, 039 

Cat'echin 532 

Cat'echol 532 

Cat'echu 532 

red 532 

tannic acid 532 

Catechu'ic acid 532 

Cathar'tic acid 517 

pills, compound 19/ 

Cathar'tics 21 

Cathartoman'nit 517 

Caucasian insect powder 556 

Caus'tic, lunar • • • 16' 



PAGE 

Caus'tic, mitigated 167 

potash H8 

soda 126 

Caus'tics 57, 631 

Cay'enne pepper 475 

Cephseline 429 

Ce'ra al'ba 5 * 9 

Ce'ra Fla'va 579 

Cera'ta 72 

Ce'rates ^ 2 

Cera'tum 578 

canthar'ides 5/4 

cam'phora 491 

plumbi subaceta'tis 163 

resi'na 460 

Cer'ebral depress'ants . ••• 34 

excitants 34 

Ce'rii ox'alas 161 

Ce'rin 579 

Ce'rium 161 

ox'alate 161 

Ce'ryl alcohol 579 

Ceta'ceum 580 

Ce'tin 580 

Cetvl'ic al'cohol 580 

Chalk, drop 145 

mixture 146 

powder, compound 146 

prepared 145 

Champagne 261 

Charcoal, animal 255 

purified 255 

wood 256 

Charges 72 

Char'tse 72 

Cherry, wild 318 

Chinoi'dine 437 

Chit'tem bark 511 

Chlo'ral hydrate 2S8 

Chloral'um hydra'tum 288 

Chloretone 292 

Chlo'ride of ethyl 320 

Chlo'ride of lime 151 

Chlo'rinated lime 220 

solution of 220 

Chlo'rine 219 

water 219 

Chlo'roform 272 

lin'iment 272 

spirit 2/2 

water 272 

Chlorofor'mum 272 

purifica'tum 272 

Chlo'rum 219 

Cho'lagogues 23 

Choles'terin 578, 537 

Chrysaro'bin . . 514, 516, 517 



762 



GENERAL INDEX 



Chrysarobi'num 516 

Chrys'opkan 514, 516 

Chrysophan'ic acid 514, 516 

Chur'rus 355 

Cider 261 

Cincho'na 432 

red 435 

rubra 435 

Cincho'nse cortex 432 

Cinchonidi'na 433 

Cinckonidi'nse sul'phas 438 

Cincho'nidine 433 

sulphate 438 

Cinchoni'ninae sul'phas . 438 

Cin'chonine 433 

sulphate 438 

Cin'chonism 440 

Cinchotan'nic acid 434 

Cin'eol 471, 554 

Cinnam'ein 462 

Cinnam'ic acid 462, 463 

Circulation, drugs acting on 2S 

Cit'rated caffeine 359 

Cit'ric acid 247 

Cit'rine ointment 197 

Cit'rullin 523 

Classification 110 

Clys'ters 9, 26 

Co'ca 388 

Cocai'nse hydrochlo'ridum 388 

Co'caine or coca'ine 388 

Codei'na 326 

Cod liver oil 5S5 

Coffee 358, 359 

Colchic'eine 563 

Col'chicine 563 

Col'chicum 562 

corm 562 

seed 563 

Cold as a remedy 632 

baths 636 

drinks 637 

ene'mata 634 

Collar'gol 170 

Col'lidine 382 

Colloi'dal silver 170 

Collo'dia 72, 568 

Collo'dion 568 

blistering 568 

cantharidal 568 

flexible 568 

styptic 568 

Collodions 72, 568 

Collo'dium 568 

cantharida'tum 568 

flex'ile 568 



PAGE 

Collodium styp'ticum 568 

Colloxin 568 

Collyr'ia 78 

Col'ocyntk 523 

Colocyn'tkein 523 

Colocyn'tkin 523 

Colocyn'tkis 52S 

Colocyn'tkitin 523 

Col'opkony 459 

Colum'bo " 496 

Common salt 132 

Compound catkartic pills 197 

liquorice powder 236, 577 

powder of catecku 532. 

jal'ap 521 

powder of kino 534 

solution of iodine 225 

of chlorine 219 

syrup of squill 417 

tincture ga'mbir 532 

Confect'iones 71 

Confect'ions 71 

Conkydrine 385' 

Co'nine 384 

Coni'ninae kydrobro'mas 385 

Coni'um 384 

Convallamar'in 415' 

Convala'ria 415' 

Conval'larin 415 

Convol'vulin 522 

Copper 176 

ac'etate 178 

sul'pkate 176. 

Cop'peras 183 

Corian'der 481 

Corian'dri fru'ctus 481 

Corian'drum 481 

Co'ridine 382 

Corros'ive mereur'ic cklo'ride 19& 

Cos'moline 318 

Cotton 567 

absorbent 567 

purified 567 

root bark 561 

seed oil 538 

soluble gun 568 

Counter-irritants 56, 628 

Cous'so 551 

Cox's hive syrup 417 

Cream of tar'tar 125 

Crede's ointment , 171 

Cre'olin 306 

Creoli'num 306 

Cre'osote 304 

Creoso'tum 304 

Cre'sol 306 



GENERAL INDEX 



763 



PAGE 

Cre'ta prsepara'ta 145 

Croton oil 518 

seeds 518 

Cro'tonol 518 

Crotono'leic acid 518 

Crude carbolic acid 502 

Cryp'topin 322 

Cu'ca 388 

Cumulative action 4, 410 

Cu'pri aee'tas 178 

sul'phas 176 

Cu'pric sul'phate 176 

Cu'prum 176 

Cus'so 551 

Cutch 532 

Cy'mene 471, 490 

Dalmatian insect powder 556 

Deadly nightshade 339 

Decoc'ta 69 

Decoc'tions 69 

Definitions 1 

of drugs 2 

Del'phinine 556 

Delphinoi'dine 556 

Delphin'isine 556 

Demul'cents 58, 608 

Deo'dorants 61, 643 

Deo'dorized o'pium 323 

Deo'dorizers 61 

Der'matol 179 

Decoc'tions 69 

Diach'ylon plaster 162 

Diaphoretics 59 

Digestion 68 

Digestive organs, drugs acting on. 15 

Diges'tives 17 

Digita'lein 405 

Digitaiic acid 406 

Digita'lin 405 

Digita'lis 405 

foiia 405 

Digitalone 407 

Dig'itin 406 

Digito'nin 405 

Digitox'in 406 

Diosphe'nol 486 

Dipen'tene 453 

Disease, affecting the action of 

drugs 13 

Disinfectants 60, 643 

Disinfection, practical 648 

Displacement or percolation 67 

Dissolution, law of 34, 36, 263, 275 

Distemper vaccine 660 



PAGE 

Distil'led oils 65, 450 

water 113 

Diuretics 47 

Domestic measures 83 

Dosage 9, 589 

Dose table 589 

Double muriate of quinine and 

urea 437 

Douch'es 636 

Dover's powder 323, 431 

Dras'tics 22 

Draught 73 

Drench 73 

Dried al'um 158 

cal'cium sul'phate 152 

fer'rous sul'phate 182 

so'dium car'bonate 128 

Drop chalk 145 

Drugs acting on the — 

bodily heat 54 

blood 28 

vessels 32 

brain 33 

circulation 28 

digestive organs 14 

ears 41 

eye 39 

heart 29 

metabolism 54 

milk 53 

nerves 38 

special sense 39 

nervous system 33 

respiratory organs 41 

sexual organs 51 

skin 56 

spinal cord 37 

urinary organs 47 

Drugs, absorption of 3 

classification of 110 

cumulative action of 4, 410 

definition of 2 

destroying parasites 60 

doses of 589 

elimination of 4 

excretion of 5 

general action of 2 

influencing the composition of 

urine 50 

reaction of urine 49 

influencing secretion of sweat. 59 

local action of 2 

mode of action of 2 

mode of administration 6. 

primary action of 2 

secondary action of 2 



764: 



GENERAL INDEX 



PAGE 

Drug's, selective action of 2 

Dry heat 641 

Ears, drugs acting on 41 

Ecbol'ics 53 

Elat'erin 524 

Elateri'num 524 

Electua'ria 74 

Elec'tuaries 74 

Elimination 4 

Elix'irs 70 

Elix'ir proprieta'tis paracel'si.473, 506 

Elutria'tion 66 

Emet'ics IS 

Em'etine 429 

Emmen'agogues 52 

Em'odin 513, 514 

Emol'lients 58 

Empir'ical therapeu'ties 1 

Emplas'tra 72 

Einplas'trum 72 

adhsesivum 460 

pi'cis 459 

plum'bi 162 

resi'nse 460 

sapo'nis 439 

Emul'sa 70 

Emul'sions 70 

Emul'sum asafoet'idae 485 

En'emas 9, 26, 634, 637 

Ene'mata 9, 26, 634, 637 

Enteroc'lysis 656 

Epineph'rin 569 

Epispas'tics 630 

Epsom salt 154 

Er'got 557 

Er'got of rye 557 

Ergo'ta 557 

Er'gotin 558 

Ergot'inine 557 

Ergotox'ine 557 

Err'hines 42 

Erythor'etin 514 

Erythrox'ylon coca 388 

Escharot'ics 57, 631 

Eser'idine 372 

Es'erine 372 

salicylate 372 

sul'phate 373 

Essence of peppermint 480 

Es'sences 70 

Essent'ise 70 

Essent'ial oils 65 

E'ther 268 

ni'trous spir'it of 283 

spir'it of 269 



PAGE 

E'ther, spirit of, compound 269 

sulphu'ric 268 

Ethe'real oils 65, 452 

Eth'yl al'cohol 257 

chlo'ride 320 

ni'trite 283 

ox'ide 268' 

Eu'cain hydrochlo'rate 396 

Eucalpy'tene 470 

Eucalyp'tol 470 

Eucalyp'tus 470 

Euphor'bium 569 

Euphor'bon 569 

Evaporating solutions 637 

Excip'ients 68 

Excre'tion 5 

Expect'orants 44 

depressing 44 

stimulating 44 

Extrac'ta 70 

Ex'tracts 70 

Extrac'tum belladon'nae folio'rum. 340 

can'nabis in'dicse 356 

casca'rse sagra'dse liq'uidum . . 512 

cincho'nse 434 

digita'lis 406 

ergo'tge 558 

liq'uidum 558 

fi'licis liq'uidum 549 

gentia'nse 496 

glycyrrhi'zse liq'uidum 543 

hsematox'yli 536 

hainamel'idis liq'uidum 537 

hyoscy'ami 352 

jaboran'di liq'uidum 400 

krame'riae 535 

nu'cis vom'icse . . '. 363 

o'pii 322 

o'pii liq'uidum 324 

quas'sise 498 

rhe'i 515 

tarax'ici 500 

Eye, drugs acting on 39 

lotions 78 

Fats 617 

Feeding, artificial 624 

rectal 624 

Fel bo'vis 584 

purifica'tum 584 

Fel tau'ri 5S4 

Fen'nel 582 

Fern, male 543 

Fer'ri carbo'nas sacchara'tus 183 

chlo'ridum 184 

et ammo'nii cit'ras 186 



GENERAL INDEX 



765 



PAGE 

Fer'ri et potas'sii tar'tras 186 

et quini'nae cit'ras 187 

solu'bilis . 187 

hydrox'idum cum magne'sia 

186, 210 

sul'phas 183 

exsicca'tus 183 

granula'tus 183 

val'eras 434 

Fer'ric chlo'ride 184 

solution of , 184 

tincture of 185 

Fer'ric hy'drate with magne'sia. . . 186 

subsul'phate, solution of 185 

val'erate 484 

Fer'rous car'bonate, mass of 184 

sacchara'ted 183 

Fer'rous i'odide, syrup of 18'4 

sul'phate 183 

dried 183 

exsicca'ted 183 

granula'ted 183 

Fer'rum 182 

reduc'tum 182 

Ferulaic acid 485 

Fibrol'ysin 470 

Fil'icin 548 

Fi'lix mas 548 

Filic'ic acid 548 

Filma'ron 549 

Fixed oils 64, 71 

Flavaspidinin 549 

Flax seed 544 

oil of 509 

Fleming's tincture 419 

Flexible collo'dion 568 

Flies, Spanish 574 

Flowers of sulphur 236 

Fluidextracta 71 

Fluidextracts 71 

Fluidextrac'tum aconi'ti 419 

belladon'nae rad'icis 341 

bu'chu 487 

cal'ami 506 

calum'bae 503 

can'nabis in'dica? 356 

cap'sici 475 

cincho'na? 434 

col'chici 564 

coni'i 385 

convalla'rise 415 

Fluidextrac'tum cus'so 552 

digita'lis 407 

ergo'taj 558 

eucalyp'ti 471 

frano-'ulse 513 



PAGE 

Fluidextractum gelsem'ii 379 

gentia'nas 496 

glycyrrhi'za? 543 

gossyp'ii rad'icis 562 

grana'ti 553 

hamainel'idis 537 

hydras'tis 501 

hyoscy'ami 52 

ipecacuan'hae 429 

krame'rise 535 

nu'cis vom'icae 364 

pilocar'pi 400 

quas'sia 498 

quer'cus 531 

rham'ni purshian'ae 512 

aromatic 552 

rhe'i 515 

sabi'nte 489 

scil'ke 417 

sen'na? 517 

tarax'ici 500 

valeria'nse 483 

vera'tri 423 

zingib'eris 477 

Foenic'uli fruc'tus 482 

Foenic'ulum 482 

Fuen'ugreek 482 

Fomen'ta 641 

Fomentations 641 

Food and feeding 612 

artificial 624 

in anaemia 621 

in black water 621 

in chronic indigestion 620 

in constipation 620 

Food in convalescence 621 

in debility 621 

in diarrhoea 620 

in fever 622 

in gastroenteritis 619 

in haemorrhage from stomach 

and bowels 621 

in jaundice 621 

in laminitis 619 

in obesity 622 

Formal'dehyde 310 

For'malin 310 

For'mic acid 483 

For'mic aldehyde 310 

Fox glove 405 

Fowler's solution 207 

Fran'gula 512 

Fran'gulin 513 

Friar's balsam 464 

Fusel oil 259 



766 



GENERAL INDEX 



PAGE 

Gad'uin 585 

Galae'tagogue 53 

Galls 525 

Gal'la 526 

Gal'lic a'cid 526, 530 

Gam'boge 522 

Gambog'ic acid 523 

Ganga 355 

Gas'trie antisep'tics 19 

sed'atives 20 

Gas'trin 17 

Gaulthe'ria 450 

oil of 450 

Gel'atin 151 

Gelsem'ium 379 

Gelsem'ina 379 

Gelsemin'ic acid 379 

Gelsem'inine 379 

General action of drugs 2 

therapeut'ics 1 

therapeut'ic measures 612 

Gen'tian 495 

Gentia'na 495 

Gentiopicrin 496 

Gentis'ic acid 496 

Gen'tisin 496 

Germ'icides 60, 643 

Gin 260 

Gin'ger 475 

Gin'gerol 476 

Gla'cial ace'tic acid 246 

Glan'dulse suprarena'les sic'cse. . . . 569 

Glau'ber's salts 130 

Glo'noin 284 

spirit of 284 

Glonoi'num 284 

Glucosi'dea 64 

Glu'cosides 64 

Glu'tol 313 

Glyc'erin 541 

suppos'itories of 542 

Glyceri'num , 541 

ac'idi carbol'ici 298 

beroglyceri'ni 253 

hydras'tis 497 

phe'nolis 498 

ac'idi tan'nici 527 

pepsi'ni 582 

Glyceriturn amyli 541, 566 

Glycerophosphates 158 

Gly'cyramin 543 

Glycyrrhe'tin 543 

Glycyrrhi'za 543 

Glycyrrhi'zin 543 

Go'a powder 516 

Golden seal 501 

sulphur 213 



PAGE 

Gossyp'ii cortex 561 

Gossyp'ium purifica'tum 567 

Goulard's extract 163 

Grana'tum 552 

Gran'ulated fer'rous sul'phate . . . . 183 

o'pium 325 

Gray powder 194 

Gregory's powder 515 

Green hel'lebore 422 

Green soap 539 

vit'riol 183 

Guara'na 358 

Guara'nine 358 

Gum ar'abic 545 

Gum-resi'nse 65 

Gum-res'ins 65 

Gum'mi 65 

Gun cotton, soluble 568 

Gun'jah 355 

Gut'tse 82 

Gu'vachine 550 

Habit, influencing action of drugs. 13 

Hamame'lidis cor'tex 536 

Hamame'lidis fo'lia 536 

Hard soap 539 

Harrington's solution 203 

Hasch'isch 355 

Hartshorn 137 

Haus'tus 73 

Heart, drugs acting on 29, 405 

Heat 638 

bodily, drugs acting on 54 

Heavy niagne'sia 156 

Hel'lebore, American 422 

He'matein 536 

Hematin'ics 28, 54 

Hematox'ylin 536 

Hematox'ylon 535 

Hemides'mus 429 

Hem'lock 384 

Hemostatics 58 

Hemp, Indian . . , 355 

Hen'bane 351 

Her'oin 326 

Her'oin hydrochloride 326 

Hexamethylenam'ina 312 

Hir'cin 578 

Hive syrup 417 

Hock ' 260 

Hog cholera serum 669 

Hoffman's anodyne 269 

Homolle's digita'lin 406 

Honev 580 

clarified 580 

Honeys 72, 580 



GENERAL INDEX 



767 



PAGE 

Hot baths 641:, 642 

Hot water bags 641 

Hy'dragogues 22 

Hydrarg'yri chlo'ridum corrosi'- 

viim 196 

chlo'ridum mi'te 196 

io'didum ru'brum 197 

o'leas 196 

ox'idum fla'vum 195 

ox'idum ru'brum 195 

subchlo'ridum 196 

Hydrarg'yrum 194 

Hydrarg'yrum ammonia'tum 198 

cum cre'ta 194 

Hydras'tin 502 

Hydras'tine 501 

Hydrasti'nse hydrochlo'ridum .... 502 

Hydras'tis 501 

Hy'drated alu'mina 158 

Hydrio'dic acid, syrup of 230 

Hydrochlo'ric acid 242 

solution of arsenic 207 

Hydrocyan'ic acid, diluted 313 

Hy'drogen diox'ide, solution of... 115 

perox'ide, solution of 115 

Hy'drous wood fat 578 

Hydro'xide, potas'sium . ... 118 

so'dium 126 

Hyosci'nae hydrobro'mide 353 

Hy'oscine 351, 353 

Hy'oscine hydrobro'mide 353 

Hyoscy'amine 351 

hydrobro'mide 353 

sul'phate 352 

Hyoscy'ami fo'lia 351 

Hyoscy'amus 351 

Hypnot'ics 35 

Hypodermat'ic injections 7 

Hypodermoc'lysis 656 

Hypophos'phites 218 

Ice bags 634 

poultices 634 

Ic'thyol (ik-the-ol) 587 

Ichthy'olum 587 

Idiosyncrasy in action, of drugs. . . 13 

Igasu'ric acid 363 

Incompatibility, chemical 75 

physical 75 

physiological 75 

Index for diseases and remedial 

measures 686 

In'dian can'nabis 355 

Indian hemp 355 

In'ei'ne 413 

Infu'sa 69 



PAGE 
Infu'sions 69 

saline 655 

Infu'sum cal'ami 503 

cincho'nse 434 

digita'lis 407 

Inhala'tions 7, 42 

Injec'tio apomorphi'nse hypoder'- 

mica 338 

cocai'nse hypoderm'ica 388 

ergoti'ni hypoder'mica 358 

morphi'ni hypoder'mica 326 

Injec'tions, intramam'mary 6, 9 

intratra'cheal 8 

intrave'nous 6. 656 

rec'tal 9 

subcuta'neous 7 

Intes'tinal antisep'tics IS 

Intramam'mary injection 6, 9 

Intratra'cheal injection . 8 

Intrave'nous injection 6 

In'ulin 500 

Inunc'tions 9 

I'odides 229 

I'odine 225 

compound solution of 225 

ointment 226 

tincture of 226 

Io'doform 231 

Iodoform'um 231 

I'odol 233 

Iodo'lum 233 

Io'dum 225 

Ip'ecac 428 

Ipecacuan'ha 428 

Ipecacuan'hic acid 429 

Iron 182 

and ammo'nium cit'rate 186 

and potas'sium tar'trate .... 186 

and qui'nine cit'rate 187 

soluble . . ., 1S7 

by hydrogen 182 

metallic 182 

Quevenne's 182 

reduced 182 

Irrigation 637 

Ir'ritants 627 

Isoamylam'ine 557 

Isopellet'ierine 553 

Jabora'ndi 399 

Pernambuco 399 

Rio Janiero 399 

Jab'orine 399 

Jal'ap 521 

Jala'pa 521 

Jal'apin 522 



768 



GENERAL IJSTDEX 



PAGE 

Jalapur'gin 522 

Jas'mine, yellow 379 

Jer'vine 423, 424 

Ju'niper, oil of 547 

Kama'la 551 

Ker'mes mineral 213 

Kin'ic acid 533 

Ki'no 533 

Ki'no red 533 

Ki'noin 533 

Kino'vin 434 

Kino-tan'nic acid .434, 533 

Kino'vic acid 434 

Ko'la nut 359 

Kombe poison 413 

Korn'bic acid 413 

Koos'o 551 

Ko'sin 552 

Kous'sin 552 

Kous'so 551 

Krame'ria 534 

Kramero-tan'nic acid 534 

Kunsel's treatment, milk fever . . . 659 

Labarraq'ue's solu'tion 220 

Lac sul'phuris 236 

Lac'tose 581 

Lan'olin 578 

Lard 577 

ben'zoinated or ben'zoated . . . 578 

Latin words and phrases 78 

Laud'anum 323 

Laur'el cam'phor 489 

Laur'in 567 

Lava'ge 661 

Law of dissolution . . 3, 34, 36, 263, 275 

Lax'atives 21 

Lead 161 

ac'etate 162 

car'bonate 163 

i'odide 163 

ointment 163 

ni'trate 163 

ox'ide 161 

plaster 162 

poisoning 164 

subac'etate, ce'rate of 163 

solution of 162 

sugar of 162 

white 163 

water 164 

Lev'ant or levant' wormseed 553 

Leviga'tion 66 

Light magne'sia 156 

Lic'orice powder, compound, 

236, 517, 544 

Lic'orice root 543 



PAGE 

Lily of valley 415 

Lime 147 

chlorina'ted 220' 

chlo'ride of 151 

lin'iment 148 

phos'phate, precip'itated 149 

solution of 147 

syr'up of 148 

water 147 

Lim'onene 453' 

Linimen'ta 72 

Lin'iments 72. 

Linimen'tum ammo'niae 138 

belladon'nse 341 

cal'cis 148 

cam'phorae 491 

cbloroform'i 272 

sapo'nis 539' 

mol'lis 539 

terebinthi'nae 443 

Lin'seed 544 

oil of 509 

Lino'lein 509 

Li'num 544 

Lint 568 

Liquid petrola'tum 318 

Li'quor 69 

Li'quor ae'idi arseno'si 207 

ammo'niae 137 

aceta'tis 143 

Li'quor apimo'niae for'tis . 138 

arsenica'lis 207 

arsen'ici hydrochlo'ricus 207 

cal'cis 147 

ehlo'rinatae 220 

chlo'ri compos'itus 219 

cre'solis compos'itus 307 

fer'ri chlo'ridi 184 

perchlo'ridi 184 

subsulpha'tis 185 

formaldehy'di 31u 

hydroge'nii diox'idi 115 

i'odi compos'itus 225 

morphi'na? aceta'tis 326 

hydrochlo'ridi 326 

pi'cis carbo'nis 460 

plum'bi subaceta'tis 163 

potas'sii hydrox'idi 118 

arseni'tis 207 

quas'sire 498 

so'dii hydrox'idi 127 

so'dse chlorina'tse 220 

Li'quor zin'ci chlo'ridi 172 

Liquo'res 69 

Liq'uorice root 543 

powder, compound 544 

Lith'age 161 



GENERAL INDEX 



769 



PAGE 

Lith'ii ben'zoas . 465 

bro'midum 223 

carbo'nas 144 

cit'ras 144 

sal'ieylas 145, 445 

Lith'ium 144 

Liver, drugs acting on 23 

of sul'phur 240 

Lixivia'tion 61 

Local action 2 

an'odynes 38 

anesthet'ics 38 

blood letting 654 

Log'anin 363 

Logwood 535 

Lo v tio fla'va 203 

ni'gra 204 

Lu'goPs solu'tion 225 

Lunar caustic 167 

Lu'tidine 382 

Ly'sol 307 

Lyso'lum 307 

Maeera'tion 68 

Magne'sia 156 

cal'cined 156 

heavy 156 

light 156 

milk of, Phillip's.... 157 

pondero'sa 156 

Magne'sii carbo'nas 156 

ox'iduni 156 

pondero'sa 156 

sul'phas 154 

Magne'sium 154 

car'bonate 156 

sul'phate 154 

Male fern 548 

Ma'lic ac'id 482 

Mal'lein test 675 

Malta fever vaccine 678 

Man'ganese . 192 

Man'ganum 192 

Marshmal'low 547 

Mass, blue 194 

Mass of fer'rous car'bonate 184 

Mas'sa fer'ri carbona'tis 184 

hydrarg'yri 194 

Mas'sse 71 

Mate'ria Me'dica 1 

May apple 524 

Meadow saffron 562 

Measures, weights, tables of — . . 82-85 

domestic 83 

Mecon'ic ac'id 322 

Mec'onin 322 



PAGE 

Medicines, definition of 1 

Mel 580 

depura'tum 580 

Melli'ta 72, 580 

Men'struum 67, 78 

Men'tha piperi'ta 477 

vir'idis 479 

Men'thene 478 

Men'thol 478 

Mercu'rial ointment 194 

Mercu'ric ammo'nium chlo'ride. . . 198 

Mercu'ric corro'sive chlo'ride 196 

i'odide, red 197 

ni'trate, ointment of 197 

ox'ide, red 195 

ointment of 195 

yellow 195 

ointment of 196 

Mer'curous chlo'ride, mild 196 

Mer'cury 194 

ammo'niated 198 

ointment 198 

bichlo'ride . 196 

bini'odide 197 

chlo'ride, corro'sive 196 

mild 196 

i'odide, red 197 

mass of 194 

o'leate of 196 

subchlo'ride 196 

with chalk 194 

Metab'olism, drugs influencing ... 54 

Metacreosot'ic acid 445, 447 

Me'thyl co'nii'ne 385 

pellet'ierine 553 

sal'ieylas 553 

salicylate or salicylate 553 

Metric system 83 

Milk, drugs influencing secretion 

of 53 

drugs eliminated in 53 

of asafet'ida 485 

magnes'ia 157 

of sul'phur 236 

peptonized 625 

sugar of 581 

fever, Kunsel's treatment .... 659 

Mindere'rus, spirit of 143 

Mistu'ra asafoet'ida 485 

ere'tae 146 

Mistu'rse 69 

Mixtures 69 

Mit'igated caustic 167 

Molas'ses 547 

Monobro'mated cam'phor 491 

Mon'sel's solu'tion 185 

Morphi'na 324 



770 



GENERAL INDEX 



PAGE 

Morphi'na? ace'tas 325 

hydrocho'ridum 324 

sul'phas 325 

Mor'pkine 324 

ac'etate 325 

hydroohlo'ridum 324 

sul'phate 325 

Mor'rhuol _ 585 

Motor nerves, drugs acting on . . . 39 

Moulded silver nitrate 167 

Mu'cilage of aca'cia 546 

Mucila'go aca'ciae 546 

tragacan'tha? 547 

Mus'carine 348 

Muriat'ic acid 242 

diluted 242 

Mustard 467 

black 467 

white 467 

Mutton suet 578 

Mydriatics 40 

Myop'sin 583 

Myot'ics 40 

Myri'cin 578 

Myris'tin 509, 510 

My'rosin 468 

Myrrh 474 

Myr'rha 474 

Myr'rhin 474 

Myr'rhol 474 

Napth'talene 308 

Naph'talin or naph'taline 308 

Naph'thalenum 308 

Naph'tol 308 

Nar'ceine 321 

Narcot'ics 35 

Nar'cotine 321 

Natal'oin 505 

Nativelle's digita'lin 406 

Nerves, drugs acting on 38 

of special sense 38 

Nervous system, drugs acting on. 33 

Nic'otine 381 

Nightshade, deadly 339 

Ni'tric acid 244 

diluted 244 

Ni'trites 283 

Ni'tre 122 

Ni'tre, sweet spirit of 283 

Nitroglycerin 284 

spirit of 284 

Nitrohydrochlo'ric acid 244 

diluted 245 

Ni'trous e'ther, spirit of 283 

Normal salt solution 655 

Novocaine 395 



PAGE 

Nutgall 527 

ointment 527 

Nux vom'ica 363 

Oak, white 532 

Oakum 568 

Official preparations 69 

Oil of an'ise 419 

bet'ula 449 

boxberry 449 

cade 460 

car'ron 148 

castor 510 

checkerberry 450 

cod liver 585 

cotton seed 538 

croton 518 

ethe'real 451 

eucalyp'tus 472 

fen'nel 482 

flax seed 509 

foen'ugreek 482 

fu'sel 259 

gaulthe'ria 450 

artificial 450 

synthet'ic 450 

jun'iper 487 

lin'seed 509 

mustard, volatile 468 

olive 537 

peppermint 478 

phos'phorated 217 

sav'ine 489 

sweet 53? 

spearmint 479 

tar 460 

theobro'ma 573 

tur'pentine 452 

rec'tified 453 

of wintergreen 450 

artificial 450 

of wintergreen 450 

synthet'ic 450 

Oils 65 

distill'ed 65 

essen'tial 65 

ethe'real 65 

fixed 65 

vol'atile 65 

Ointment 578 

O'lea 65, 72 

Olea'ta 72 

O'leate of co'caine 388 

mercury 196 

veratrine 426 

O'leates 72 



GENERAL ITCDEK 



771 



PAGE 

Olea'tum cocain'ae 388 

hydrar'gyri 196 

veratri'nse 426 

O'lein 538, 578 

Oleoresi'na aspid'ii 549 

cap'sici 476 

fil'icis ma'ris 549 

zingib'eris 477 

Oleoresi'nse 65 

Oleores'ins 65 

O'leum ani'si 480 

bet'ulse 450 

cadi'num 460 

eucalyp'ti 471 

foenic'uli 482 

foen'ugreek 482 

gaulthe'rise 450 

gossyp'ii sem'inis 538 

junip'eri 487 

li'ni 509 

men'thse piperi'tse 478 

vir'idis 479 

mor'rhuse 585 

oli'vse 537 

phosphora'tum 217 

pi'eis liq'uidse 460 

ric'ini 510 

sabi'nse 489 

sina'pis volat'ile 468 

terebin'thinse 452 

rectifica'tum 453 

theobro'matis 567 

tig'lii 518 

Olive oil 537 

Ophthalmo-tuberculin test 673 

O'pii pul'vis 322 

O'pium 321 

denarcotiza'tum 323 

deodora'tum 323 

granula'tum 324 

Opsonins 679 

Opsonic index 680 

Ordeal bean 372 

Organs, sexual, drugs acting on.. 51 

Orthocreoso'tic acid 445, 447, 496 

Or'thoform 234 

Orthoform'um , 234 

Ox gall 584 

purified 584 

Oxytocics ( oks-e-tos'-iks ) 53 

Pack, cold 578 

Pal'mitin 509, 538 

Pancre'atin 510, 582 

Pancreati'num 582 

Pa'pain 585 

'verine 321 



PAGE 

Papa'yotine 585 

Papers 72 

Pa'poid 585 

Parasit'icides 62 

Paregor'ic 323 

Par'voline 382 

Pellet'ierine 553 

Pellet'ierine tan'nate 553 

Pepper, cay'enne or cayenne' red. . 475 

Peppermint 477 

water 478 

Pep'sin 581 

Peptonized milk 625 

Percola'tion 67 

Perman'ganate of potas'sium 192 

Persian insect powder 556 

Peru'vian bal'sam 563 

Petrola'tum 318 

al'bum 319 

liquid 318 

liq'uidum 318 

mol'le 318 

soft 318 

spis'sum 318 

Petroleum ointment 319 

Phseoret'in 514 

Pharmaceutical processes 66 

Pharmacodynam'ies 1 

Pharmacognosy, definition of . . . . 1 

Pharmacol'ogy, definition of 1 

Pharmacopoeia, definition of 68 

preparations of the 69 

Phar'macy, definition of 1 

Phellan'drene 453 

Phenac'etin 292 

Phenaceti'num 292 

Phe'nol 297 

Phenol' phthal'ein 513 

Phenyl'Is sal'icylas 446 

Phillip's milk of magne'sia 157 

Physical incompatibility 75 

Physiological incompatibility 75 

Phos'phide of zinc . 219 

Phos'phorated oil 217 

Phosphor'ic acid 245 

diluted 245 

Phos'phorus 216 

pills of 217 

Physiology influencing the action 

of drugs 10 

Physoste'rin 372 

Physostig'ma 372 

Fhysostigmi'nse sal'icylas or salic'- 

ylas 372 

sul'phas 373 

Physostig'mine 372 

salicylate or salicylate 372 



772 



GENERAL INDEX 



PAGE 

Physostig'mine sul'phate 373 

Pic'oline 382 

Pic'rie acid 273 

Picropodophyl'lin 525 

Pills 71 

al'oes and myrrh 474 

of asafet'ida 485 

blue 194 

cathartic, compound 197 

compound, laxative 506 

podophyl'lin, belladon'na and 

cap'sicum 525 

of phos'phorus 217 

Pilocarpi'nse hydrochlo'ridum .... 400 

ni'tras 401 

Pilocar'pene 400 

Pilocarpine 399 

hydrochloride 400 

ni'trate 401 

Pilocar'pidine 400 

Pilocarpus 399 

Pil'ula hydrarg'yri 194 

Pil'ulse 71 

Pi'nene 453, 483, 490 

Pink ointment 175 

Pitch 460 

Burgundy 457 

plaster 458 

Pix burgun'dica 457 

carbo'nis prsepara'ta 460 

liq'uida 459 

ni'gra 460 

Plasma, drugs acting on 28 

Plaster of paris 152 

Plasters 72 

Plum'bi ace'tas 162 

carbo'nas 163 

io'didum 163 

ni'tras 163 

ox'idum 161 

Plum'bum 161 

Pneumogastric, drugs acting on.. 30 

Podophyl'lin 525 

Podophyllin'ic acid 525 

Podophyllum 524 

Podophylloquer'citin 525 

Podophyllotox'in 525 

Poisons and antidotes 606 

Pomegranate (pom'-gran-at) 552 

Port wine 261 

Posol'ogy 9, 589 

table of 589 

Potash, caustic 118 

Potas'sa ,. . . . 118 

cum cal'ce 119 

solu'tion of 118 

sulphura'ta 240 

with lime 119 



PAGE 

Potas'sii ace'tas 120 

bicarbo'nas 120 

bitar'tras 125 

bro'midum 223 

carbo'nas 120 

ehlo'ras 124 

cit'ras 121 

cyan'idum 317 

hydrox'idum 118 

io'didum 229 

ni'tras 122 

perman'ganas 192 

Potas'sium . . 117 

ac'etate 120 

al'um 157 

ar'senite, solution of 207 

bicar'bonate 120 

bitar'trate 125 

bro'mide 223 

car'bonate 120 

chlo'rate 124 

cit'rate 121 

cv'anide 317 

hy'drate 118 

solution of 118 

hydrox'ide 118 

i'odide 229 

ni'trate 122 

perman'ganate 192 

tar'trate, acid 125 

Powder, compound cat'echu 532 

chalk 146 

jal'ap 521 

ki'no 534 

liq'uorice 236, 517, 544 

Dover's 323, 349 

Gregory's 515 

ip'ecac and o'piuni 323 

Powders 71 

Poultices 638, 639 

Priessnitz 636 

Practical disinfection 648 

Precip'itate, red 195 

white 198 

Precipita/ted cal'cium car'bonate . . 146 

phos'phate 149 

Preparations, pharmacopoe'ial .... 69 

Prepared chalk 145 

Prepared suet 578 

Prescriptions, definition of 80 

writing 78 

words and phrases used 

in 78 

Prescriptions for balls 102 

drenches 104 

elec'tuaries 10' 



GENERAL INDEX 



773 



PAGE 

Prescriptions for lin'iments 109 

mixtures 103 

ointments 108 

pills 100 

powders 105 

suppos'itories 108 

Priessnitz poultice 636 

Primary action 2 

Protar'gol 170 

Protopine 322 

Protoveratrine 424 

Pru'nus virginia'na 318 

Prus'sic acid 313 

Pseudoacon'itine 418 

jer'vine 425 

pellet'ierine 553 

Psychotrine 429 

Pul'vis cat'echu compos'itus 532 

cre'tse aromat'icus 146 

cum opii . 146 

compos'itus 146 

glycyrrhi'zse compos'itus 

236, 517, 544 

ipecacuan'hse et o'pii .... 324, 430 

kino compos'itus 534 

o'pii 322 

rhe'i compos'itus 515 

Pul'veres 71 

Pu'nicotan'nic acid 553 

Pupils, drugs acting on 39 

Pur'gatives 21 

chol'agogue 23 

dras'tic 22 

hy'dragogue 22 

lax'ative , 21 

sa'line 22 

simple 22 

uses of 24 

Purified cotton 567 

ox gall 584 

Pus'tulants 57 

Pyre'thrum 556 

Pyr'idine 382 

Pyrocat'echin 533 

Pyrogal'lic acid 530 

Pyrogal'lol 530 

Pyrox'ylin 568 

Pyroxyli'num 568 

Quarter evil vac'cine 677 

Quas'sia 497 

Quas'siin 497 

Quer'cin 531 

Quercitan'nic acid 531 

Quer'cite 531 

Quer'cus al'ba 5 31 

Quevenne's digita'lin 406 

Quicksilver 194 



PAGE 

Quin'amine 433 

Quin'ic acid 433 

Quin'icine 433 

Quinidi'nae sul'phas 438 

Quin'idine 433 

sulphate 438 

Quini'na 433 

Quini'nse bisul'phas 436 

et u'rese hydrochlo'ridum .... 437 

hydrobro'mas 436 

hydrochlo'ridum 437 

salic'ylas or sal'icylas 437 

sul'phas 438 

val'eras 437 

Qui'nine (or kwin-een) 433, 435 

bisul'phate 436 

hydrobro'mate 436 

hydrochlo'rate 437 

hydrochloride 437 

salic'ylate or salicylate 437 

sul'phate 435 

val'erate 437 

Quinoi'dine 437 

Quinoidi'num 437 

Rational therapeu'tics 1 

Rectal feeding 624 

injections 9 

Rectified oil of turpentine 453 

Rectification 68 

Red corpuscles, drugs acting on . . 28 

Red cincho'na 435 

mercu'ric ox'ide 195 

pepper 474 

precipitate 195 

ointment 195 

wine 260 

Reduced iron 182 

Refrig'erants 694 

Remote action 2 

Res'in ce'rate 459 

plaster 459 

Resi'na 459 

Resi'na jala'ps 521 

podophyl'li 526 

scammo'nii 521 

Resi'nse 65 

Resins 65 

Resor'cin 309 

Resor'cinol 309 

Resorci'num 309 

Respiratory organs, drugs acting 

on 41 

mucous membrane, drugs act- 
ing on 41 

Eham'nose 513 

Rham'nus cathar'ticus 512 

purshia'na 511 



774 



GENERAL INDEX 



PAGE 

Rhatan'in 535 

Rhatan'nic red 535 

Rhat'any 535 

Rheotan'nic acid 514 

Rhe'um 514 

Rhe'in 514, 516 

Rhigolene 319 

Rhubarb 514 

Ric'in 511 

Ric'inine 510 

Ricino'lein 510 

Ros'in 459 

Rot'tlera 551 

Rot'tlerin 551 

Rubefacients 57, 629 

Ru'bidine 382 

Rubijer'vine 422 

Rules for genitive 90-97 

Rum 260 

Ru'tin 486 

Sabi'na 489 

Saccliara'ted fer'rous car'bonate. . 183 

Sac'chari faex 547 

Sac'charum 547 

lac'tis 581 

Sal ammo'niae 142 

so'da 126 

volatile 140 

Sal'icin 445 

Salici'num 445 

Salicyl'ie acid 444 

Sal'icylism 447 

Salicyl'ous acid 446 

Salicylu'ric acid 446 

Saline pur'gatives 22 

infu'sions 655 

Salivary glands, drugs acting on. . 14 

Salol 446 

Salt, common 132 

Epsom 154 

Glauber's 130 

Salts of tar'tar 120 

Saltpe'tre 122 

Santon'ica 553 

San'tonin 554 

Santoni'num 554 

Sa'po 539 

mol'lis 539 

vir'idis 539 

Sa'vine 489 

Scam'monin 521 

Scammo'nium 520 

Scam'mony 520 

Scarifica'tion 654 

Scheele's prussic acid 313 

Schmiedeberg's digita'lin 406 

Scil'la 416 



PAGE 

Scil'lin 416 

Scillipic'rin 416 

Scillitox'in 416 

Scopolamine 354 

Secondary action 2 

Secre'tin 17 

Secretion of milk, drugs influenc- 
ing 53 

Sedatives, gastric 20 

Selective action 2 

Sen'na 516 

Alexandria 517 

Indian 517 

Tinnivelly 517 

Sen'nacrol , 517 

Sennapic'rin 517 

Sensory nerves, drugs acting on.. 388 

Serum ther'apy 663 

antistreptococcic 667 

hog cholera 669 

Se'vum 578 

Sexual organs, drugs acting on. . . 51 

Sherry 261 

Sheet bath 635 

Sial'agogues 14 

Silver 166 

cy'anide 167, 318 

i'odide 167 

ni'trate 166 

mitigated 167 

moulded 167 

ox'ide 167 

soluble 170 

Simple pur'gatives 22 

Sinal'bin 468 

Sin'ipin sul'phate 468 

Sin'apis 468 

al'ba 468 

ni'gra 468 

Sin'apism 470 

Sin'igrin 468 

Skin, drugs acting on 56 

Soap 539 

composition of 539 

green 539 

hard 539 

liniment 539 

plaster 539 

soft 539 

white castile 539 

Socal'oin 505 

Soc'atrine al'oes 505 

So'da 126 

baking 128 

caustic 126 

solution of 127 

washing 127 



GENERAL INDEX 



775 



PAGE 

So'dii ben'zoas 466 

bicarbo'nas 128 

bisul'phis 136 

bo'ras 253 

bro'midum 223 

cacodyl'ate 221 

carbo'nas 127 

exsicca'tus 128* 

chlo'ridum 132 

hydrox'idum 126 

hyposiil'phis 136 

io'didum 229 

phos'phas 135 

salic'ylas or sal'icylas 445 

sul'phas 130 

sul'phis 136 

thiosul'phas 136 

So'dium 126 

arsan'ilate 207 

ben'zoate 466 

bicar'bonate 128 

bisul'phite 136 

bo'rate 253 

bro'mide 223 

car'bonate 127 

dried 128 

chlo'ride 132 

hy'drate 126 

hydrox'ide 126 

solution of 127 

hyposul'phite 136 

i'odide 229 

monohydra'tus 128 

phos'phate 135 

salie'vlate or sal'icylate .... 445 

sul'phate 130 

sul'phite 136 

thiosul'phate 136 

Soft petrola'tum 318 

petroleum ointment 318 

soap 539 

liniment 539 

Soluble silver 382 

Solution of ac'etate of ammo'nium.. 143 

ammo'nia 137 

ar'senite of potas'sium 207 

arse'nous or ar'senous acid. . . 207 

chlo'ride of iron 184 

zinc 172 

chlorina'ted lime 220 

soda 220 

hy'drogen diox'ide 115 

mor'phine ac'etate 326 

Solution of mor'phine hydrochlo'- 

' ride 326 

ride 323 

i'odine compound 225 

lime 147 

potash 118 



u , ,. „ , PAGE 

solution of soda 127 

subac'etate of lead . . . . . 163 

diluted 163 

subsul'phate of iron 1S5 

Solutions g9 

Soporifics 35 

Spanish flies 574 

Spear'mint 479 

oil of ....'.'. 479 

spirit of 479 

water of 479 

Spermace'ti ' ' ggg 

Spinal cord, drugs acting on 37 

Spirit of ammo'nia 138 

aromat'ic 141 

cam'phor 491 

chlo'roform 272 

an ' is e V. 480 

e'ther 269 

compound 269 

glyc'eryl ni'trate 284 

glon'oin 284 

ju'niper 2'60, 488 

compound 260, 488 

ni'trous e'ther 283 

peppermint 478 

rectified 257 

Spirits 70 

Spir'itus 70 

aVtheris 269 

compos'itus . . . 269 

nitro'si 283 

ammo'nia? 138 

aromat'icus 141 

ani'si 480 

cam'phori 491 

frumen'ti 259 

glyceryl'is nitra'tis 284 

junip'eri compos'itus 260 

men'thae piperi'ta? 478 

vir'idis 479 

phos'phori 217 

Spir'itus rectifiea'tus 257 

tenu'ior 257 

vi'ni gal'lici 259 

Squill 416 

compound syrup of 417 

Staphisag'ria 556 

Staphisag'rine 556 

Starch 566 

Stavesacre (stavz-a-ker) 556 

Steapsin 583 

Stear'in 510, 578 

Stearop'ten 490 

Sternu'atories 41 

Stil'bene 463 



776 



GENERAL INDEX 



PAGE 

Stimulants, cerebral 33 

hepatic 23 

Stomach, drugs acting on 15 

tube, uses of 15 

Stomach'ics 15 

Stout 261 

Stovaine 396 

Strangles vaccine 678 

Stron'til bro'midum 223 

Stron'tium bro'mide 223 

salicylate or salicylate 445 

Strophanthidin 413 

Strophan'thin 414 

Strophan'thus 413 

Strychni'na 364 

" hydrochlo'ridum 365 

ni'tras 365 

sul'phas 364 

Strych'nine 364 

Strych'nine nitrate 365 

sul'phate 364 

Stu'pes 630 

Stvp'tic collo'dion 568 

Styp'tics 58 

Stv'racine 464 

Sty'rol _ _ 463 

Subcutaneous injections 7 

Sub'limate, corrosive 196 

Sublimation 68 

Sublimed sulphur 230 

Suc'cus, hyoscy'ami 352 

Sudorif ics 59 

Suet 578 

mutton 578 

Sugar 547 

cane 547 

of milk 581 

of lead 162 

Sul'phur 236 

flowers of 236 

liver of 236 

Io'tum 236 

milk of 236 

ointment 236 

precip'itated 236 

precipita'tum 236 

sublima'tum 236 

sublimed 236 

washed 236 

Sulphu'ric acid 243 

aromat'ie 243 

diluted 243 

e'ther 268 

Sul'phurated potas'sa 240 

Sulphu'rous or sul'phurous acid.. 240 

Superpurgation 25 

Supposito'ria 71 



PAGE 

Supposito'ria glyceri'ni 542 

iodofor'mi 231 

morphi'nse 326 

Suppos'itories 71 

Sup'purants 632 

Surgical asepsis and antisepsis . . 649 
Sweat, drugs influencing the secre- 
tion of 59 

Sweet flag 503 

oil 503 

spirit of ni'tre 2S3 

Symbols and signs 82, 85 

Synthet'ic oil of wintergreen 450 

Syr'up, simple 70, 547 

Syru'pi 70, 547 

Syr'ups 70, 547 

Syru'pus aca'cia? 545 

ac'idi cit'rici 247 

ac'idi hydriod'ici 230 

althse'se 547 

cal'cii lactophospha'tis 150 

cal'cis 148 

cas'carse sagrad'se aromatici.. 512 

fer'ri io'didi 184 

fus'ci 547 

ipecacuan'hse 430 

pru'ni virginia'nse 318 

rham'ni cathar'tici 512 

scil'lse 417 

compos'itus 417 

sen'nse 517 

toluta'nus 463 

Taba'cum 381 

Tables of weights and measures.82, 85 

Tanghin'in 413 

Tannal'bin 529 

Tan'nic acid 527 

Tan'nigen 529 

Tan'nin 527 

Tan'nyl ac'etate 529 

Tar - 459 

Tarax'acin 500 

Taraxace'rin 500 

Tarax'acum 500 

Tar'trated an'timony 212 

Tar'tar emet'ic 212 

salts of 120 

cream of 125 

Tea 358 

Ter'ebene 453 

Terebe'num 453 

Terebin'thina 452 

canadensis 458 

Ter'penes 453 

Ter'pin hy'drate 454 



GENERAL INDEX 



777 



PAGE 

Terpi'ni hy'dras • • 454 

Tet'anus antitox'in 664 

The'baine (the-ba-in) 321 

The'ine (the-in) 358 

Theobro'ma, oil of 567 

Therapeu'tics 1 

definition of 1 

empirical 1 

general • 1 

rational 

Theri'aca 547 

Theobro'mine 567 

Thi'ol 588 

Thi'olum liq'uidum 588 

sic'cum 588 

Thiosinam'ine 524 

Thymol (ti'mol) 494 

Thymol i'odide 234 

Tiglin'ic acid 518 

Tinctu'ra aconi'ti 419 

al'oes et myr'rhse 474, 506 

asafoet'idse 485 

belladon'nse folio'rum 340 

benzoi'ni 464 

compos'ita 464 

bu'clm 487 

calum'bse • • ■ 499 

cam'phor co 491 

Tinctu'ra can'nabis in'dicse 356 

canthar'idis 574 

cap'sici 476 

cardamo'mi 481 

compos'ita 481 

eat'echu 532 

cincho'nse • 434 

compos'ita 435 

col'chici sem'inis 564 

delphinii 556 

digita'lis 407 

er'gotse ammonia'tse 558 

fer'ri chlo'ridi 184 

perchlo'ridi • 184 

gam'bir compos'ita 532 

gelsem'ii 379 

gentia'nse compos'ita 496 

hydras'tis 502 

hyoscy'arni 352 

i'odi ; 226 

ipecacuan'hce et opii 323 

ki'no 533 

krame'rise 535 

myr'rhae 474 

nuc'is vom'ic* 364 

o'pii 323 

camphora'tse 323 

deodora'ta^ 324 

quas'sise 498 



PAGE 

Tinctura scil'lse 416 

strophan'thi 414 

valeria'nse 483 

ammonia'tffi 483 

Tinctu'rse 70 

Tinc'tures 70 

Tobac'co 381 

Tolu 463 

Ton'ics 54 

Tow 567 

Toxicol'ogy, definition of 1 

Trag'acanth 546 

Tragacan'tha 547 

Transfu'sion 654 

Tre'acle 547 

Tricresol 305 

Trituration 66 

Prituratio'nes 71 

Triturations • 71 

Trochis'ci santoni'ni 554 

Tryp'sin 583 

Tuber'culin tests 669-674 

Tur'pentine 453 

Canada 459 

liniment 454 

oil of 453 

Tyram'ine 557 

Unguen'ta 72 

Unguen'tum 578 

ac'idi bo'rici 253 

carbol'ici 298 

chrysarobi'ni 516 

resi'nse 459 

tan'nici 527 

aconit'ina^ 419 

belladon'na^ 340 

canthar'idis 574 

ceta'cei 580 

chrysarobi'ni 516 

cocain'« 388 

Cred<§ 171 

eucalyp'ti 471 

gal'lse 527 

cum o'pio 527 

hamamel'idis 5'37 

hydrarg'yri 194 

ammonia'ti 198 

nitra'tis 197 

ox'idi fla'vi 190 

ru'bri 195 

i'odi 226 

iodofor'mi 232 

petro'lei 319 

phe'nolis 297 

pi'cis liq'uidae 460 

plum'bi iod'idi 164 

potas'sii io'didi 229 



778 



GENERAL INDEX 



PAGE 

UngTien'tum sabi'nse 489 

sul'phuris 236 

veratri'na? 426 

zin'ci ox'idi 173 

United States Pharmacopce'ia .... 68 

Urinary tract, drags acting on ... . 47 

sed'atives 51 

antisep'tics 51 

Urine, drugs altering the composi- 
tion of 50 

drags increasing secretion of. 48 

acidifying 50 

drags making alkaline 50 

making aseptic 51 

Urotro'pin 312 

Uterus, drugs acting on 52 

Uterine action, drugs restraining. 52 

Vac'cines, anthrax, black leg or 

quarter evil 677-678 

general therapy of 679 

specific 677-678 

staphylococcus vaccine . . 683 

streptococcus vaccine .... 683 

Vagus, drags acting on 30 

Vale'rian 482 

Valeria'na 482 

Valeria'nse rhizo'ma 483 

Valer'ic acid 483 

Vas'eline 318 

Vaso-motor centre, drugs acting 

on 32 

Vegetable bitters 495 

cathar'tics 504 

drugs 321 

Venesec'tion 652 

Veratri'na 426 

Verat'rine 422, 426 

Veratroi'dine 423 

Verat'rum vir'ide 422 

Verat'rum Al'bum 425 

Ver'micides 61 

Ver'mifuges 62 

Ves'icants 57, 630 

Vessels, drugs acting on 32 

Vien'na paste 119 

Vi'na 70 

Vinegars 70 

Vi'num al'bum 260 

antimo'nii 418 

col'chici 563 

rad'icis . 563 

som'inis 563 

ipecacuan'hse 430 

o'pii 324 

porten'se 261 

ru'brum 260 



PAGE 

Vi'num xer'icum 261 

Vit'riol, blue 176 

green 183 

Volatile oils 65, 451 

oil of mustard 468 

Warm baths 642 

Wash, black 204 

yellow 203 

Washed sulphur 236 

Washing soda 126 

Water 113, 634 

Waters 69 

Wax 579 

yellow 579 

white 579 

Weights and measures 9, 82-85 

Wet pack 635 

Whiskey 280 

White ar'senic 206 

castile soap 539 

corpuscles, drugs acting on . . . 28 

hel'lebore 425 

lead 163 

lotion 166 

mustard 468 

oak 531 

White precip'itate 198 

ointment 198 

wax 579 

wine 260 

Wild cherry 318 

Wine, white 260 

red 260 

Wines 70 

Wintergreen, oil of 450 

artificial oil of 450 

synthet'ic oil of 450 

Witchhazel 536 

Wool fat, hydrous 579 

Wormseed 553 

oil of 553 

Yellow jas'mine 319 

mercu'ric ox'ide 195 

wash 203 . 

Yellow wax 579 

Yohim'bine hydrochloride 397 

Zinc 172 

ac'etate 174 

car'bonate, precipitated 173 

chlo'ride 172 

ox'ide 173 

ointment 173 

phos'phide 219 



GENERAL INDEX 



179 



PAGE 

Zinc sul'phate 172 

val'erate 484 

Zin'ci ace'tas 174 

carbo'nas praecipita'tus 173 

chlo'ridum 172 

ox'idum 173 



PAGE. 

Zin'ci phos'phidum 219 

sul'phas 172 

val'eras 484 

Zin'cnm . , 172 

Zin'giber 476 

Zy'mine 582: 



ktfG 22 1913 



1 LIBRARY OF CONGRES 




002 850 388 A 




